The Hobby Boss A-6 being a nicely scaled down copy of the Trumpeter kit has been well received by modelers thus far. It has also received excellent support from the decal printing aftermarket. Having already released three sheets of 1:48 USN Intruder decals earlier this year, Furball turns their attention to the Marine Corps (can I get an oooh rah?). This set covers a wide variety of units and time frames from early operations in Vietnam, to late Cold War operations into the 1970s. Color, as was the norm for this era, abounds in these markings. It'll be hard for you not to find something you like!
Subjects Covered
Like MOST Furball sets, this set is in the full-size 8.5" x 11" format. The decals are, as always, printed by Cartograf, and feature full color instructions. Two decal sheets are included, one large full color and then a second covering the black markings for each subject. All of the subjects covered by this set are in the "gull gray over white" scheme so typical of this era. Here is the specific line-up:
VMA(AW)-121 A-6E 159314 MCAS Cherry Point 1977
VMA(AW)-224 A-6E 152908 1976
VMA(AW)-224 A-6A 157017 MCAS Cherry Point 1974
VMA(AW)-225 A-6A 155700 Da Nang AB, RVN 1969
VMA(AW)-242 A-6A 155621 1977
VMA(AW)-332 A-6E 159316 1978
VMA(AW)-332 A-6A 157002 MCAS Cherry Point 1971
VMA(AW)-332 A-6E 155589 1983
VMA(AW)-533 A-6A 155687 Nam Phong RTAB, Thailand 1972
VMA(AW)-533 A-6A 155700 Nam Phong RTAB, Thailand 1972
VMA(AW)-533 A-6A 152835 Da Nang AB, RVN 1966
VMA(AW)-533 A-6A 155692 MCAS Iwakuni, Japan 1973
VMA(AW)-533 A-6E 155707 1978
Full color placement diagrams are included for all aircraft, as well as a generic stencil placement diagram. There are enough stencils and insignia included for at least two aircraft, and with the addition of more national insignia from outside sources, the sheet could go a lot further.
Conclusion
This is another superlative release from Furball. The choice of markings is superb, crossing a number of units and historical periods. Combat aircraft are included, with at least one of the subjects even featuring mission markings. The only real gap is that the sheet doesn't move forward into the low-vis era, but I suspect that will be covered in future releases, or at such time as an A-6E TRAM is released with the later wing. But if you have any inclination to build a USMC Intruder, this sheet is for YOU!
SUMMARY
Highs: Cartograf printing, colorful markings, combat markings, pretty much covers all the bases.Lows: Really none worth mentioning. The lack of low-vis markings does hold down the variety, but those will almost certainly be covered in future releases.Verdict: If you have any plans to build a 1/48th scale USMC Intruder, run, don't walk, to buy this decal set. As with many Furball releases the print runs have been known to sell out quickly, so keep that in mind!
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.
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...
Paul,
Thanks for the review. I have not one but two Fightertown sheets for Navy A-6A/Es, but I guess I should consider doing a Marines version on my next A-6 build. That sheet really does look quite nice. And I've never tried any Furball decals as yet.
Joel
Comments