Reviewed by Rodger Kelly
 

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Meteor Productions

FirstLook

CED48252 is the final sheet in Cutting Edge's coverage of the F/A-18 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. 

F/A-18D, Bureau number 163457, the CAG bird of VFA-106, Gladiators.  VFA-106 is a fleet replacement squadron whose mission is to train aviators and maintenance personnel to employ and maintain the F/A-18.  The majority of this bird's markings are blue and they comprise: 

·        400 modex for the sides of the nose, and tops of the flaps and the fin caps.  As with the other Cutting Edge Hornet's Revenge sheets, 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 

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

·        National insignia in four places. 

·        ROMAN EMPIRE titles for the spine. 

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

·        Crew Chief's name for the nose gear door. 

·        VFA-106 Squadron insignia for the outer surfaces of the vertical stabilizers. 

·        Bureau number data block, NAVY (left hand side) and MARINES (right hand side) scripts for the rear fuselage. 

·        GLADIATORS scripts for the drop tanks. 

·        Stencil data – a fairly complete set too! 

The second option is F/A-18C Bureau number 165177, the CO's machine of VFA-37 Bulls.  Another unusual bird.  VFA-37's aircraft are normally seen in blue trim this one wears just about all of her markings in red which is normally reserved for the fighter squadrons in an airwing.  Her markings comprise: 

·        301 modex for the sides of the nose and the tops of the flaps in red edged in black. A further set in black are supplied for the fin caps.  As with the previous option, four sets are provided. 

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

·        Full colour national insignia in two places. 

·        VFA-37 scripts for the spine. 

·        CO's name beneath the canopy (both sides) 

·        Crew Chief name for the nose gear door. 

·        Bureau number data block, NAVY and CVW-3 scripts in red for the rear fuselage. 

·        USS Harry S. Truman titles for the outer faces of the vertical stabilizers. 

·        A modified VFA-37 squadron insignia consisting of a snorting bull for the outer faces of the vertical stabilizer. 

·        BULLS scripts – Three sets for the drop tanks. 

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

A further small selection of grey stencil data is also provided – a bonus set! 

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 placement sheet advises that the recommended kit is the Hasegawa F/A-18C.  I guess they forgot that the first option is a D. 

The front page of the placement sheet loudly claims that this sheet includes Operation Iraqi Freedom mission markings.  If they are there I sure couldn't find them!  If you want to adorn your small scale Hornet with mission markings then purchase either of the Cutting Edge CED48249 or CED48251 sheets as they do include mission markings.   

A good sheet from Cutting Edge.  It gives you right up to date markings for two unusually marked and colourful machines. 

Recommended.

Post Script 

I have included a shot of the tail of the VFA-37 aircraft.  It is courtesy of Mr Paul Newman who photographed her 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 25 March, 2004

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page