Reviewed by Rodger Kelly
 

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Custom Aeronautical Miniatures (CAM) "Tomcat Alley" sheet #48-051 provides complete markings for two Grumman F-14A Tomcats. 

The first Tomcat on the sheet is the “Jimmy”, the CAG bird of VF-154 “Black Knights”.  Markings for this aircraft have been previously covered by CAM in 1/32 scale as sheet number 32-095. This sheet has already been previewed on Hyperscale and you can find this preview here by following this link: http://www.kitreview.com/reviews/f14adecalreviewrk_1.htm  

“Jimmy” has not suffered at all with reduction in size to 1/48 scale.  The designs are all sharp and clear and in perfect register. 

The second Tomcat is an Atlantic Fleet aircraft.  Bureau number 150922 of VF-11 “Red Rippers” when she was aboard the USS Forrestal as a part of CVW-6 in 1991.  Unlike the previous Tomcat this one is in basic lo-viz markings.  Camouflage is FS36375 light ghost grey overall with FS 36176 ghost grey anti-glare and canopy.   

Squadron specific markings consist of:

·        grey 106 modex for the nose with a further set in black for the flaps,

·        large grey “Red Rippers” insignia for the outer faces of the vertical stabilizers,

·        grey stencilled groundcrew names for the nose undercarriage door,

·        white crew names for the canopy rails (different names for either side),

·        grey AE airwing identifiers for the vertical stabilizers, and

·        grey ship’s titles for the leading edge of the wing.

Other markings include:

• grey Navy titles for the rear of the fuselage,

• grey stars and bars,

• grey wing-walks (always a bonus when you don’t have to paint them!),

• grey stencil data, and

• a complete set of yellow “Slime lights – the only colour on this aircraft at all.

The decal placement guide is a single-sided A-4 sheet.  Decal placement is aided by numbering each decal which is a good move on CAM’s behalf as it helps immensely if you are not familiar with the location of some of the smaller stencil data. 

The decals and placement guide are packed in a clear plastic Ziploc bag with a stiff cardboard header that will protect the decal sheet from creasing. 

All of the decals on this sheet are in perfect register and are very thin with the absolute minimum of carrier film. There are two complete sets of stencil data, one for each aircraft.  Another good move by CAM as you will not have to purchase a further “stencil specific” sheet to complete your Tomcat. 

This is a well thought out sheet from CAM.  It not only allows you to build a flashy, colourful CAG bird it also allows you to build a Tomcat in standard lo-viz markings which the majority of them do wear.

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 © 2002 by Rodger Kelly
This Page Created on 30 October, 2002
Last updated 14 August, 2003

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