Consolidated database by wing

If you aren't aware, a great website is scalemates.com.

Its a member generated data base that's usually pretty accurate and complete.

So if for instance you do a search for F-16E you'll get a lot of kits, aftermarket, decals, books. That in turn will steer you towards which decal printers might be most focused on MNANG, or Bosnian war, or...

If I were to undertake such a project, I would face the fact that making my own decals would be inevitable unless gaps in the chronology were acceptable, or I found someone who had done same before.

But that's not too difficult.

Do you have a list of the aircraft? What if anything is available for subjects pre- F-16?

Since the subjects are fighters; size could be larger than say a wing of KC-135's.

My own choice would be 1/72. A model in 1/48 would be eight times the size of one in the smaller scale and takes more time, money and display space. There are probably more choices available as well.

Good luck, keep posting.

GMorrison

If I were to undertake such a project, I would face the fact that making my own decals would be inevitable unless gaps in the chronology were acceptable, or I found someone who had done same before.

But that's not too difficult.

I just recently became aware of the decal printing option, but know nothing of the details.  What kind of equipment investment should I expect?  Is the quality up to par with the commercially produced sets?

Last question first- not really, but certainly good quality.

If these are for you to use on your own models, they work fine, So say you want to build a number of F-16s.

Most of the decals needed are easy to find- USAF, national insignia etc. You'd print tail codes, unit badges. 

I use my laptop, and run Illustrator and Photoshop which I get by enrolling in graphic design class at the JCC. But windows comes with enough to do basic art.

I have a ink jet that cost around $ 300 and scan/ print copy in color up to 11 x 17. And that's more than you need.

I'd be interested in whatever links to the 148th you find, research is my main motivator in modeling.

Bill

If you haven't already, might be worthwhile to get in touch with the public affairs officer there.  They probably have a complete listing of types assigned, and photos of aircraft and markings used over the years.  Invaluable if you end up having to either make or outsource decals.

The Air Force website for the wing has their history including aircraft flown and thru what years.

https://www.148fw.ang.af.mil/About-Us/History/

That's a pretty manageable list. The F-89 would be the hardest to find as there aren't too many kits.  I've built the Hobbycraft/ Academy 1/72 Scorpion and it fought back a little but was nice.

Bill

Thanks for the ideas so far.  I've contacted the Public Affairs office, but have not heard back yet.   I'll update if that yields anything that would be of help.

I'd imagine that having some type of real graphics file would make printing decals a whole lot easier and more precise than historical photos that are usually taken at a slight angle resulting in some distortion.

I typed in "Minnesota Air National Guard" into the Scalemates search engine, and came up with these results for kits or decals of MN ANG aircraft: aside from the F-89, you're pretty well covered.

https://www.scalemates.com/search.php?fkSECTION%5B%5D=All&q=Minnesota+air+national+guard

A quick review of the info provided there by Stik suggests that Caracal Decals in Austin TX has taken at least some interest in MN, MN ANG, ANG and F-16 decals.

You might write him and explain your project and find out what you guys can cook up together.

Bill

stikpusher

I typed in "Minnesota Air National Guard" into the Scalemates search engine, and came up with these results for kits or decals of MN ANG aircraft: aside from the F-89, you're pretty well covered.

Yes.  I've been going back and forth between that site and trying to find them available for purchase.  The fact that they once existed at least gives some possibilities.  I'm trying to learn about the decal printing also so that I could reduce some of the 1/48 to 1/72 when the options are limited.