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LF Models |
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1/72 Northrop A-17 Decal Sheet |
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Stock Number: 7002 |
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Reviewed By Dan Waters, #33540 |
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MSRP: $6.95 USD LF Models of the Czech Republic has produced a very nice decal sheet for the Northrop A-17 aircraft from the mid to late 1930’s. The quality of the decals is excellent, with very good color definition and sharp registration and no bleed over. The decal sheet has markings for five different aircraft. There are three color schemes that include the colorful pre war paint scheme of overall blue fuselage and chrome yellow wings and tail surfaces. One set of markings is for an aircraft stationed at March Field, California. This aircraft has an overall natural metal finish. The final markings provided for are two different aircraft in the early to mid WWII olive drab and neutral gray paint scheme. Interestingly, the last version decals are for an aircraft without landing gear fairings for the fixed gear configuration of the A-17. All in all this is a nice decal set for an aircraft that is not widely recognized. I want to thank LF Models for the opportunity to review their decal set. A Brief History of the Northrop A17 and variants: The Northrop A17 was a derivative of the Northrop Gamma 2F, which was a private venture for a two seat attack bomber. It was designed as a single engine, two seat ground attack bomber, armed with four .30 wing mounted machine guns and a flexible mount .30 caliber machine gun for the rear cockpit gunner. The original design was proposed to the US Army Air Corps on October 6, 1934. The Army Air Corps signed a contract for 110 production aircraft on March 1, 1935, which were designated the A-17. Delivery of the first A-17 took place on July 27, 1935 with delivery of the remaining 109 production aircraft between December 1935, and January 1937. While this was a progressive design in the early and mid 1930’s, it was quickly outpaced by newer designs. In an effort to modernize the design the aircraft was modified with retractable landing gear, and an 825 Hp engine. Armament was not changed. The new design was designated as the A-17A. An additional 100 aircraft were ordered to supplement the 109 aircraft previously ordered. Despite the fact that the aircraft had a reputation of good reliability, good performance and it that it was well armed, the US Army Air Corp decided that the future of attack aircraft was multi-engine aircraft. The Northrop A-17 and A-17A’s were considered obsolete by the time WWII started. These aircraft were pulled out of front line service and were used for “squadron hacks”, unarmed staff transport aircraft and at engine maintenance schools. A limited number were sold to foreign allies and served under foreign colors. Resources: Northrop A-17 by Joe Baugher |
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