Two Bobs Aviation Graphics

F/A-18C VFA-192 Golden Dragons decal sheet

1/48 scale product #48142

Review by Steve Bamford on Nov 21 2007

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I was excited to see this new release from Twobobs as the VFA-192 Golden Dragons markings are a sight to behold and this sheet features markings for two complete aircraft from the Golden Dragons with the US Navy.  This is their current CAG scheme as well as a deployment scheme from one of their line jets (circa 2003).  

The squadron was established as Fighter Squadron 153 on 26 March 1945, flying the F6F "Hellcat."  Since then they have flown a variety of aircraft including;

  • F8F "Bearcat"
  • F4U "Corsair."
  • F9F-5 "Panther"
  • F9F-6 "Cougar,"
  • FJ-4B "Fury"
  • A4D-2 "Skyhawk,"
  • A4D-2N all weather "Skyhawk."
  • "Skyhawk," the A4E
  • A4F "Skyhawk"
  • A-7E Corsair II
  • F/A-18A Hornet
  • F/A-18C Hornet

VFA-192 has also appeared in 2 movies...."Bridges of Toko Ri" and "Men of the Fighting Lady."  It was in the Skyhawk that one of the Golden Dragons distinguished himself in the air.  LCDR Michael J. Estocin earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallantry and courage on the 20th and 26th of April 1967 while flying on a missile suppression mission.  In his memory, the Navy’s award for the best FA-18 squadron is called the Michael J. Estocin Award.

 

If you're going to build one of these then Twobobs suggests the following kits and aftermarket detail items.

1/48th Scale

  • Hasegawa F/A-18C

  • Monogram F/A-18C

  • Airwaves Resin Cockpit

  • Black Box Cockpit

  • Cutting Edge Masks

  • Cutting Edge Flaps and Slats

  • Eduard Detail Set

  • EZ Masks

This decal sheet is of the usual high quality and it is also full of pleasant surprises.  Twobobs was good enough to include formation lights along with special Golden Dragons artwork for the engine intake and exhaust covers.  The colorful CAG jet has a big US Flag painted on the airbrake between the tails.  The instructions include 4 view color drawing of both aircraft, but I must confess it is the colorful CAG jet that has caught my eye.  Paint codes for Testors, Humbrol, Gunze Sangya and Xtracrylics is included on the instruction sheet as well as 2 color photos of the intake and exhaust artwork.

This sheet rocks and I'm quite pleased to see Twobobs release it.

This sheet retails for $11.50 and is available through http://www.twobobs.net/ and select US Hobby Shops.  Overseas customers can purchase these from Twobobs site or through Twobobs network of overseas distributors.  Remember, shipping is always FREE to US Customers at Twobobs!! 

Steve

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford