Mike Grant Decals | George Preddy's Cripes A' Mighty
Reviewed by Mark Proulx
Mike Grant Decals has just released their latest decal sheet supplying the markings for George Preddy's last P-51D, Cripes A' Mighty. Available in 1/48th, 1/32nd and 1/24th scales, this follows the successful release of the decals for George Preddy's Cripes A' Mighty 3rd, reviewed here earlier.
Two schemes are supplied for the modeler to choose from. The first scheme depicts the aircraft, when based in Bodney, England, in the fall of 1944. Extensive photo references of this aircraft were made available by Sam Sox, 352nd FG Historian, to ensure complete accuracy. The second scheme depicts the aircraft on December 25th, 1944. This would be the final scheme carried by this aircraft when Preddy was shot down. No known photographs exist of this scheme. Interviews with Preddy's crew chief, Art "Snoots" Snyder, combined with comparisons to similarly painted aircraft under Snyder's supervision were used to determine the final appearance. A complete set of stencils for one aircraft complete the decal sheet.
The decals are printed in perfect register using an Alps printer. This means that the extensive carrier film needs to be removed. The decals are very thin and one should have no problem reacting to decal setting solutions.
Extensive instructions are included showing proper decal location and paint schemes. I highly recommend this decal sheet to those interested in George Preddy's aircraft. As the previous release, I may be a little bit biased in my review, as I worked closely with Sam Sox and Mike Grant to ensure the complete accuracy of this decal sheet. I am convinced that these are the most accurate markings available to date for George Preddy's last aircraft.
© Mark Proulx
This review was published on Saturday, July 02 2011; Last modified on Wednesday, May 18 2016