Reviewed by Rodger Kelly
 

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FirstLook

More Hornets!  Cutting Edge's sheet CED48251 provides markings for two more Atlantic Fleet F/A-18Cs both CAG birds this time that took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

Both options wear the standard Hornet tactical paint scheme of FS 3620 dark ghost grey upper surfaces over FS 36375 light ghost grey, with tan radomes. 

Bureau number 164200, the CAG bird of VFA-105, Gunslingers.  As with the Gunslingers CO's bird who's markings are supplied by Cutting Edge on CED48249, these are bright markings and really stand out on the TPS background! Just about all of them are in green and yellow.   They comprise: 

·        Green and yellow 400 modex for the sides of the nose, and tops of the flaps.  There are four sets of these provided.  The placement guide shows just three sets so I guess you can assign the third set to the spares box 

·        AC airwing identifiers for the outer surfaces of the rudders. 

·        CAG titles for the fin caps. 

·        Full colour national insignia in four places. 

·        VFA-105 scripts and swooshes for the spine. 

·        CAG and DGAC names beneath the canopy on the left side and right hand sides of the fuselage. 

·        Airman and Sailor of The Year names for the nose gear doors. 

·        CVW-3 insignia for the insides of the vertical stabilizers. 

·        The words "GIVE EM HELL!" in green for both sides of the nose. 

·        "Tonight We …Ride!" scripts in green for both sides of the LEX. 

·        Maintenance M/Golden Spanner award for both sides of the spine. 

·        USS HARRY S. TRUMAN titles, Bureau number data block, and NAVY scripts for the rear fuselage. 

·        GUNSLINGERS squadron insignia for the vertical stabilizer. 

·        GUNSLINGERS scripts for the drop tanks. 

·        A scoreboard consisting of bombs and missile outlines for the nose (both sides). 

·        The intake warnings the in green and yellow as well as the larger items of stencil data – in grey. 

The other option is Bureau number 164887, the CAG bird of VFA-87 Golden Warriors.  Her markings comprise: 

·        400 modex for the sides of the nose and the tops of the flaps in black edged in yellow.  As with the previous option, four sets are provided. 

·        CAG titles for the fin caps in black edged with yellow for the outer surfaces of the vertical stabilizers. 

·        AJ airwing identifiers for the inner surfaces of the vertical stabilizers, again, in black edged with yellow 

·        Black national insignia in four places. 

·        VFA-87 scripts for the spine incorporated within an arrow. 

·        CAG and DCAG names beneath the canopy (CAG on the left side and DCAG on the right side). 

·        Bureau number data block, and NAVY scripts – the NAVY is edged in yellow. 

·        USS Theodore Roosevelt titles, Bureau number data block, and NAVY scripts – the NAVY is edged in yellow. 

·        The Golden Warriors squadron insignia of a war-bonnet wearing Indian for the outer faces of the vertical stabilizer. 

·        WAR PARTY scripts – Two sets for the drop tanks and a third set for the vertical stabilizers - in black edged in yellow. 

·        Crew Chief name for the nose gear door. 

·        The main and larger items of stencil data in black and yellow.  These include the intake warnings and tail hook warnings, ejection seat triangles, and warning placards. 

A small selection of grey stencil data (a single set) is also provided to be shared by both aircraft. 

Sufficient decals are supplied to produce both options. 

The decal placement guide follows Cutting Edge’s normal fashion of a full colour double-sided a-4 sized sheet.  It shows a left hand side views on the front and in the centre pages as well as a single top view on the back. 

As per usual, Cutting Edge does not identify the printer of the decal sheet.  My bet is that it was Microscale; such is the quality of the printing.  The decal sheet and placement guide come packed in a clear plastic zip-loc bag. 

The recommended kit is the Hasegawa F/A-18C. 

Same comment for this sheet, a good effort from Cutting Edge that gives right up to date markings for two colourful machines. 

Recommended.

Post Script

I have included a shot of the first aircraft at the top of this review.  This is courtesy of Mr Paul Newman who photographed them aboard the USS Truman when it visited the UK in July 2003.  Thanks Paul!

Thanks to Cutting Edge Modelworks for the review samples..

Review Copyright © 2004 by Rodger Kelly
Photographs Copyright © 2003 by Paul Newman
This Page Created on 18 March, 2004
Last updated 23 March, 2004

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