MAW Decals

1/48 F/A-18D Hornet decal sheet

VMFA(AW)-224 "Bengals & "VMFA(AW)-121 "Green Knights"& VMFA(AW)-533 "Hawks"

Product # 48-MAW001

Product Article by Ken Middleton on Apr 6 2006

 

 

 

Here is a review of the first release by a new decal company, MAW Decals headed up by Creighton Henthorn.  MAW stands for Marine Aircraft Wing.

Three USMC F/A-18D aircraft are included:

  • VMFA(AW)-224 April 2004 BuNo 164964

  • VMFA(AW)-121 October 2004 BuNo 164685

  • VMFA(AW)-533 January 2004 BuNo 164656

Markings are included for 2 hi-vis black-tailed jets (VMFA(AW)-224 and VMFA(AW)-121) and low- vis VMFA(AW)-533. Many stencils are included as well.  Though, the formation light panels will need to be sourced elsewhere, which should not be an issue. A nice feature are the front under-side fuselage decals for the vents.

There is an insert for "Captain Drake" markings, however, I was informed that these are not, and will not be included.

Also, please note these instructions for the VMFA(AW)-533 jet, and the "ED" markings on the inside of the tail. Your decal set may not show the light grey "ED" code, so please refer to the instructions to the right.

The VMFA(AW)-533 jet appears to have the recon section attached to the front under-side fuselage.

The decals are beautifully printed by Microscale, and are in-register. The smallest of markings are crisp and clear, and the white markings are very bright and clean.

There is also a full color 2-sided instruction sheet with FS color callouts, paint patterns and very nice artwork.

Recommended Kits:

1/48th Scale

  • Hasegawa F/A-18D

Special thanks on the sheet are given to:

  • SSgt Creighton Henthorn
  • Mike Pister
  • Major Mark "Rosie" Palmer
  • Major Jeffery "Spool" Etrwine
  • Capt Paul "Enron" Blair
  • SSgt Brian "Cujo" Cudnohufsky
  • SSgt Dave Roof

This sheet retails for $12.00 and is available through http://www.vfdecals.com/MAW/decals.html with free shipping in the US.

Special thanks to MAW Decals for the review sample.

Ken

Photos and text © by Ken Middleton