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Authentic Decals 1/48 EA-18G Growler Decals

By Brian Medina

Hasegawa's release of the EA-18G Growler last year was sure to provide an opportunity for aftermaket decal makers to create a whole new array of decals for the US Navy's latest electronic warfare platform. The latest release from Authentic Decals does just that, with three options for VAQ-135 "Black Ravens" out of NAS Whidbey Island.

The marking options are as follows:

Buno 166940 / NL-520 is a high vis markings version wearing a large blue tail with a pair of green stripes and black raven squadron logo on the outside vertical tails. NAS Whidbey, July 2011
Buno 166941 / NL-521 is more subdued in color, but still not quite low-viz. A black banded, blue stripe is present at the top of the vertical tails as well as a similar band on the forward fuselage. Eielson AFB, RED FLAG- Alaska 12-1, October 2011
Buno 166942 / NL-522 Low vis scheme with a smaller, simpler black raven on the tail. NAS Whidbey, December 2011

Two sheets of decals are provided. The first containing nearly all of the colored decals, while the second sheet has the low vis decals and stencil data. Both sheets are very much in register and while the color sheet has very minimal extra carrier film around the edges, the stencil sheet has just a bit more, but not excessive. One other difference between the two sheets is that the stencil sheet appears to have a very slight greenish tint to the carrier film, similar to what you'd see in an old set of decals that's yellowed. This is not present on the color sheet. While I've yet to use any of these decals, I'm told by someone who has that it is just an artifact of the decal paper is invisible once in place on a model.

The stencil date appears to be quite comprehensive, for example there are an impressive 26 stencil decals are provided for the ALQ-99 jamming pod alone!

A double sided instruction sheet is provided with one side providing color profiles of each of the three markings options as well as the color decal placement, and the reverse side being a black and white stencil placement diagram.

A small color chart is also provided, notably containing color mixes for the blue used on the hi-vis schemes in 4 different paint manufacturers numbers. Also provided is the number for the black color used on the stripes, US Ghost grey, and Compass Grey.

My only issue with this set is the resealable bag is barely big enough for the decal and

instruciton sheets, so care must be used when removing or replacing the decals into and from the bag so as not to bend them.

For those looking to complete their Hornet/ Superhornet collection, this is a striking set of markings options with which to do so (also available in 1/72). Special thanks to Vagabond decals for the review sample!