This review covers Red Roo’s new conversion for the PB2B-2 Catalina in 1/72 scale. The conversion is designed to convert the Academy 1/72 scale PBY-5 Catalina kit no 2123.

This set contains 12 nicely moulded resin parts that include the following replacement parts:

• ADF Fairing

• Tall fin and rudder

• Horizontal stabilizers

• Lower fin insert

• Radar Pod

• Twin Machine gun mount

• Fishtail exhaust pipes

• Bow nose fairing for civilian version VH-ASA Frigate Bird

The colour reference sheet provided for the conversion work is excellent giving good colour diagrams and photographs on the step by step conversion instructions.

A decal sheet is included with markings for 5 aircraft. The decals are silk-screen printed. The carrier film is quite thin and should normally disappear under a coating of clear finish. The decals are very crisply printed and have good detail and colour rendition. The colour reference sheet provided is excellent giving good colour reference and decal placement for the scheme provided.

The schemes provided are for:

• A24-362, FJ-V of 11 Squadron RAAF in late World War II. The aircraft was finished in over-all matt black finish.

• A24-362, OX-V of 43 Squadron RAAF in late World War II. The aircraft was finished in over-all matt black finish.

• A24-307, RB-P of 20 Squadron RAAF in late World War II. The aircraft was finished in over-all matt black finish.

• A24-385, RAAF in late 1945. The aircraft was finished in the Coastal Command Scheme of Extra Dark Sea Grey upper surfaces and White under surfaces.

• The final scheme is for a post war civilian Catalina PB2B-2, VH-ASA, “Frigate Bird”, ex A24-385 in March 1950. This aircraft was finished in overall aluminium lacquer with the motto Frigate Bird just below the canopy. A resin panel is provided to replace the nose turret on the kit.

In summary, this is an excellent conversion set and decals for the modeler wishing to build a PB2B-2. The conversion is quite simple and should be relatively easy even for the novice model builder.

Highly Recommended