Worldwide Lightnings
Pts. I, II and III

TG Decals, 1/72 & 1/48 scales

Reviewed by Graham Carter

I will treat these all together as, apart from the size of the sheets , the two sheets are identical for each part.

I have not heard of this decal company and it is certainly the first time I have come across a modelling-related company from Guatemala. I have noted that Brett has favourably reviewed the two previous releases featuring Greek F-16s and eye-catching Mustangs, q.v. The sheets themselves are printed in the USA and are very finely done with minimal carrier film and a nice semi-matte finish. All markings are in the modern mid-grey and all aircraft depicted are in the two-grey FS36170 and FS36231 reduced-visibility schemes that we have come to associate with this aircraft. Sufficient markings and stencils are provided for an example from each air force.

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The F-35 Lightning II is making itself at home in a number of air forces around the world and correspondingly a number of kits have been released in most scales, usually with the choice of only USAF markings. This three sheets will offer the modeller the chance to spread the range of models he or she can build.

Application instructions in all cases are in full colour on both sides of two A4 sheets and give very precise locations for all markings with generic plans of upper and lower surfaces plus individual port and starboard elevations of each example from each nation. Paint details are given for ModelMaster, Humbrol, Revell, Life Color, Gunze, Vallejo, Tamiya and Hataka , although only the latter four can provide a match to FS36170. These instructions are truly excellent and are how we should all expect them to be. Well done TJ.

Each of the first two set covers six different airframes as follows:

Set I , 72007 and 48007. F-35A Pacific Lightnings

• 69-8701 , 302Sqn, Misawa AB, JASDF , March 2020, (I think this should be 79-8701,

• 79-8705, Misawa AB, JASDF, April 2019,

• A35-002, RAAF Avalon March 2017,

• A35-010, 3Sqn, RAAF Williamtown, 2019,

• 19-013, Carswell Field  Texas USA November 2019, awaiting delivery to South Korea, and

• 18-001,17th Fighter Wing, Cheongju AB South Korea, December 2019.
        

Set II, 72008 and 48008 F-35A Mediterranean Lightnings.

• 901, 140sqn Nevatim AB, IAF, December 2016,\

• 909, 116sqn, Nevatim AB, IAF, January 2020,

• 913, 140sqn Nevatim AB, IAF, January 2020,

• 18-0001, Luke AFB, Arizona June 2018, awaiting delivery to Turkish AF,

• 32-05, 13sqn, Trapani AB, Italian AF, June 2017, and

• 32-07, 13sqn, Trapani AB, Italian AF, June 2017 ( incorrectly shown as 32-05 on sheet)
     

Set III  F-35B Sea Lightning

(a version with a modified rear fuselage). Four aircraft are provided.

• ZM150, RAF Marham, UK 2019,

• ZM137, RAF Marham, UK 2019, ( incorrectly shown on the sheet as XM150),

• MM7451 /4-01 Aircraft carrier "Cavour", Marina Militare , 2019, and

• MM7452 , Aircraft carrier "Cavour", Marina Militare , 2019 (incorrectly shown on sheet as 4-01)

If your thing is 'all grey whistle-sticks' from countries other that the USA, then these nicely produced sheets will provide you with all manner of choices from all over the planet. Highly recommended.

Thanks to TG Decals for the sample.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2020 by Graham Carter
Page Created 19 April, 2021
Last updated 19 April, 2021

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