Brief History

The CH-53E Super Stallion is the Marine Corps heavy lift helicopter, with its 3 gas turbine engines making it the largest helicopter in the U.S. military inventory. Designed for transportation of personnel, 37 passengers in a normal seating position and provision to carry 55 with the centerline seats installed and is capable of lifting 16 tons. The Super Stallion is equipped with a fueling probe that can be refueled in-flight giving the 53E indefinite range.

Company Background

Flying Leathernecks is owned and operated by Dave Roof. It was started in November 2007. Dave is responsible for all artwork, layout, instructions, packaging, and shipping all the while holding down his full time active duty job of 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Dave started out doing research and consultant work in 1991 starting with Repliscale...worked for Model Technologies/Teknics from 92 to 93.....Done work for/with or assisted Revell-Monogram, Academy, Aeromaster, Eagle Strike, Black Box, and Superscale.

Started Orion Model Accessories in 2000, then a name change to Orion Scale Models and added the Flying Leathernecks Decals line. To quote the company:

"The Flying Leathernecks line was created to provide the modeling community with the most thoroughly researched and accurate markings of Marine Corps aircraft. We work directly with each squadron to ensure each sheet is as accurate as it can possibly be before sending it to print."

The decals

Flying Leathernecks just released an impressive 1/48th decal sheet covering the CH-53E (Echo’s) Heavy Haulers form the 22nd MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit), HMH-461 and HMH-464. This new sheet is for the 1/48th Academy CH-53E Super Stallion.

There is more to just this one sheet, not only do you get enough markings to build eight (8) aircraft which also includes door art for five (5) of the eight (8) airframes. But wait it gets better, a bonus CD is included. On the CD you get 212 walk around photos.

104 photos covering the airframe and cabin
29 photos covering the cockpit
32 photos covering three (3) aircrafts from HMH-461
24 photos covering three (3) aircrafts from HMH-464
23 photos covering two (2) aircrafts from HMH-261

The CD also carries the instructions for the decal applications for all aircrafts in a .PDF format and the placement of the door art decals.

The decals came first class in a manila envelope, the decal sheet is packed in a clear zip-loc bag with a piece of cardboard for strength. There is also a sheet of paper which describes the CD contents, instructions applying the door art, current FS colors and a long list of aftermarket set for the 1/48th CH-53E.

The printing on the decal sheet is sharp, registration is solid and the colors look right. The film surrounding the decal is minimal and the carrier film looks to be thin so the decals need to be handled carefully and should snuggle down onto the kits detail very well. The decals are glossy so clear coating is a must and should disappear under your favorite dull coat finish. There are no date decals with this sheet so you’ll have to use the kit supplied data stencils which are accurate.

Conclusion

I have to say that this is a great bargain at $17.00, markings for 8 aircraft and a walkaround CD filled with photos. The decals are beautiful, as are the instructions themselves. I highly recommend this sheet to anyone who has 1/48th Academy CH-53E.
This sheet and CD is available now at: Orion Scale Models.

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