Reviewed by Rodger Kelly
 

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FirstLook

This is the last of Cutting Edge’s three sheets featuring the Grumman EA-6B Prowler.  Again, this sheet features two Atlantic based squadrons both sporting the same camouflage scheme of FS 36320 dark compass grey over FS 36375 light compass grey.

Bureau number 158039 of VAQ-140 "Patriots", whilst it based on the USS George Washington as a part of CVW-7.

This Prowler features red markings with black shadowing, unusual to say the least.  The fin features a full colour eagle that appears to be breaking out of the dark compass grey camouflage.    Interestingly, the marking is provided as a single design.  The full fin markings of the other two prowler sheets have been supplied with cut-outs for the Band 1 and 2 antennas.  Whilst I have no doubt that the decal will settle over these antennas with the aid of settling solution this is a departure from the way Cutting Edge have treated the positioning/settling issue that these large decals will pose.  Superimposed over the eagle is a black with white shadowing AG airwing identifier.  Full colour stars and bars round out the markings for what is a visually striking EA-6B.

The other Prowler is Bureau number 162934, a drab looking machine of VAQ-132 “Scorpions” as based on the USS Saratoga.

The markings are definitely lo-viz with black:

• Navy titles, ship’s name, VAQ-132 titles for the rear fuselage.
• AA airwing identifiers for the fin.
• Large 623 nose and wing flap modex.
• Smaller 623 modex for both sides of the fin and the rear of the tail cap radome.
• Stars and bars.
• Arrestor hook and “beware of blast” stencil data.
• Plane Captain’s name for the forward equipment compartment door.

The Bureau number, intake warning triangles and rudder “scorpions” are grey with the latter design outlined in black.   The only colour on this aircraft is the red of the tiny missiles that form part of the mission log for the left hand side of the nose.

As with the other two Prowler sheets, there is no stencil data provided.

Decal placement is guided by a full colour double-sided A-4 sized sheet.

With these three sheets, Cutting Edge has provided the modeller with markings for six different EA-6Bs.  The subjects chosen are truly representative of the evolution of TPS painted Prowler markings over the years.  Now Cutting Edge, any chances of a “Prowlers Part 4” featuring gull grey and white EA-6Bs?

Recommended.
 

Review Copyright © 2001 by Rodger Kelly
This Page Created on 27 October, 2002
Last updated 14 August, 2003

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