Gekko Graphics

1/48 "What if ?" RAAF F/A-20C Magpie

White text above lips says

 "Kiss of Death"

Product # GGWI / 48-001

(also available in 1/72)

$16 (AUD)  for 1/48 scale

Review by Steve Bamford on Nov 19 2003

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This is a new decal sheet from Gekko Graphics.  The sheet includes markings for many  different "What if" paint schemes in 1/48 scale.  

This sheet is also available in 1/72 scale.  Because these are "What if" decals.....the sky is the limit for paint schemes and decal combinations.  There are a variety of decals included for the modeller to mix and match markings to get the look they want.  You will find a huge selection of "What if" paint schemes on the Gekko Graphics website you can use for inspiration when designing your own paint scheme....your imagination is the only limit.  Click here to see 52 different paint schemes designed by David Aungst  
The decals were flawlessly printed and even the smallest text is readable.  This decal sheet is an Alps printed decal sheet, so you have to individually cut the decal from the clear carrier film.  You also must be very careful with these decals to avoid scratching them.  They work like regular decals if you are aware of their unique qualities.  One interesting note I read on the instructions is to cut the decal from the clear carrier film with small scissors instead of an X-Acto knife.  Colours are solid and will cover very well.  
This decal sheet for the "What if?" RAAF F/A-20C Magpie comes complete with a great many options to choose from, these include:

* Laser guided Bomb markings both for larger bombs like 2000lb &1000lb and smaller 500lb bombs
* Dumb bomb markings
* Cluster bomb markings
* Aircraft silhouettes of Su-35, Su-27, F/A-18, A-4 Skyhawk, F-16 and MiG-29.
* Cruise missile 'kills'
* Serial codes and nose numbers for four individual aircraft.
* Hi & low vis Shark mouths, plus optional blood trails for that really ghoulish look!
* Four different pilot names in both black and white.
* Two different types of 'art work'.
* Two types of 'eyes' and 'nostrils' for the Shark mouth.
* Large and small diameter roundels in both black and white.
* At least seven different versions of 75 Squadron markings.

Plus an illustrated instruction sheet and the two colour call outs seen above. 

The instructions include 2 pages of colour profiles and 1 page of text instructions with black and white diagrams offering ideas for your What if scheme.  I found the instructions to be clear and quite helpful an easy to follow with some good "What if" suggestions. 

A very nice product and highly recommended.

Steve

Click on images below to see larger images of the instruction sheets

I would like to thank Gekko Graphics for providing me with this review sample.

You can buy Gekko Graphics decals direct from their website or from the following retailers.....

Photos and text © 2003 by Steve Bamford