PYN-up Decals 1/48
Fork-tailed Beauties Part 2

PYN-up Decals is a new decal line from Meteor Productions, the PYN standing for "Pick Your Noseart". So what's different about these decals? First, they've selected more intricate subjects, some of which have been done by other manufacturers. Second, the markings that are solid color by definition (national markings, ID codes, etc.) are provided as standard decals. Even the noseart backgrounds are provided as standard decals. Finally, the noseart is printed with a difference process which allows for photo-quality gradations of color instead of the pixel-dithered colors we're accustomed to in normal decals. The result is a stunning rendition of noseart that has not been mass-produced before!

This set covers the P-38J flown by Medal of Honor winner Richard Bong. This aircraft was noteworthy with the photograph of his wife, Marge, adorning the side of the aircraft. According to his crew chief many years later, the photo was not really black and white, rather it was colorized at the photo lab. In fact, the average life for one of these photos was three flights before a new one had to be put into place. This set provides the colorized photos of Marge as well as the standard black and white photos for those who don't believe Bong's crewchief.

• P-38J-15-LO, 42-103993, 597, 5th Fighter Command, 'Marge'
• P-38H-1-LO, 431 FS/475 FG, 123, 'Hot Box Annie'

The set also includes all of the markings for 'Hot Box Annie, a P-38H flown by John Cohn.

In addition to the unique aircraft markings and national markings, a complete set of maintenance stencils are also provided for two aircraft.

These are very limited production decals, with only 300 examples printed for each subject. It is no small coincidence that these are ready right before the 2004 IPMS/USA National Convention, so you can be sure that these will disappear quickly. You'd better get yours while the getting is still good!

Highly recommended!

My sincere thanks to Meteor Productions for this review sample!