The decals in the MRC kit are for versions of an HMLA-367 Cobra in Desert Storm sand/brown scheme or an HMT-303 (training squadron) Cobra in tri-color camo. HMT-303 always uses 400 series side numbers. The picture on the side of the MRC box is inaccurate in that it shows the tri-color decals on top of the sand/brown paint scheme. To be nit-picky, if you choose to use the tri-color and depict the model with a full load of ordnance, do not use the HMT-303 tail letters (QT). The training squadron does not use TOW or Hellfire.
Here's more info on USMC "W"s in ODS.
All AH-1Ws were originally painted in the USMC tri-color (black, green, gray) camouflage scheme that first appeared in the mid-1980s. Just prior to deploying to Desert Shield, HMLA-367 “Scarface” painted all of their AH-1Ws with light coat of gray based on the results of visibility (or lack thereof) studies conducted by the Navy. The original tri-color camouflage, especially the black, was still visible through the paint; this gave a visual illusion of a two-tone gray scheme. The reserve squadrons painted their AH-1Js in a similar scheme. Within a couple of months of arrival in theater, the parent wing directed that the only acceptable colors for helicopters were all sand, sand/brown, or sand/gray.
Prior to Desert Storm all HMLA-367 aircraft were repainted sand/brown. The only visible markings were black Bureau (BuNo) numbers (tail) and MODEX numbers (side). HMLA-367’s assigned side numbers for their ten Cobras were 120s and 130s. HMLA-369, “Gunfighters”, deployed to Desert Storm with 18 AH-1Ws. They chose to use the sand/gray paint scheme. The sand was applied over the black and green of the tri-color paint scheme. The original gray of the tri-color camo was used as the gray of the sand/gray scheme; any markings that appeared on the original scheme were still visible. Therefore it was common to see half a stencil visible on the gray while the other half was covered by sand.
The other two active duty squadrons in theater, HMLA-269 and HMLA-169, kept the original tri-color camo. The reserve AH-1Js, belonging to a different air wing, retained the gray paint scheme. These paints were water-soluble but had fairly well baked on in the desert heat. After Desert Storm it was a common sight to see some pretty ugly birds with paint in various stages of flaking off to the original tri-color.
Unit break-down:
HMLA-169 - standard tri-color - stayed on the boats for the most part.
HML/A-269 - standard tri-color - stayed in reserve for the most part
HMLA-367 - Gray at first and then sand/brown standard tri-color - involved in all of the action
HMLA-369 - Sand or Sand/Gray - involved in all of the action
The "EH" tailcode was used on the aircraft from the 24th MEU that participated in Operation Provide Comfort. If you wanted a bird from HML/A-269, replace the "EH" with an "HF".
Lastly, if you can find them, Two Bobs Aviation Graphics used to make a set of decals for the 1/35 AH-1W called "Whiskeys in the Mix". It had a couple ODS versions in sand and sand/brown schemes as options. Unfortunately, it is long out of production. It was a great set.
Hope thats not too much info. Good luck.
