Starfighter Decals 1/144 E-2C "Black Tail Hawkeyes" By Bruce Simard

If nothing else, fellow modelers, this proves if you whine loud and long enough, it might actually be answered! What I am referring to is 1/144th decals, especially aircraft. Several companies and individuals have stepped up to the plate to fill the void. So Small Scale Modelers....Rejoice!!!! Mark Tutton of Starfighter Decals is one of the new breed of producers to come forward with an extremely interesting and prolific line. This review concerns sheet # 144-122 "Black Tail Hawkeyes" to match up with Revell's 1/144th scale kit # 04012, E-2C.

Two aircraft are provided for. The first is VAW-117 of Air Wing 11 off the USS Nimitz at the time. What is very ironic is these are the same unit markings chosen by Revell and Cartograf for one option of the kit decals. So what is so special about Starfighter's version? Ahhh, there in is the story. Starfighter includes several additional markings vice just the Squadron crest. Among them are Tiger teeth for each engine nacelle, and the Squadron eagle for the tails is imposed over the American flag. Plus Starfighters nose number also has some mini-nose art included - not bad for 1/144th.

The 2nd Aircraft provided for is an example of VAW-113 of Air Wing 14 off the USS Abraham Lincoln. Again, this is the colorful CAG bird, with black tails and the wing colors splashed across them.

These sheets are colorful and very sharp. But I must remind you they are ALPS printed. This means you MUST be careful with them. They are overcoated with acrylic, and definitely would benefit from more overcoats after application. If you are careful there really is no problem, but you need to keep this in mind while handling them. Plus no matter how you feel about the kit decals, you will need them for walkways, stencils, etc. Starfighter's instruction sheet gives you some minor history and reminds you about the ALPS process, along with color profiles.

Starfighter's E-2C sheet retails for $5.00 at Starfighter Decals. I highly recommend these sheets and hopefully there will be many more to follow.

Review sheet courtesy of Starfighter Decals.