Yellow-Wings Decals 1/48 Curtiss P-36A 1938-39 35th PS & 77 PS Commander's Aircraft
By Gerry Nilles
Overview
New from Yellow-Wings Decals is a 1/48 scale pre-WWII set of markings for the Curtiss P-36A. Printed by Microscale, these fine quality decals come with an abundant amount of detailed information regarding not only the P-36 but also general painting and marking data of era including an all color decal placement guide.
The Decals
This decal sheet, 48-052, contains pre-WWII (1938-39) markings for two complete USAAF Curtiss P-36A Hawks. The set, designed for the Hobby Craft kit, includes the squadron commander's aircraft for both the 77th Pursuit Squadron, based at Moffet Field California and the 21st Pursuit Squadron stationed at Elmendorf Field, Alaska. The decals include all the squadron-specific markings as well as the generic markings for both aircraft.
Each squadron was assigned a specific color by the Headquarters Commanding Officer, and for this decal set, the 35th was assigned yellow and the 77th was assigned red. These squadron colors show up in the form of bands around the rear fuselage, the cowling, and as the primary color in the squadron emblem. As these are squadron commander aircraft, they both have two stripes around the rear fuselage. Combined with the natural metal finish and the red, white and blue rudder markings, these are very colorful P-36s.
Conclusion
Yellow-Wings Decal puts out fine products, which I have use with great success. I definitely recommend them. In addition, I want to praise Yellow Wings Decals for their very welcome expansion into USAAF pre-war markings.
My sincere thanks to Yellow Wings Decals for the review copies they have provided.