This is the first sheet I have seen in many years for the early AV-8A Harrier, and it is great that Caracal Models has decided to produce a sheet for this aircraft. The decals are fitted for the Monogram kit and since it has not be reissued in a great while, I have to assume that it will be slated to do so this year.

For those of us who have had this kit for a long time, but would rather not use the kit markings options, this sheet is a great excuse to blow the dust of this one and get it assembled. The set offers no fewer than a dozen different markings options. It covers probably most units that flew the plane and offers a variety of markings options. There is at least one of each high-vis scheme that includes the colorful rudder markings these planes carried during their early use. Later these markings were removed and still later all the markings were done in black. None of these schemes are the later wraparound scheme and some have the slime lights installed as well as the air refueling probe.

Below is a full list of what is provided in the sheet.

• AV-8A BuNo. 158703 (flight test scheme w/orange panels
• AV-8A BuNo. 158702, VMA-231 (temporary winter camouflage)
• AV-8A BuNo. 159248, VMA-231, USS Roosevelt
• AV-8A BuNo. 159256, VMA-231, high-vis scheme
• AV-8A BuNo. 159248, VMA-231, low-vis scheme
• AV-8A BuNo. 158967, VMA-542, high-vis scheme
• AV-8A BuNo. 158950, VMA-542, low-vis scheme
• AV-8A BuNo. 158976, VMA-513, high-vis scheme
• AV-8A BuNo. 159368, VMAT-203, high-vis scheme
• AV-8A BuNo. 159252, VMAT-203, low-vis scheme
• AV-8A BuNo. 158975, VMA-513 Det. A, high-vis scheme
• AV-8A BuNo. 158966, VMA-513 Det. B, high-vis scheme

The sheet itself is superbly printed by Cartograf so you know you are getting the best. The instructions are in full color with a full upper surface camouflage scheme shown as well as a very complete data markings guidefor each nation's aircraft. Photos of the aircraft are available on their web site for more information. The URL is provided in the instructions. For stencils, use those from the kit.

March 2013

Thanks to www.caracalmodels.com for the review sheet. Get yours today from this link or have your local shop order it for you.

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

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