MAW-Decals

1/72 Alphabet Soup (F/A-18A,C,D)

Sheet Number: 72-MAW-003
Reviewed by  Scott Hollingshead, IPMS# 34786

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MSRP: $13.99
Website: www.mawdecals.com

For those of you who are big Marine Corps aviation fans that also like the F/A-18 Hornet; this set is made just for you. This decal sheet includes the markings for five different aircraft, and three Hornet variants. Three of the markings are for F/A-18 A+ models, one is for an F/A-18C, and the other is for a two-seat F/A-18D. The BuNo and squadrons are as follows:

  • BuNo 162396, an F/A-18A+ of VMFA-232 "The Red Devils" in March of 2007 attached to the USS Nimitz.
  • BuNo 163161, an F/A-18A+ of VMFA-312 "The Checkerboards" in May of 2007.
  • BuNo 164871, an F/A-18C of VMFA-251 "The Thunderbolts" OIF in July of 2003.
  • BuNo 164705, an F/A-18D of VMFA(AW)-332 "The Moonlighters" OIF in 2005.
  • BuNo 163154, an F/A-18A+ of VMFA-333 "The Shamrocks" in the late 1980s.

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The VMFA-232 and VMFA(AW)-332 markings are the most colorful on the sheet, and the VMFA-312 markings also include a three-color band for the tail fins. The other markings on the sheet are low visibility. There are no stencils on the sheet, but all other markings are present for each aircraft including national insignia, jet intake chevrons, and ejection seat warnings.

In addition to left and right side drawings of each aircraft showing decal placement, the eight-page directions also dedicate one page to showing armament for each of the nine pylons with remarks as to when the loads are used. Examples from this page include GBU-12D loaded, loaded on CVER, OIF FAC(A) load, and CAX training load to name a few. There is also a page showing the top and bottom of the aircraft for locating those markings, a Federal Standard color listing for all of the drawings, and kit recommendations including aftermarket items such as tail strengthening plates, ejection seats, a wing fold set, dropped flaps, and a painting mask.

The decals look similar to those produced by the likes of Microscale. The markings are thin, in register, and each has a minimal amount of carrier film surrounding it. There were no flaws to be seen on my sample. My thanks to MAW Decals for providing a review sample to the IPMS.

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