This 1/48 set from FCM - 48033 - contains markings for the following F-5s:
- F-5EM - 1°/14° G.Av. "Pampa", Canoas-RS/Brazil - 2006, with dark green/neutral gray uppers over neutral gray undersides
- F-5EM - 1°/1° Grupo de Caça, Base Aerea de Sta. Cruz - 2007, finished as #1 above
- F-5FM - 1°/14° G.Av. "Pampa", Canoas-RS/Brazil - 2007, finished as the first two
- F-5B - 1°/1° Grupo de Caça, Base Aerea de Sta. Cruz -1985, finished with olive green/leaf green/earth yellow uppers and pearl gray undersides
- F-5E e F - 1°/14° G.Av. "Pampa", Canoas-RS/Brazil - 2005, finished overall in blue gray
- F-5F - 1°/14° G.Av. "Pampa", Canoas-RS/Brazil - 2005, finished overall in blue gray
- F-5E - 1°/1° Grupo de Caça, Base Aerea de Sta. Cruz -1985, finished with olive green/leaf green/earth yellow uppers and pearl gray undersides
The decals are in register and very nicely printed. In addition, since a few of these were finished with national markings the same as the camo colors, FCM provides masks so you can use the same paint you use to paint the model to apply the national markings with. I can see that if FCM printed these as decals there would be no guarantee their colors would match the paint you use on the model. This way there is an exact match, with only a little extra effort on the modeler's part. I think it's a great way to ensure the colors match.
On the decal sheet are not only national markings and the like, but also full stencils for one model.
If you're looking for different markings than what might come with the yet-to-be-released AFV Club F-5E, then these are for you. They're extremely colorful aircraft and will look great on the shelf.
Our thanks to FCM Decal for the review set.