F/A-18A Hornet

RAAF "20 Years F/A-18"
Special Scheme 2005

The Aviation Workshop
Premier Plus Decals

Reviewed by Brett Green

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron.com

First, let me say, wow.

This might be the most striking scheme ever applied to an F/A-18 Hornet, even taking into account my parochial position.

Indeed, I received these decals a few months ago, but Model Alliance had sold out by the time they arrived here. It would appear that others share my high opinion of these attractive markings.

The decals have now been reprinted, so it seems a sensible time to write a few words about them.

On 16 March 2005 at the Avalon Airshow near Melbourne, the Royal Australian Air Force unveiled a special colour scheme to commemorate 20 years of RAAF F/A-18 service. HyperScale regular Ken Bowes snapped a series of photos that were posted to HyperScale the following day.

Model Alliance has reproduced this spectacular scheme in decal form for 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scale Hornet kits. I received the 1/48 scale version.

The markings are sensibly broken down. You will need to pay attention to the instructions and refer to the illustrations regularly, but your concentration will be worth the effort. The decals are perfectly printed, in register and feature very thin carrier film.

Instructions take the form of two double-sided A4 sheets with illustrations, placement guide, three small reference photos and templates for the outline of the fin artwork.

Model Alliance has offered a number of attractive air show schemes in past releases and, in my opinion, this one is the best that we have seen so far. Let's hope they keep up this tradition!

Highly Recommended

Thanks to Aviation Workshop / Model Alliance (UK)  for the review sample

Model Alliance products are available online from the Aviation Workshop.

Review Copyright © 2004 by Brett Green
Page Created 12 September, 2005
Last updated 12 September, 2005

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