F4F-4 Wildcat Decals

Cutting Edge Decals 

Reviewed by Brett Green

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Meteor Productions

This 1/32 scale decal set is an up-scaled version of the excellent limited edition 1/48 scale release (item no. 48120) from 2001. The larger version will suit Trumpeter's 1/32 scale F4F Wildcat or, if you are a glutton for punishment, Revell's old kit.

The markings cover four Grumman F4F-4 Wildcats. All four Wildcats were based at Guadalcanal in the turbulent period of 1942 to 1943.

This sheet features Tom Tullis' colour artwork in "ultra-realistic" mode. Light, shadows, reflections and weathering are all subtly depicted to create a very vivid, three-dimensional feel to the artwork. Each aircraft receives a single port-side profile

Nobody could accuse Wildcats of this period of having garish colour schemes. Each aircraft is finished in basic Navy camouflage of Blue Grey over Light Grey. Despite the apparent limitations of this scheme, the subjects are lifted from the norm by some very interesting markings. "White 77" has a painted-out tail stripe, a cartoon caveman on the fin and victory flags under the cockpit. "White 2" has the number repeated on the nose and a swag of victory flags under the cockpit. "Black 8" is a well-travelled machine with yellow Operation Torch markings painted out around each roundel and a stylised Indian Head under the windscreen. "Black 53" is plainly marked but significant as the mount of Marines ace Capt. Joe Foss.

Two full sets of national markings are supplied, including one set with Operation Torch markings "painted out". Registration and colour on my sample sheet is perfect.

This is a terrific decal sheet to add interest to Trumpeter's 1/32 scale F4F Wildcat.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Meteor Productions for the review sample

Cutting Edge Decals and accessories are available at Meteor Productions Website

Review Copyright © 2003 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 11 December, 2003
Last updated 11 December, 2003

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