DXM Decals DXM41-4220: 1/48 JASDF F-15J Eagle (ACM 2013)

Every couple of years, the Japanese hold an Air Combat Meet (ACM). These events are used to test the readiness of their air force in a number of categories including air to air combat, aerial gunnery against a target, and general air defense. This includes maritime interceptions. A number of units are invited to participate and they generally cover several classes of aircraft.

This particular sheet covers two F-15J squadrons, 201 and 203 who participated in the 2013 ACM. There are markings on the sheet for three aircraft, all of them in FS 36320 over 36375, two shades that are quite close to each other and what in the US would be considered the 'old' Eagle greys. The sheet has a complete stencil set, which, for the F-15 is quite extensive.

All of these aircraft are based at Chitose in Hokkaido, which is the northern-most of the main Japanese islands and where trouble from Russia would most likely originate. Both units also have bears of some sort as their mascots. 201 Squadron uses a teddy bear while 203 uses a standard bear. This accounts for the tail markings carried by the two units.  with 203 Squadron having a bear paw on the fin. Both units had nose markings as well with the 201 Squadron planes having flashes in either red or grey. The lone 203 Squadron plane also has a large marking for its centerline fuel tank.

The DXM decals are superbly printed by Cartograf and include a full color placement guide that includes an extensive data placement guide as well. For kits, Hasegawa does an F-15J as does Fujimi. Really, you just need one that offers both fins with the small balances on them, unlike US Eagles which carry equipment in one.

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.