Reviewed by Rodger Kelly
 

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FirstLook

Cutting Edge seem to like producing decal subjects in sets of three. The latest case in point is the first of three sheets covering the Grumman EA-6B Prowler.

CED48205 covers two Prowlers. Both are finished in the “standard” colour scheme of FS 36320-dark compass grey, over FS 36375-light compass grey. However, that is where the similarities end.

The first option is Bureau number 16115 depicted when she served as the CAG bird of VAQ-139 “Cougars” when they were aboard the USS Carl Vinson as a part of CVW-14. If there is one thing you can depend on it’s the fact that guys in VAQ-139 like to change their markings often. This version is a particularly bright one as the majority of the fin is covered with the CAG “rainbow” painted over a yellow lightning bolt.

The rainbow is provided in two ways. Cutting Edge have done it this to address the inaccuracy of the kit (the Band 1 and Band 2 antenna on the fin are moulded too long). Firstly, if you wish to ignore the inaccuracy, the rainbow is supplied as a complete design incorporating the white Bureau number, airwing identifier and cougar head, with cut-outs for the two antennas. The cut-out portions are provided as separate decals so that you can apply them over the antennas to ease the placement/settling issue. The other option is with a one-piece rainbow with separate white Bureau number, Airwing identifier and cougar head should you wish to tackle the antenna problem and replace them. A second set of white Bureau numbers Airwing identifiers and cougar heads are provided to ensure opacity

The remainder of the markings for this aircraft (excepting the full colour stars and bars) were painted in blue with a white shadow. The decals to replicate this are produced as separate items so that you can apply one on top of the other. I guess that Cutting Edge have gone this route to address the register problem in printing this sheet. All of this adds up to what is definitely an unusually marked aircraft that will stand out in any collection.

By comparison, the other option on this sheet is decidedly drab. Bureau number 161880 is a USMC aircraft of VMAQ-3. Markings are basic black Marines titles, 04 modex for the nose, upper inboard wing flaps, nose gear door and rear of the tail cap radome Bureau numbers, VMAQ-3 titles and a USMC symbol for the nose. Stars and bars for this option are the lo-viz version. The only colour on this machine is the green eyes of the wolf’s head that is placed on the tail cap radome.

A double-sided, full colour A-4 sized sheet provides decal placement and a separate smaller sheet provides additional notes for the VAQ-139 option as well as a FS 595 cross reference to readily available model paints.

The vast majority of the stencil data that adorn the EA-6B is missing from this sheet. Having said that though I have yet to see two EA-6Bs that exhibit the same data in the same place. I would say that they all started out marked the same but gradually lost it and had it reapplied in slightly different colours and in slightly different locations. It would have been nice if Cutting Edge had supplied this stencil data so as you had the option to apply it or not.

This minor point aside, this is a very nice sheet in the initial episode of the Prowler trilogy.

Recommended.
 

Review Copyright © 2001 by Rodger Kelly
This Page Created on 26 October, 2002
Last updated 14 August, 2003

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