DXM Decals DXM41-4118: 1/48 JASDF Matsushima AB F-2B Anniversary

For those of you not up on current aircraft types, Japan based its F-2 on the F-16, however, it is larger in just about every respect, including a larger wing and horizontal stabilizers. These aircraft were not built for air superiority, though they could perform that role if they needed, but instead are maritime strike aircraft. For this reason, they have been given their two tone blue paint scheme for operating over water.

This particular sheet is for two anniversary aircraft of 21 Squadron based at Matsushima AB. The unit no longer exists as Matsushima is on the east coast of Japan and was pretty much destroyed during the Tsunami of 2011. Most of the squadron's aircraft were complete write offs with only a few being rebuilt. There was no effort to reopen the production line which closed in 2011 to replace the losses.

Both options are for the two seat F-2B and for kits in this scale, we are pretty well limited to the Hasegawa offering, which is a very nicely done kit, though it may be difficult to locate as it tends to sell out rather rapidly.

The upper aircraft with the black centerline tank and the dark blue fin is the one that celebrates the 30th Anniversary of 21 Squadron, which was in 2006.

The other aircraft with the lighter blue fin celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the JASDF and is from 2004.

The decal sheet is superbly printed by Cartograf and includes a full stencil suite and markings to enable one of the two planes to be modeled. There is a full stencil placement guide provided in the full color instructions.

If you are looking for something a bit different from the norm, then this is an option that you should consider.

Check with your local retailer about getting this sheet in.

October 2014

Review sheet courtesy of http://www.thepmw.com. You can get yours now at this link.

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