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In-Box Review
Air Wing All Stars F-14 Part 2
Air Wing All Stars Tomcats Part Two - Decal First Look
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by: Paul Cotcher [ REDSTAR ]

Introduction

This is another new sheet of decals for the venerable Hasegawa F-14 series. As always they are presented in Furball's typical 8.5" x 11" format. Those that prefer low visibility markings will enjoy this set, as the subjects are all from the era of very low use of color on USN aircraft. Coming out of the early 1980s as the USN adopted a strict low visibility policy, as the era of gull gray over white came to a close. Thankfully in the post-Desert Storm era some allowances have been made as now the CAG and CO aircraft from squadrons can again embrace the color and heraldry of their unit's heritage.

Markings Included

The set covers 11 aircraft, all in the typical scheme of FS 35237/36320/35375. Squadron markings are typically black or dark gray. The decals are, as always for Furball, expertly printed by Cartograf.

Subjects:

F-14A (Plus) 163223, VF-24, CVW-9, 1991
F-14A 160667, VF-51, CVW-15, 1989
F-14B 162925, VF-74, CVW-17, 1992
F-14A 160414, VF-84, CVW-8, 1984
F-14A (TARPS) 162695, VF-102, CVW-1, 1993
F-14B (Upgrade) 162916, VF-102, CVW-1, 1993
F-14B 162926, VF-142, CVW-7, 1994
F-14A (PLUS), VF-143, CVW-7, 1991
F-14A 159002, VF-191, CVW-19, 1987
F-14A (PLUS), 161599, VF-211, CVW-9, 1991
F-14A, 161294, VF-213, CVW-11, 1991

Notes are provided on each subject regarding weathering and any other special characteristics. Full diagrams are also included for side profiles as well as top and bottom views to facilitate proper placement.

Basic stencils are included that are standard to this type of aircraft. Some modelers may choose to add a more extensive stencil set, but that will be to individual taste. It would appear that 3-4 sets are included depending on the subjects chosen, so this can easily be used for more than one modeling project.

Conclusion

This is another superlative effort from Furball. If you are a fan of low-vis Tomcats, then this one is a no-brainer. None of the aircraft appear to have any combat history (at least that is noted in the instructions), so that may be a gap to some modelers, but all in all, if the subjects interest you, you really can't go wrong with these decals.
SUMMARY
Highs: Cartograf printing, excellent research, good size and presentation and F-14s, what more can you ask?
Lows: Lack of any color or high vis markings may be a detraction for some (when I think of CAG birds, I think of color). Also the lack of combat markings is a minor point.
Verdict: This is a great decal set, especially if you are looking for markings to cover this specific (late 80s to early 90s) era of F-14 markings. The research and printing quality make these second to none if the markings choices fit your taste!
Percentage Rating
85%
  Scale: N/A
  Mfg. ID: 48036
  Suggested Retail: 20.00
  PUBLISHED: Oct 20, 2014
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.65%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.00%

Our Thanks to Furball Aero Design!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Paul Cotcher (RedStar)
FROM: GEORGIA, UNITED STATES

I have been modeling since the mid-1970s, having learned pretty much all the different hobbies with my dad. My original fascination were kits of rockets and missiles, but soon after developed a fascination for jets, and have been modeling ever since. I primarily build 1:48 scale aircraft, and my c...

Copyright ©2021 text by Paul Cotcher [ REDSTAR ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



   
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