Aeromaster Decals released these popular decals last year and they are currently available through several dealers. Hasegawa has included them in their re-release of the original, Monogram 1/48 scale F-106A Delta Dart kit but currently are only available for Japanese domestic release only. (See Fred Krause's (dathon@konnections.net) review of the F-106 kit. It's the same thing!) A few of these kits (HM161) are currently showing up on on-line auctions in the United States. (I got my kit and decals from my brother who lives in Japan!) The set included with HM161 was printed in Italy by Cartograph and the register is excellent on my set.

This decal set includes markings for two F-106As. First is 59-0057 from the 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Air Defense, Tactical Air Command, stationed at McChord AFB, Washington. The 318th was one of the last active-duty squadrons to operate the F-106 - from 1960 to 1983 - when they converted to F-15As, which they flew until 1989 when the squadron was deactivated. A unique, straight, anti-glare panel was painted on 318th F-106s during the early 1980s and is accurately depicted on this set's instructions. These 318th markings are very accurate color-wise. (Note: Expert's Choice offers set 48-14 with similar 318th FIS markings.)

Next is marking for 58-0766 from the 159th FIS, 125th Fighter Interceptor Group, Florida Air National Guard. The 159th FIS flew the Six out of Jacksonville, Florida from 1974 to 1987 when they converted to the F-16A/B Block 15 ADF and currently operate F-15s. My only criticism of the 159th FIS markings on this set is the blue color is to light as compared to actual 159th FIS F-106s. Expert's Choice set 48-38 more accurately depicts the correct color.

This set includes basic stencils although not as complete as the Superscale/Microscale sets have. I am impressed with the aircraft ID stencils (reference instruction letters N and O) which accurately identify 59-0057 and 58-0766. Neither set has the vertical, tail-navigation light decal. The national insignia are multi-piece so you'll have to put the red stripes on separately if you have to use these - instead of some spares. Curiously, they include complete and multi-part decals for the USAF Outstanding Unit Award insignia used on the 159th FIS aircraft. It reminds me that one should work smarter, not harder! More decals for the spares box, eh!

Overall I am very impressed with these decals. Well made and both very colorful and popular markings for F-106s. Whether you buy these separately or get them with the Hasegawa/Revell kit you will surely enjoy them!

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