While cutting out some Mustang gun bay door placards to send someone, I realized just what a gem I had right under my nose in this Waldron sheet. Because they give it the mundane title “Radio Faces and Cockpit Data Plates”, I didn’t really give it a look. I just wanted the radio fronts to dress up my AM B-25G. Then, when I gave the instruction sheets a peek, I noticed that this small sheet of thin, printed aluminum contained much more than radio stuff, although that in itself is pretty good. They give the equipment fronts and detailed instructions on how to build a B-25G radio room using those placards and sheet styrene boxes in 1/48 (This set also comes in 1/32 and 1/24). I’m surprised at how similar the room setup is to B-25, only smaller. Of course, there were only so many different types of AAF radios in use at the time. But this sheet also includes placard and tiny styrene shapes to make a U.S oxygen regulator. And a factory ID plate for the outside (just under and forward of windshield) of a Bf-109. And a factory ID plate for the front of a U.S. radial engine (it has to be rolled so it fits compound curve, and it’s about 1/16 by 1/8 in 1/48). Then there’s a magneto switch and fuel tank selector for Japanese a/c. You can make out the Japanese characters because the printing repreduction is so sharp. That 's not half of what’s on this small (one inch by two inches, maybe) piece of thick foil. And, no, I don’t work for Waldron, I’ve just sworn by their small line of products for many years. They were photo etching before most of us knew the term. If you doubt me, just look at their 3D jet seat belt buckles, both U.S. as well as European round quick release types.
Just thought I’d pass it on to those who haven’t seen it. Price for the radio fronts/placard sheet is not bad for what you get (around ten bucks all scales, and that includes the tiny styrene circles and squares). Now, if I can just get up the guts to tackle a Waldron Spitfire throttle quadrant in 1/48 or 1/32 (I have both, by accident). Anybody out there ever done this microscopic, watchmaker’s nightmare? The throttle and mixture levers actually work! (The possibilities for a motorized 1/32 or 1/24 Spit…) If so, shoot me some hints.
you never know what ya gonna find huh… and thanks from “someone” for those placards [;)]