It seems to me that several decal companies are starting to follow a trend of which they provide a sheet that has markings for several aircraft of the same unit. This is most noticeable when it comes to the more modern aircraft and this sheet is typical of this trend. It offers markings for three planes from VFA-14. The benefit of doing this is that it offers both the folks who like the 'pretty' aircraft and those who want a 'regular' version what they desire. In this case, one gets the CAG bird, the Squadron CO's plane and one of the regular aircraft, each with their markings. The CAG bird has color and a black tail, the Squadron CO's plane does not have the black tail, but does have the color. The other option is in all grey markings.

For kits, the only one around at this moment (May 2004), is the Italeri kit in 1/48. It requires modification to current standards as it is basically a pre-production version. Though the sheet (printed in 2002) mentions an upcoming Trumpeter kit, I don't think it will see the light as Revell-Monogram will be doing a production version later this year. Since the markings are such that they don't have to match specific portions of the plane, this and many other sheets designed for the Italeri kit should fit the upcoming R-M one with little trouble.

It has also been brought to my attention that the sheet does not include a red intake warning decal as used by two of the three options (how did I miss that?). I'd suggest contacting 2Bobs for a replacement.

Review sheet courtesy of ME!