MSRP: $9.50 USD Twobobs Aviation Graphics has continued their coverage of the F/A-18 Super
Hornet with this excellent sheet of VFA-154’s aircraft. It features three “Super Bugs,” all two-seaters from the USS Carl Vinson,
with enough makings and stencil data for all three machines. In addition to providing side profiles showing the placement of the
decals, the instruction sheet has painting diagrams on the back. It also lists the FS equivalents for the two gray shades in
Testors, Humbrol, Gunze Sangyo, and Xtracolor paints. Another helpful feature is the series of close-up “thumbnail” photos showing
the placement of the various markings. While the majority of the markings are in a subdued gray, the CAG aircraft is somewhat more
colorful with the addition of red and white to highlight various makings including the “Black Knight” on the vertical stabilizer.
All of the decals were exactly on register. The CAG’s special markings are two part decals, so the modeler is
responsible for the alignment. I applied a couple of markings to see how they worked. The decals went on easily and were moveable
once they were in place with the help of a little more water. They snuggled nicely over the kit’s surface detail even without any
setting solution. I applied some of Gunze Sangyo’s “Mr. Mark Softer” to the decals to check their reaction to setting solutions and
there was no adverse effect. One oddity on my sheet was one of the “NAVY” markings had a line across the top and bottom of the
marking. I referred to the photos and did not see this feature, so it might be a manufacturer’s alignment guide or something. I
think it can be removed with some careful trimming. Overall, this is another fine product from Twobobs. You
can visit their website at www.twobobs.net |