DXM Decals DXM41-7113: JASDF F-4EJkai (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-4EJkai squadrons, 301 and 302 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. The sheet has a complete stencil set, which, for the F-4 is quite extensive.

One aircraft, with the black tail and flames from the shark mouth (which is carried by all the options) is with 301 Squadron. The other two are from 302 Squadron and have reverted back to the very large fin marking they carried when the unit was first formed after several years of reduced size markings. How long these planes will stay in service is unknown, but thanks to the relatively low flight hours and service life extension programs, they are bound to stay around for several more years.

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, the only one of which I am aware in 1/72 scale is the still very nice version from Hasegawa.

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.