Twobobs Aviation Graphics | NSAWC Top Gun Hornets in 1/32nd Scale 32-018

Reviewed by Mark Proulx

Bob Sanchez and Bob Guere, the two men behind Twobobs Aviation Graphics, have just released an exciting new decal sheet in 1/32nd scale. The subject aircraft are F/A-18A's of the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center.

The modeler is supplied with the option of two F/A-18As. The first is an F/A-18A, BuNo 162834, painted in blues and greys. The second is an F/A-18A, BuNo 162887. This aircraft is painted in a wrap around, two-tone brown scheme, designed to mirror the profile of a MiG-29. There are only enough markings to complete one aircraft. This is due to the limited amount of formation light strips and NSAWC logos for the vertical stabilizers.

The instructions identify that these decals are designed for use with the 1/32nd scale Academy kit. Modelers should note that this is a F/A-18C, though a F/A-18A is likely in the future. At the time of this review, an after market conversion set is required for those wishing to achieve accuracy. The Hasegawa or Revell kits are not identified in the instructions as options, though they could be considered.

Most modelers are aware by now of the format that Twobobs use for their decal sheet instructions. Like previous efforts, they are very comprehensive and provide clear and accurate decal placement details. FS 595b color chips are provided for both schemes. They are referenced to Testors, Humbrol, Gunze Sangyo and Xtracolor paints. There are ten thumbnail photos. However, they only identify close-up details of the two-tone brown aircraft.

No printing information is included with the decal sheet. The markings are printed over two sheets of paper and they appear to be very thin and in perfect registration. Color density is very good with carrier film barely visible. I expect no difficulty in applying these decals, though I have not tried them myself.

Twobobs Aviation Graphics continue to supply us with very colorful schemes representative of modern military aircraft. Their dedication to supplying correct markings is evident with each new release. If accuracy is important, or you just want to display an eye-catching scheme, give Twobobs a try. I am sure that you won't be disappointed!

Review sample compliments of Twobobs Aviation Graphics.

© Mark Proulx 2003

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This review was published on Saturday, July 02 2011; Last modified on Wednesday, May 18 2016