Twobobs Aviation Graphics | 32-021: F/A-18C/D Thunderbolts and Vikings: Marine Hornets of Operation Iraqi Freedom
Reviewed by Mark Proulx
Twobobs Aviation Graphics has just released a new 1/32nd scale decal sheet for Marine Hornets of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Two optional schemes are included with this decal sheet. The first is an F/A-18C, BuNo 164910 of VMFA-241 dated June 2003. This scheme uses a large lightning bolt motif on the tail and black false canopy on the underside of the fuselage. Hornets of this group are equipped with a GPS antenna on the spine, an antenna on the nose gear door, later centerline pylon and mesh style gun-bay vents. Fortunately all these items are supplied in the Academy kit so no modifications are required.
The second option is a colorful F/A-18D, BuNo 165686 from VMFA-225 of the same time period. Similar to the other Hornet on this sheet, this aircraft is among the newest in operation and incorporate many of the modifications identified above. The left and right sides of the Hornet are painted differently, making it unique. Operation Iraqi Freedom commenced before the starboard side was finished and the aircraft was pressed into service. The instructions suggest that the Academy kit is to be used. Note: The Academy F/A-18D in 1/32nd scale is not available at the time of this review, though it has been announced as a future release.
The instructions depict these two aircraft using a combination of left and right profile views with nine color thumbnail images. Complete stencil locations are shown for the two aircraft. The overleaf includes top and bottom views of each Hornet. The painting guide includes color paint chips and makes reference to Testors, Humbrol, Gunze Sangyo and Xtracolor paint lines. Brief notes about the aircraft complete the package.
The decals are printed over two pages. They are printed by Microscale and appear to be very thin with a minimal amount of carrier film. The first sheet includes all pertinent markings for each aircraft including stencils. The smaller sheet (scan not included) includes tail hook markings and national insignia. The instructions identify each aircraft with grey walkways. Twobobs does not include them and Academy supplies black markings only. This means the modeler will have to mask and spray or find walkways from another source. The false canopy is also not included as a decal.
Twobobs Aviation Graphics are unsurpassed for their ability to supply accurate and current markings. I strongly recommend them to anyone with an interest in modern jet aircraft, or more specifically, the F/A-18 Hornet.
Review sample compliments of Twobobs Aviation Graphics.
© Mark Proulx 2004
This review was published on Saturday, July 02 2011; Last modified on Wednesday, May 18 2016