Reviewed by Rodger Kelly
 

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron

Custom Aeronautical Miniatures, or CAM Decals, as they are more commonly known appear to have an affiliation with the S-3 Viking as they seem to be steadily working toward producing decals for each of the S-3 Viking squadrons of the US Navy.

Sheet 48-088 provides complete and comprehensive markings for a single S-3B, Bureau number 159413, the CAG bird of VS-21, the Fighting Redtails. The markings depict the aircraft as it was in June 1999 whilst it was aboard the USS Kitty Hawk as a part of CVW-5.

Beefsteak 700 is finished in the standard S-3 colour scheme of overall FS 36375, Light Ghost Grey with the leading edges of the wings, horizontal stabilizers, engine, and weapons pylons in a light yellow/tan. What makes 700 stand out from her sisters is the semi gloss black vertical stabilizer and surround to the canopy.

Markings consist of a red lightning bolt outlined in white, which runs the entire length of the vertical stabilizer. Superimposed over the lightning bolt is a striking eagle a distinct departure from its more commonly seen helmeted Viking. Other markings for the vertical stabilizer include CVW-5’s NF airwing identifier in red and the multicoloured chevrons distinctive to CVW-5.

CAG and DGAG names for either side of the canopy rails are in red and the CVW-5 Seaman of The Year and the “backseater’s” names are in black.

A full colour CVW-5 25 Years commemorative insignia is provided for the port side of the fuselage. The 700 modex is edged in red as are the S of the Safety award and A of the anti-submarine and weapons operations award. Also included are full colour logos of the petroleum company, Phillips 66 for the drop tanks. These logos and that of other US petroleum companies are seen on most S-3 nowadays and reflect the secondary tanking role of the S-3 now that the KA-6Ds have been taken out of service.

A very complete set of stencil data is provided and this ranges from the tiny ejector seat warning triangles right up to the walkway markings for the wings and fuselage top. This last decal is a real bonus as it saves you from a very complex masking and spraying session. A set of slime lights, arrestor hook markings, national insignia – hi and lo viz, and full colour intake warnings round out the decals.

The decal sheets (there are two of them) have been printed by Microscale. Everything is in perfect register and even the tiniest stencils can be read under magnification.

Decal placement is guided by an A-4 sized sheet that has each decal number pointing to its correct position. This sheet also provides the painting instructions and lists the sources used to produce the sheet.

One of the references is the Osprey publication Supercarriers – Naval Aviation in Action by Tony Holmes. Page 114 of the book shows the subject aircraft in a large full colour photograph. If you are a fan of contemporary US Naval aviation then this book is a must! It has some of the clearest and sharpest photographs of US Navy aircraft that I have ever seen. It shows the aircraft in an operational setting aboard carriers as they really are – down and dirty and not the “waxed and polished” examples that are normally seen at air shows and open days.

The recommended kit is the Esci/AMT/Italeri one – the only show in town! Be aware though that you need to modify the kit to –B standards. This conversion is not onerous and a guide can be found on Scot Van Aiken’s Modelling Madness website.

http://m2reviews.cnsi.net/scotts/features/s3b/s3bdiff.htm

A couple of glitches do exist but they are only minor and can be easily rectified. Firstly the CVW-5 chevrons should overlap. As provided on the sheet they don’t. Simply cut them apart and apply them individually. Secondly, the APU exhaust warning is printed over the top of the rear of the fuselage walkway. Again, easily fixed by cutting it free.

The sheets, the placement instructions and the stiff header card are all packed into a clear plastic zip-loc bag. I liked the header card as it protects the decals from bending and creasing.

All up, a very impressive package from Cam Decals.

Recommended.

Thanks to Brookhurst Hobbies for the review sample.

CAM Decals are available online from their website at http://www.camdecals.com and from Brookhurst Hobbies

CAM Decals 59 page 2002 color catalog of decals and resin parts is also
now available through the CAM Decals website

Review Copyright © 2003 by Rodger Kelly
This Page Created on 20 January, 2003
Last updated 14 August, 2003

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