This release from Afterburner Decals covers the F-111Es from the 20th TFW based at RAF Upper Heyford from the mid 80s through to Desert Storm. Included are markings for the colourful Wing flagships with some rather snazzy tail markings. A few examples of the F-111E's line aircraft with nose art are included. Rather less decorated combat aircraft that saw action in Iraq are also covered. Stencils for 2 aircraft and this release is sized to Hobby Bosses kit of the F-111E.
Contents.
2 x decal sheets. The one with most of the markings and stencils is A4 and the smaller sheet with tail codes and the black tiger stripes is about A5.
6 x A4 colour profiles and plan views.
2 x black and white stencil guides.
1 x weapons and stores guide. Covers the Cold War and Desert Storm.
All aircraft are camouflaged in olive green [FS34102], forest green [FS34079], Vietnam tan[FS30219] upper surfaces and black [FS37038] under surfaces.
The decals and information sheets come in a transparent resealable bag. Each aircraft is illustrated with a colour drawing of the port side. Any variation on the starboard side is noted. There are colour side, upper and lower plan views to aid painting. There are also side, upper and lower plan views to aid the location of stencils common to all aircraft. Also included is information on weapon loads during the F-111E's service during the Cold War and it's role in Desert Storm. Strangely the internal weapons bay does not seem to have been used at all to carry ordinance.
It's worth noting as these decals are intended for the Hobby Boss F-111E, two of the above markings replicate the kits markings:
F-111E 68-0055, 55th TFW Flagship “Heartbreaker”, 1986.
F-111E 68-0049, 79thTFS, NATO Tigermeet, 1991.
Some of the markings above are for the same aircraft at various periods of it's service. Two different aircraft from 20th TFW have “the chief” along with a chiefs head and headdress painted on their noses. The nose art of some of these aircraft have a very similar feel to the nose art adorning WWII aircraft. There are also bombing mission tallies on some of the aircraft. Tail markings on some of the flagships are stunning, brightening up the camouflage scheme. There are enough stencils to dress up two models.
Quality of the print by Cartograf is simply stunning. Colour density looks superb. Decals are glossy with a minimum amount of carrier film. Stencils and text despite their very small size are legible. If you look closely there is even a pilot called Buck Rogers.
Conclusions.
The quality of this release keeps up the high standards that Afterburner Decals have set themselves. I am running out of superlatives for these releases from Afterburner Decals. If the F-111 is your thing then this is a must have release.
SUMMARY
Highs: Some fantastic decals to brighten up your F-111E.Lows: Which one to chose.Verdict: Highly recommended.
Our Thanks to Afterburner Decals! 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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