Though the most recent Crusader kit around is the brand new one from Hasegawa, this sheet is tailored for the Monogram kit. Why, you might ask. Well, the truth is that decal sheets generally have a semi-long gestation period from design to actual printing. While some (like Superscale) can get them out in as little as 6 weeks, when using overseas printers (as on this one printed in Italy), the delay is generally much longer and more like 3-4 months. The date on this new sheet is 12/2002.

Anyway, both aircraft are in the light gull grey and white scheme of basically all fighter Crusaders and it is possible that the markings will fit on the Hasegawa kit.

First is the often done VMF-312 boss bird with the large checkerboard on the tail. Unusually, the camo colors cover the exhaust area.

The other subject is one that is not seen too often and is from VF-13. This aircraft, as the previous one, does not have the ECM fairing on the tail and has a grey radome.

It s interesting to note that the VMF-312 markings are not the same as on a recent Superscale sheet even though it is the exact same aircraft! It is also odd to have the ship's name on the side of the plane without the Air Wing tail code.

Review sheet courtesy North American Hobbies, where you can get everything from 20-30% below retail.

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