Bill M.

Is there a list? If so, I need to get on it too….

FWIW, I would love to see you work your magic for the 1/32 Aichi Val and the Trumpeter SBD-3/ SBD-5. Also the Trumpeter TBF/ TBM. Speaking of the Val, a new correct more-detailed propeller as you just did for the TBD, would be most welcome….

Yes! To both of these!

Earlier today, I placed an order for all the Airscale bits— Can’t wait! All paid for through PayPal….

Well, that is disappointing that it sold out so quickly! Unfortunately, I missed out, but hope to get in on the next run…

Well, I have never really bought Trumpeter for their decals. I have looked to other after market dealers. In the case of the TBD, I bought some Gold Medal decals. I don’t know what they provide in stenciling— will have to look. Still disappointing that Trumeter doesn’t do better….

Rather than dilute the PTO theater sheet with Soviet and ETO examples, I would suggest a dedicated Soviet and ETO sheet(s) in addition to the PTO sheet. but that’s just me…

It is really great to see Eli back in the decal business! His Zotz decals were always top-notch! Considering that this A-20G sheet is going to be a limited run, I really don’t want to miss out! How best to order this in the US to be assured of getting one? Order direct from Eli? Bill M.

I’m wondering, Has there been an announcement of any aftermarket for the TBD? Im sure it’s coming….

Yes, I would recommend to anyone, who is on the fence, to get one of these outstanding Val kits. This will serve two purposes— first, this is Infinity’s best kit yet and increased sales will help encourage them to stay in the business; and secondly, if they do close up shop, these Val kits could become rare and dear— meaning expensive. If they do close up, there might not be any future runs of this fine kit— at least for quite a while…

I would agree that the Val looks like a real winner for them. I would expect for sales to be quite good as it looks well detailed, quite buildable and an iconic subject. At least I hope so… I was really hoping for the 1/32 Kate too— this news of Infinity closing its doors is quite disappointing. The 1/35 Kate does nothing for me. I am hoping that sales of the Val are sufficient to persuade Infinity to stay in the business…

I’m not an expert on these markings, but from what little I know, the middle scheme on the Pearl Harbor sheet is correct, as far as is known. I think it was based on testimony rather than photos. It also appears on page 43 of “Aichi 99 Kanbaku ‘Val’ Units 1937-42”, by Osamu Tagaya. In the book, it is depicted with the single Soryu blue fuselage stripe— which I suspect it had. From what I can tell, none of the depicted Coral Sea Val’s were at the battle of Coral Sea. Both the first and second appear in the same book. The first, B1-263, is said to be on Soryu at Staring Bay, Celebes, March 1942. The second one, 35-201 is shown in a photo in flight and said to be based at Makassar, on Celebes in mid-1942. The third Val, AI-208, was also not at Coral Sea, as it was marked for the carrier Akagi. More likely it was a Midway scheme, where Akagi appeared and was sunk. I also have a question about the fuselage national insignia on that one.

On the Coral Sea sheet—I don’t know if the pictured Val’s participated at Coral sea or not. I too am fairly certain numbers 1 and 3 did not. The tail codes are for carriers that did not appear at Coral Sea. More likely these two are Val’s that showed up at Midway. Also as to the Pearl Harbor sheets, it would seem that some of the carriers are incorrect in the description— based on the tail codes. All that being said, it looks like the decals are likely correct— it is just the captions or descriptions are wrong.

Just received my Val kit today. I am very pleased— looks like Infinity has a real winner! One thing I noticed was that the surface detail looks better than what the posted photos showed— looks great! For those of us interested in the Pacific war, this kit is most welcome! I’m one happy camper!

Ok great! Hopefully mine will come soon too! Bill M.

Has anyone in the US received theirs, shipped directly from HPH/ Infinity?

I only ordered my Val kit at the end of last week and have not received a shipping notice. But I’m in no hurry— just as long as it shows up eventually. Lots ahead of it in the queue. Bill M.

Well, after saying I would wait to order my Val from US retailers, I decided to order a Val and the accessories directly from Infinity or HPH. My thinking was that I wanted to show my support and encourage them to follow through with the Kate. By the way, when I went through their E-shop, it wanted to charge me VAT. When I inquired about having to pay the VAT, they said I should send an email ordering the Val kit and accessories, and they would send a PayPal invoice with the VAT excluded— saved quite a bit of money that way. Anyway, my Val kit is on its way…

Well, I bought the Helldiver and will build it. I will also certainly buy the Val— just waiting for it to reach US retailers. And hoping too for the Kate! The 1/35 Border offering just doesn’t do it for me. But I will happily purchase an Infinity Kate!

I’ll be interested in what you find out about ordering these uprise decals. There are a 2-3 of these I would like to order.

Yes, I’m definitely getting one, but I’m waiting till it gets to the states. Shipping from Europe is just too expensive.

Does anyone have a link to the “additional etch + sets”? All I saw were the wing-fold and armament (bomb) sets. Is there more?

I looked at their website and saw quite quite a few of their products I wouldn’t mind ordering. But paying for them and getting them out of Russia is likely an issue in todays political climate. I wonder how Quinta is able to do it ?

Well if they only offer prewar decals in the kit, I would guess that we will see plenty of aftermarket decal options for wartime TBD’s. Let’s hope!

There were decals by Victory of USMC F-8’s. Also, Zotz did a very nice set of Vietnam MiG Killing F-8’s. I believe Zotz also did a set of decals dedicated to F-8J’s. I don’t know where you might find these except posting a WTB ad. I was impressed with the artwork for the Sunrise decals posted above, but know nothing of the company or the quality of their decals. Personally, I would like to see someone produce an accurate set of the asymmetrical Y missile rails for the Crusader. I’ve been clamoring for this for years. Good luck in your decal hunt! ”When you’re out of F-8’s, you’re out of fighters”