Afterburner 1/48 Decals for EA-18G, F-5E, and F-15C
By Gary Meinert
fterburner Decals has released new decals for the EA-18G Growler (48-061), the F-5E Tiger II (48-062) and the F-15C Eagle (48-063). All feature multiple individual aircraft markings with color profiles and clear painting and decal placement instructions. They also have comprehensive stencils and a stencil guide. All sheets are printed by Cartograph in Italy.
Superbug Shockers 48-061
This sheet has U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers of four different squadrons. First up is the training squadron, VAQ-129, with one jet marked in a colorful red and yellow tail. Test & Evaluation squadron VX-31 has one jet in all gray, while VX-9 has a jet with a colorful blue and white tail. The first fleet squadron to convert from the Prowler to the Growler, VAQ-132 Scorpions, is featured with two aircraft: one in all gray, and the other in colorful red and black markings.
As noted in the instructions, there is currently no kit of the Growler. Info is provided on where to purchase a conversion kit to use with one of the existing F/A-18F Super Hornet kits.
Red Flag Tigers 48-062
Designed for the new AFV Club F-5E kit, this sheet offers options for 23 aircraft in a wide variety of color schemes. All are from the 64th and 65th Aggressor Squadrons at Nellis AFB during the 1980s. Some have distinctive tail markings for squadron or wing commanders. Extra bort numbers for the nose are printed in both red and blue in case you want to model a specific aircraft not featured in the sheet.
Shogun Eagles 48-063
From Kadena AB, Okinawa, we have the F-15Cs of the 18th Fighter Wing. There are 13 options from the period 1991-2009 covering both the 44th and 67th Fighter Squadrons. All aircraft have the lo-vis gray tail codes, numbers, and national insignia. Several are mounts for squadron commanders. Additionally, there is one for the wing commander and one for the 5th Air Force commanding general. Two of the aircraft have colorful intake or exhaust cover markings, while one has a colorful marking for the interior of the speed brake.
Jet modelers who like the subject matter can't go wrong with these high quality decals. They are available at Afterburner Decals' website. Thanks to Afterburner Decals for the review samples.