Hornets' Nest

F/A-18C
Hornet Decals
in 1/32 Scale

CAM Decals

Reviewed by Rodger Kelly
 

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron

Custom Aeronautical Miniatures (CAM Decals) continue to work through the F/A-18 Hornet squadrons and scale up their previously issued 1/48 scale sheets to 1/32 scale. 

32-152 provides markings Bureau number 164627, the CAG of VFA-15 “Valions” when it was aboard the USS Enterprise as a part of CVW-8 in 2001. 

Overall camouflage finish is FS 3620 dark ghost grey upper surfaces over FS 36375 light ghost grey, tan radome that has a small stainless steel tip. 

As the aircraft is VFA-15's CAG bird the squadron markings are in the squadron colours of blue and yellow.  In fact just about all of the markings on the aircraft are in blue and yellow!  These markings are all provided as decals and they consist of:

• A stripe that follows the leading edge of the vertical stabilizers (inside and out) and extends across the vertical stabilizer beneath the fin cap.  The Word Estocin in cursive script is placed in the centre of the stripe.  This is to signify that VFA-15 won the coveted CAPT Michael J. Estocin Award for the best F/A-18 squadron in the U.S. Navy.
• The AJ airwing identifier for the outboard sides of the rudders.
• The squadron insignia of a lion riding a missile.  This insignia is a reincarnation of one previously used by the squadron when it flew A-4s.
• Navy titles, VFA-15 scripts for the fuselage spine, 300 modex for the nose and tops of the vertical stabilizers.
• The Atlantic Fleet “Battle E” award.
• Selected stencil data including the intake warning triangles, ejector seat triangles, exhaust blast warning and arrestor hook warning.

Black decals include:

• The walkways for the fuselage chines, 300 modex for the tops of the flaps (there is an extra pair provided as well so you get four in all), Valions scripts for the drop tanks, CAG and DCAG names for side of the fuselage underneath the cockpit (both sides), The Bureau number data block.
• A set of slime lights, as well as a set of full-colour national insignia round out the markings for this aircraft. 

Decal placement is guided by an A-4 sized sheet that has full-colour left hand side profile drawing as well as scrap views illustrate details that are not readily evident and a plan view that shows the upper surfaces..  This sheet also provides limited colour notes as well as a list of sources used when the sheet was researched. 

The placement guide, decal sheets (there are two) are packed in a clear plastic zip-loc bag. 

The decals themselves have been printed by Microscale so you know that they will work.  They are all sharp, clear and in perfect register. 

The recommended kits are the Hasegawa and Minicraft ones.  

A very good product by Cam Decals. 

Recommended

Thanks to Brookhurst Hobbies for the review sample.

CAM Decals are available online from their website at http://www.camdecals.com and from Brookhurst Hobbies

CAM Decals 59 page 2002 color catalog of decals and resin parts is also
now available through the CAM Decals website

Review Copyright © 2003 by Rodger Kelly
This Page Created on 26 December, 2003
Last updated 26 December, 2003

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