| Scale | 1/72 |
| Manufacturer | Caracal Models |
| Decal Sheet ID | CD72053 |
| Decal Sheet Title | A-1E Skyraider |
| Types Featured | A-1E |
Caracal Models sheet CD72053 provides markings for seven different A-1E Skyraiders, of which four are USAF aircraft.
- A-1E 52-132649 from the 1st SOS, Pleiku AB during 1966. This aircraft wore its USN scheme of ADC Grey (FS16473) with black markings including “32649” tail codes and a large “2” on the nose. This aircraft was used in the rescue of downed airman on March 10, 1966 at the Special Forces camp at A Shau, for which Maj Bernard G. Fisher was awarded the Medal of Honor. This aircraft is now on display at National Museum of USAF, Dayton, OH.
- A-1E 52-132619 from the 602nd ACS ay Bien Hoa AB during 1966. This was also painted overall ADC Grey (FS16473) with a black “32619” tailcode and “B” on the nose. This aircraft also carried a skull-and-crossbones on the fin above “RAIDERS” in red, and also carried “Carolyn’s Folly” in red script on the rear fuselage.
- A-1E 52-133919 “AH” from the 4407th CCTS, Hurlburt Field during 1972. This carried the South East Asian scheme comprising Dark Green FS34079, Medium Green FS34102 and Tan FS30219 upper surfaces with light grey FS36622 lower surfaces. It carried a red tail band and white tail markings, including “AH” tailcode and “AF52 919” serial). The squadron emblem was carried on both sides of the nose.
- A-1E 52-132528 “6T” from the 1st ACS based at Pleiku AB during 1967. This carried the South East Asian scheme comprising Dark Green FS34079, Medium Green FS34102 and Tan FS30219 upper surfaces with light grey FS36622 lower surfaces. It carried white “6T” tailcode and a mixed serial number, with “AF32” in black and “528” in white. “WAR MONGER” was in yellow on both sides of the nose.
Instructions comprise left and right side views of each aircraft, together with upper and lower camouflage scheme drawings. Decals are printed by Microscale and are in perfect register.
There have not been many decal sheets for the Skyraider (and even less for the A-1E) so this sheet is highly recommended!
Review and images by Chris St Clair
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