DXM Decals DXMD48001: JASDF F-15J/DJ Aggressor

Aggressor schemes are popular with both modelers and airplane enthusiasts alike. The JASDF operates F-15s in this role to provide training in air to air combat and so there are always aircraft pulled from the standard Eagle squadrons that are painted in some very colorful markings.

This new sheet from DXM covers four different schemes that have been carried over the years by planes of the Advanced Fighter Training Wing. The sheet contains enough common data and other markings to do two complete planes. You can do even more by using markings from the kit. The sheet also contains a number of additional serial numbers and nose numbers so that you could do other aircraft aside from what is on the sheet.

As you can see, this one covers four distinctive camouflage schemes. These are evenly split between single and two seat Eagles with the the bluish and very dark grey schemes being the two seat planes.   A very nice addition to this sheet is a DVD that includes not only much larger four view drawings of the various schemes, but a movie on how to paint these aircraft. This is subtitled in English so it is easy for us to understand what is going on. For kits you have a number of options from various companies so locating something appropriate should not be difficult. Note that the F-15J and DJ have the same small fin tip fairings whereas USAF ones have one side larger than the other.

The decals themselves are superbly printed and rather glossy. The full color instruction sheet shows four views of each aircraft so that you can be sure to get all the colors in the right place. Paint information is in Mr. Color, Humbrol and FS 595 so you are sure to find something locally that will work. A welcome addition is the inclusion of a roll of their very nice 2mm wide detail tape. I have used this tape on other projects and it is quite handy.

A great sheet that will produce some great looking models when you are finished.

An excellent choice for those of you wanting something a bit different.

April 2012

Review sheet courtesy of http://www.thepmw.com. Please note that they are working on an English version of their website.

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