Platz have released two new 1/72 scale decal sheets celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 3WG, JASDF.

Sheet #JD-32 (Price TBA) contains markings for a single F-2A - s/n 73-8543, in a Sea Blue / Intermediate Blue colour scheme adorned with extensive stylised yellow markings.

Sheet #JD-34 (Price: 2,310JPY) features a pair of T-4s - s/n 06-5650 and 26-5687. Both are overall Lt. Ghost Gray, with the first aircraft carrying similar yellow markings to the F-2A.

The quality of the decals is excellent. They are printed by Cartograf and are thin and glossy, with excellent registration. This is crucial because, rather than including a mass of separate items, Platz have combined national insignia, stencils and anniversary markings onto panels of crystal-clear carrier film. This novel approach should make applying the stencils (in particular) much simpler, as some decals include over a dozen tiny individual markings. While it will be a huge time-saver, it will be even more vital than usual to apply the decals onto a good quality gloss finish to avoid silvering.

The decals are accompanied by instructions with full-colour profiles with the decal positions clearly illustrated. The text is basically all in Japanese, but Mr Hobby and ModelMaster paint references are included, so modellers worldwide should have few difficulties.

Conclusion

Platz's JASDF 3WG anniversary markings look superb - beautiful markings for some spectacular schemes, backed up by clear instructions. The novel design is very intriguing and is made possible by top-quality printing by Cartograph.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.