PYN-Up Decals

PYN-up Decals 1/72
Ploesti Heroes
Part 1

By Michael Benolkin

Date of Review November 2006
Manufacturer PYN-up Decals
Subject Ploesti Heroes Part 1
Scale 1/72
Set Number PYND72011
Pros Photo-quality nose art
Cons VERY limited run decals
Skill Level Intermediate
MSRP (USD) $21.99

PYN-up Decals is a growing 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 two B-24D Liberators, one at three different time periods:

  • B-24D-65-CO, 42-40506, 566 BS/389 BG (H), Hethel, England, Aug 1943, 'Fightin' Sam'
  • B-24D-65-CO, 42-40506, 566 BS/389 BG (H), Hethel, England, Fall/Winter 1943, 'Fightin' Sam'
  • B-24D-65-CO, 42-40506, 566 BS/389 BG (H), Hethel, England, May 1944, 'Fightin' Sam'
  • B-24D-70-CO, 42-40563, 513 BS/376 BG (H), Benghazi, Libya, Aug 1943, 'Wongo-Wongo'
PYN-Up Decals PYN-Up Decals PYN-Up Decals

The decals are provided on two sheets, the first provides all of the distinctive unit markings and backgrounds for the nose art. The second sheet provides two sets of the high color noseart. National markings are also included.

These are very limited production decals, with only 300 examples printed for each subject. You'd better get yours while the getting is still good!

Highly recommended!

My sincere thanks to Meteor Productions for this review sample!

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