F-4Dable Models | 32-001B: Export Bugs (B) Spanish & Malaysian Hornets

Reviewed by Randy Bumgardner

Continuing their export Bug theme, F-4Dable Models has brought out another set of export nations that are flying the Hornet. Their initial offering, "Export Bugs (A)", covers Hornets of the Scheizerische Flugwaffe (Switzerland) and the Suomen Ilmavoimat (Finland). This set covers Ejercito del Aire (Spain) and Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (Malaysia). The main decal sheet provides decals for any serial and modex number, the modeler is not restricted by the specific aircraft on the sheet. The Spanish decals provide for both F/A-18C's and D's. The TUDM flies a total of eight F/A-18D's, so the decals are obviously only for the 'D' model.

Full black stencil data is included for aircraft of both countries. Thus, just like the previous decal set, the modeler get two aircraft worth of stencil data - enough to build two models from each decal set.

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The decals are printed in Italy by Cartograph. The printing is well done and the fine detail is incredible. While I was scanning the stencil sheet into an image for this review, I noticed that the stencils are actually readable! Not just some random squiggles that represent written words from afar. I was suitably impressed by the attention to detail throughout the sheets in this set. There is not a large amount of color in this set. However, for the color that is present, it is well done and the decals are in perfect registration.

The instructions are printed in color on a double-sided 8.5" x 11" sheet of glossy paper. There is one each for the Spanish aircraft and the Malaysian aircraft. Each sheet details the assigned serial ranges for the respective nationalities and the specific features of that nationality's aircraft. Also outlined are the armaments carried and the camouflage scheme. The camo scheme lists the Federal Standard colors used and the major paint brands that can be used: Gunze Sangyo, Xtracolour, Testors Model Master, and Humbrol. The reverse side of each sheet contains plan views of the aircraft for stencil placement and any special notes for the corresponding aircraft.

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This is a very well done set of decals for an underdone subject. The decals themselves are well done, with many possibilities to choose from. I highly recommend these decals for anyone who wants to build a Hornet that's off the beaten path.

I would like to extend a great big Thank You to Jason Chea and F-4Dable Models for this review sample.

Contact details:
F-4Dable Models
c/o - Basset Hobby Supplies
No. 15, Jalan BU 12/8
Selangor
47800 Petaling Jaya
Malaysia
email: bashound@tm.net.my or jason@f-4dablemodels.com

© Randy Bumgardner 2007

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