AOA Decals returns to the Intruder and reduces their fine 1/32 set for the 1/48 model builder for this next set of markings. It is quite an ambitious undertaking but AOA has proved that they are able to provide us with a wide variety of markings for the planes in question. This particular set is designed for the Hobby Boss A-6A, but if you have the old Fujimi kit, some of these schemes could well be used on that one. These are all A-6A, A-6B, or KA-6D aircraft that operated during the Vietnam War.

The set covers four units, several of which made multiple deployments. I'll start off with the Marines. VMA(AW)-224 Bengals have markings for five options when aboard the USS Coral Sea during 1971/72. This includes 3 A-6A, 1 A6B, and 1 KA-6D. One of the A-6As is the CAG bird. This also completes, along with their first set, those USMC units that operated in or off the shores of Vietnam with the Intruder.

Also including a CAG bird is one of the two A-6A options for VA-95 'Green Lizards' while on the the Coral Sea in 1973.

VA-165 made a lot of deployments and we have four options for this unit. An A-6A from the USS Ranger during 1967/68, Another A-6A from the 68/69 deployment on the same boat. An A-6A from the USS America Deployment in 1970 and a CAG A-6A from the 1971/72 cruise with the USS Constellation.

VA-196 has five options. An A-6A from the USS Constellation in 1968/69, another A-6A from the USS Ranger in 1969/70, an A-6A and A-6B with the USS Enterprise cruise of 1971/72 and finally a KA-6D with the same boat in 1972/73.

There is a full stencil suite and any differences in stencil markings on these planes is included. Markings for MERs and fuel tanks are also included. There are sufficient stencils and insignia for one plane and while you could use kit markings for any additional planes you might want to build, I am betting that AOA will produce separate stencil sheet a bit later.

The instruction sheet is considerable and quite detailed. You get not only information on each specific aircraft, but also a complete stencil diagram and load-out diagram. An information sheet on how to make for a more accurate model is also included as Hobby Boss did not get it all correct. The decals themselves are superbly printed by Cartograf so you know you are getting the best.

Intruder fans should have this one on hand for a coming project.

July 2016

Thanks to AOA Decals for the review sheet. You can find this sheet at this link.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.