Twobobs Aviation Graphics | 32-007: Nellis AFB Fighter Weapons School Taxi Cab Viper
Reviewed by Mark Proulx
This is the last installment reviewing the final 1/32nd scale decal sheet currently made available from Twobobs Aviation Graphics. Bob Guere and Bob Sanchez supply markings for two F-16 Vipers of the 57th Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB, Nevada.
Decal sheet 32-007 follows the same format as all other Twobobs Aviation Graphics that I have previously reviewed on this site. The front page of the instructions has extremely nice colour profiles of both left and right sides of the aircraft. Ten thumbnail photos of the subject aircraft are also included. In addition, there is also a listing of many of the kits and aftermarket accessories that are currently available should you decide to add additional detail to your Viper. There are enough markings enclosed to complete both F-16C's.
F-16C 91-0362 is the first subject aircraft included in this sheet. It is the colourful Taxi Cab Viper painted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the FWS. This is a Block 52 aircraft and it usually carries an HTS pod. It has been seen with HARMS on the wing stations and AMRAAM missiles on the wing tips. The centreline station usually has an ALQ 131 ECM pod. All the stores information is taken right off the extensive instructions enclosed within.
The subject matter for the second aircraft is an F-16C 87-0362. This is a Block 42 jet from Eglin AFB that is assigned to the 57th Wing at Nellis. In the past, this aircraft has been assigned to number of different test missions. This aircraft is the workhorse of the 57th Wing so almost any weapons combination could be used.
The flip side of the instructions include top and bottom views for both aircraft. FS 595b colours and paint chips are included. Paint availability is supplied for Testors, Humbrol and Gunze Sanyo if so desired. Further thumbnail photos are included showing the intake plug covers, crew ladder and a photo of Joe Mike Pyle, the designer of the Taxi Cab Viper scheme. As an additional bonus, Twobobs Aviation Graphics supply the decals for the ladder and intake plug.
As with all previous Twobobs products, the decals are printed in perfect register and appear to be very thin. As I stated earlier, there are enough markings to complete both subject aircraft, including all applicable stencils. Detailed placement instructions are included for all the decals. For something new, visit the Twobobs website and you will find a number of additional reference photographs of the Taxi Cab Viper. I hope other photos will follow.
The unfortunate part about using this decal sheet is that at the time of this review there is no 1/32nd scale Block 42 or Block 52 F-16C available. The current Hasegawa F-16C is a Block 30 version at best. Some conversion work is required to bring the Hasegawa kit up to this later standard.
This completes the last of the reviews of the exciting new 1/32nd scale releases from Twobobs Aviation Graphics. Bob Sanchez and Bob Guere are to be complimented for offering what is arguably among the best decals on the market today. As with the earlier decal sheets, be aware that only 500 limited edition copies are available.
Review sample compliments of Twobobs Aviation Graphics.
© Mark Proulx
This review was published on Saturday, July 02 2011; Last modified on Wednesday, May 18 2016