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Twobobs Aviation Graphics |
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FA-18E "Rockin' Rhinos" |
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Stock Number: 72-044 |
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Reviewed By Joe Hegedus, #33868 |
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MSRP: $11.00 USD This sheet provides current markings for two FA-18E Super Hornets, the “CAG” birds from VFA-22 (NK100) “Fighting Redcocks” aboard USS Ronald Reagan, and VFA-143 (AG100) “Pukin’ Dogs” aboard USS Eisenhower. The decals are printed on a standard size 8.5" X 5.5" sheet. Both options have full-color squadron markings and insignia. The sheet includes stencils and “slime lights” for both subjects. The decals are designed for the Hasegawa Super Hornet kits, but probably could be made to work with the Italeri versions if one were so inclined-the forward fuselage striping and tail markings might not fit correctly to the Italeri kits might need touch-up with paint. The instructions consist of 1 8.5" X 11" double-sided sheet, in color. Four views of each subject are included for marking placement, plus a number of color photographs of each subject for reference. These are rather small and of limited utility except for general reference. The decals themselves, printed by Microscale, are of excellent quality. I did have a couple of issues with them though. First, the blue used for the squadron markings appears to be too dark. The color is probably accurate compared to the full-sized jets, but looks almost black on the sheet. Visually, there is almost no discernable difference in shade between the VFA-143 tail flash (blue) and the “Pukin’ Dog” graphic (black). Second, while I understand the benefits of layering 2-part decals for registration, I’d have preferred a single-piece decal for things like the carrier name in 1/72. I used the VFA-22 option. There are several markings that are blue with white shadowing, and it was difficult to work with such small markings with such miniscule, white printing that needs to be precisely aligned. For things like the formation lights, national insignia and intake warning markings I used the kit decals in the interest of saving time. I would recommend these decals to fans of current US Navy subjects. |
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