Two Bobs Aviation Graphics

1/32 Thunderbolts and Vikings OIF decal sheet

Product #32-021

Product Article by Steve Bamford on Aug 23 2004

Customers have been screaming at Twobobs via E-mail and the ARC Discussion Group about putting out some Marine Hornet decals and Twobobs is happy to oblige with this release in both 48th and 32nd scale.

John Bibay is a frequent contributor to ARC and he is stationed at MCAS Miramar in California.  He took time out of his very busy schedule to work with both of these squadrons to get reference information for this decal sheet.  Thanks to John, this sheet is hopefully the first of many Marine Hornet sheets that we'll see from Twobobs.

F/A-18C VMFA-251 - This aircraft is an OIF veteran.  No mission markings were applied to this A/C but there is a lightning bolt with the words "Never Again" that was applied to the LEX fences on the Thunderbolts jets.

F/A-18D VMFA-225 - This aircraft is unique in that it has the 1st Marine Division markings painted on the port vertical stab only.  Combat ops prevented the squadron from finishing this paint scheme while they were deployed so the starboard side carries the standard unit markings.  

 

The 1st Marine Division is the most decorated unit in the USMC and the folks at 225 wanted to pay homage to that with these special markings.  There are also mission markings on this particular aircraft.

With the D model Academy Hornet looming on the horizon, this sheet is one that you might want to get a hold of now to make sure you're primed and ready when the kit is released.  All the USMC fans out there should find this sheet to be right up their alley with the lack of current OIF Marine markings on the market.

The decals are very clearly printed and contained on 2 decal sheets.  You get enough stencils for one of the two jets featured on this decal sheet.  The instruction are pretty straight forward with colour codes lists for Testors, Humbrol, Gunze Sangyo and Xtracolor.  One jet has a flase canopy and this will have to be painted, which is sometimes easier than getting decals to fit the open gear doors etc.  A very nice sheet and sure to interest  folks wanting to build a USMC OIF jet.

This sheet is available through http://www.twobobs.net/ and select US Hobby Shops.  Overseas customers can purchase these from Twobobs site or through Twobobs network of overseas distributors.  Remember, shipping is always FREE to US Customers at Twobobs!! 

Steve

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford