1/32 Decals for T-28B/C/D Trojans in Vietnam War: Trainers No More: Trojans at War

Note: This set does NOT include aircraft kit.

Important Notes!
1) To date Kitty Hawk has only released the T-28B/D boxing although it is clear the T-28C is planned. Two schemes provided on this decal sheet are for the T-28C (140456 & 140533); and additionally, two schemes are aircraft equipped with the Yankee extraction seat configuration (51-3578 & again 140533).

2) Unfortunately the two "VNAF" (US) 1st Air Commando shark-mouthed schemes have some colour uncertainty and a significant compromise was taken on the design of the shark-mouths. At the time of printing, of the approximately 30 photos available of their aircraft, all except one were black/white - and the one that was in colour, that specific aircraft didn't have the lightning bolt on the tail.

(a) Various written accounts conflict regarding the lightning bolt colour: light blue, blue, and red were all described. In the black/white photos the bolt appears very dark in comparison to the colour of inside of the eyes, which is known to be red from the colour photo. Therefore, the profiles below show the bolts as dark blue although red bolts are also provided as decals (considering the darkness of the bolts in photogs, the bolts being light blue seems unlikely so only red and dark blue are provided).

(b) The inside of the sharkmouth is usually shown in profile illustrations as red. However, with some aircraft the inside of the mouth is noticeably very dark, and much darker than the inside of the eye (red), such as the case specifically with 53-8371. On the other hand, the inside of the mouth on 53-8372 appears closer in colour to the red eye colour. Both the teeth and the eyes also varied from aircraft to aircraft (they were hand painted) so it is possible perhaps the colours also varied? Considering the uncertainty of exact colours, plus the extent and complexity of curvatures required to fit a full large decal with the mouth colour filled in, it was decided to only provide the teeth and "lips" of the mouth as decals and leave it up to the modeller to choose their own colour. As a result of this, the inside of the mouth will have to be painted first on the kit. This compromise was made in order to at least offer the opportunity to model one of these interesting aircraft.

The set includes 18 marking options:
Although none are specifically marked with the US national insignia, many of these were also US operated/maintained under the disguise of other nationalities as part of the "secret" war outside of Vietnamese borders.

- United States - 2 schemes (T-28D-5)
- South Vietnam - 5 schemes (T-28B & T-28C)
- Laos - 5 schemes (T-28B, T-28C, T-28D, & T-28D-5)
- Thailand - 3 schemes (T-28D & T-28D-5)
- Cambodia - 1 scheme (T-28D)
- Khmer Republic - 2 schemes (T-28B & T-28D)

Two types of full airframe stencilling are also provided - one as the original full decal type lettering and the other as the sprayed/stencil lettering. Two versions of the walkway striping are also provided.

How to apply water-slide decals:
1. Preparation: to achieve better result, a gloss or semi-gloss coat is very important. It will make a smooth layer which the decals will suction to and make it much easier to apply and set them.
2. Cut out the decal you need (do it on cutting mat)
3. Grab the decal with tweezers, place it on the surface of the water and leave it for about 20 seconds.
4. Remove the decal from the water and place it on paper towel to remove any excess water.
5. Apply decal solution to the part where the decal is to be placed.
6. Slide the decal off the backing paper on to the model. Using a paint brush or cotton bud is a good way to do this without damaging the decal.
7. Use the brush, knife or cotton bud to position the decal. Using your paper towel, gently dab the decal and soak up the excess water (decal softener is also recommended at this stage. After applying softener, the decal will suction to the part and flatten out smooth.)
8. When the decal is completely dry, give another coat of varnish or Klear/Future to seal it.