Afterburner Decals

F-16CJ Block 50 55th FS 

“Shaw Shooters”

1/48 scale product #48-002

Review by Ken Middleton on Aug 3  2005

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Here's a review of a new 1/48 sheet from Afterburner Decals.  

Current F-16CJ Block 50 markings for 55th FS Commander's jet,  plus 2 line jets from Operation Northern Watch

Jets included (all F-16CJ Block 50):

  • 93-554 (CCIP jet with new style 55th FS tail insignia)
  • 91-382 (HARM mission marks Fall 1999)
  • 91-346 (Has very large ONW artwork on right fuselage side and HARM mission marks Fall 1999)

There are 2 complete sets of stencils included. The decals are sized for the Hasegawa kit.

The decals are in-register, clear and are beautifully printed. Many of the tail markings and badges are 2 piece decals, ensuring good registry.

The color instruction sheet has 4-view drawings to assist in decal placement and the paint scheme. Also, modeler notes point out tips on specific decals.

There is an outstanding additional 2-sided sheet included. It contains extensive text on:
  • Aircraft Notes
  • Modeling Notes
  • Deployment Notes for both deployments
  • A graphical display and chart, for ONW deployment and home station (Shaw AFB), showing weapon's configurations

The other side of the sheet has detailed 4-view drawings for stencil placement.

A note on the stencil placement guide: It instructs to place the star and bar insignia on the top right wing, but the insignia goes on the top left wing. The bottom view is correct.

Special thanks are given to Keith Diamond and Shawn Hull for their contributions. 

Additional photo references:

55th FS References 

This sheet retails for $12.00 and is available now through http://www.afterburnerdecals.com, or http://www.twobobs.net/, the exclusive US retailer/distributor for Afterburner Decals.  Overseas customers can purchase these from Twobobs site.  Remember, shipping is always FREE to US Customers at Twobobs!! 

Thanks to Afterburner Decals for the review sample.

Ken

Click here to go to the Afterburner Decals website