Aztec Model decals 48-028 Review by Daniel PerezVertti

1/48 Venemous Vipers II Product # 48-028 (1/72 #72-028)

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Indonesia Remembrance Day 2004

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Aztec has recently released its second in a series of F-16 sheets. This Venimous Vipers II sheet depicts aircraft from the Indonesian (TNI-AU) and Italian (AMI) Air Forces. For the Indonesian Vipers, you have a choice of four aircraft, an A and B model, in both the old 'Blue Spot' and newer 'Millennium' scheme. These are Block 15 OCU aircraft and were acquired in 1989 under the Peace Bim-Sena program. They serve with Sqwadron Udara 3.

Italy has recently acquired several F-16A and B ADF models as an interim measure until their Eurofighter squadrons come online. The aicraft were pulled from AMARC stores under the Peace Caesar program, signed in 2001.
Deliveries began in July 2003, and will continue through November 2004. The A models have the ADF bulge and bird slicer antennas on the nose. The B model ADFs do not have the bulge, but do have bird slicers on the nose. The 34 aircraft acquired serve on 5o and 37o Stormo of the AMI.

The instruction sheet features colorful, and beautifully done paint schemes. The Indonesian camo being done by ARC's very own Alex Sidharta.
Well done Alex! He wanted to let everyone know that there are two slight corrections however...

On the Millennium scheme, the center tank, not the center pylon is painted FS34233. All pylons, tanks (other than the center), TERs, and launchers are FS36307. The Blue Spot scheme is very
colorful, not your ordinary gray scheme, and is unique to the Indonesian Vipers. It is also a wrap around scheme, and will take some patience to apply. The Millennium scheme was adopted, aptly, in 2000. This is a more sedate, yet still unique and interesting scheme featuring FS36307 and FS34233 which is a rough equivalent to a Fulcrum scheme. The Italian scheme is just a standard two-tone gray USAF scheme. But look rather
interesting with red,white and green roundels.
The decals are printed crisply, with perfect register and vivid color. Stencils are also provided on a second sheet and enough are present to make two complete aircraft. I've used Aztec decals before and had no trouble with translucency or setting solutions. Their decals go on very well, and look great. I'm currently building an Indonesian F-16B, and it will be in the Blue Spot scheme, circa 1993. Check the boards for the progress.

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If you're a Viper nut like me, I highly recommend this sheet. Yet another Venimous Viper sheet is promised in the future, I can't wait!
Daniel