As some of you may know, when the Canadians pulled out of Europe in the 1990s, several of their units were disbanded as no longer needed. One of them was 409 Squadron along with 416 and 439 Squadron. Because of an accident that kept the aircraft in Europe being repaired, 188761 was the last Canadian Hornet to leave. It was later selected for upgrade. In 2006 it was chosen to be the flaship aircraft of 409 Squadron and received a superb set of special fin markings to commemorate that.

Completing the triumvirate, this is the big 1/32 sheet for those markings. Like all of Leading Edge sheets, there is a full markings and placement guide that has all contingencies taken care of in terms of what markings go where. There is just one set of fin markings as this is designed for the Academy kit. What Leading Edge has done is provide a separate set of rudder markings, which is nice. There is also no 'false canopy' decal. Instead you get a high quality mask so you can properly paint these one. Looks a ton nicer this way.

The fin decals are specially done and of very high quality. As such, there is a single coating over the full sheet and the backing of it is white. The modeler needs to carefully trim this to prevent any of the white backing from showing on the completed kit. Some minor work will need to be done (such as removing the molded on slime lights), but nothing difficult.

This is yet another superlative Hornet sheet from our friends at Leading Edge decals. Their attention to detail ensures that you will have the highest quality markings set available. I don't know about you, but I always look forward to seeing what it is they can come up with next.

Review sheet courtesy Leading Edge Decals. Thanks for your support.

August 2008

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