Scale 1/72
Manufacturer Caracal Models
Decal Sheet ID CD72077
Decal Sheet Title SAC B-52 Stratofortress Part 1
Types Featured B-52G, B-52H

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Caracal Models sheet CD72077 provides markings for 8 different Strategic Air Command B-52G/H aircraft. The airframes are: 

  • B-52G 58-0178 "Old Soldier" from the 43rd BW during 1989. This aircraft was painted in the Strategic scheme, comprising dark grey FS36081 and dark green FS34086 upper surfaces with patches of Gunship Grey FS36118 on the lower surfaces. Markings were predominantly black. The serial number was carried on the tail. On the nose was full colour "Old Soldier" artwork with the wing badge on the left side and the SAC badge on the right;
  • B-52H 60-0024 "I'll Be Seeing You" from the 416th BW at Griffiss AFB during 1992. This was similar to 58-0178 but carried colour artwork on the nose and a black statue of liberty on the fin with "GRIFFISS" in grey;
  • B-52H 60-0007 "Medal Of Honor" from the 7th BW at Carswell AFB. Painted and marked similarly to 58-0178 with colour nose art and a blue/grey/green fin band with "FORT WORTH TEXAS" and a steer's head;
  • B-52G 58-0182 "What's Up Doc" from the 379th BW at Wurtsmith AFB in 1991, painted similarly to 58-0178. This carried colour nose art and a black triangle on the fin, outlined in grey and containing "K";
  • B-52G 58-0164 "SAC Time" from the 416th BW at Griffiss AFB in 1991. This was virtually identical to 60-0024  but with different nose art;
  • B-52G 58-0249 "Urban Renewal" from the 379th BW at Wurtsmith AFB in 1991. This was identical to 58-0182 but with different nose art;
  • B-52G 58-0217 "The Liberator" from the 379th BW at Wurtsmith AFB in 1991. This was similar to 58-0182 but the tail markings were simplified to a black triangle outline with a black "K" inside it;
  • B-52G 59-2580 "Miss Piggy" from the 97th BW at Blytheville AFB in 1980. This wore the "SIOP" scheme, comprising dark green FS34079, medium green FS34159 and brown FS34201. The nose radome was painted FS33613 and the undersurfaces were gloss white. Markings comprised a red hog on a white background on the fin, and a red "Sooieee" and large red no.1 on the nose.

The decals come on three different sheets and include metallic bronze sections to replicate aerials and a separate sheet with serial numbers. Red stencilling is provided for one aircraft. The decals are printed by Cartograf and appear to be suitable opaque.

The instruction sheet provides scrap views of each side of the nose and tail for each aircraft, with additional pages dedicated to the stencils.

Strangely there are NO colour references or schemes provided on the sheet and the modeller is directed to Caracal's website, where the relevant information can be downloaded as PDFs.

If you like B-52s, this sheet is highly recommended!

Review and images by Chris St Clair