Thanks to Starfighter Decals, we have another nice Panther decal sheet in 1/72. This one is for the F9F-2/2B and concentrates on those operated in Korea. For kits you have both Hobby Boss and Hasegawa for the early round tailed Panther.

There are markings on the sheet for three planes, all of them in overall gloss sea blue, which would have faded to semi-gloss and probably been a bit nicked up as well. Starting with the order on the cover, we have a VMF-115 plane. This has AE tail codes and a white section on the lower nose.

The other two options are both from VMF-311. Curiously, both have the same nose number but are not the same plane. The first WL/2 has a blue fin tip and a pretty incredible mission scoreboard on the nose. Above the nose number is 'Jet Cats' on one side. The other plane differs in markings details (such as no wing tank numbers), and this one has a white burst pattern on the nose.

Aside from the scoreboard plane's fuselage insignia, all the insignia for the airplanes will need to come from either the kit or an aftermarket insignia sheet. The decal sheet is very nicely printed as befits a sheet that is basically one color, and there are no registration issues with the insignia or red trim on the nose decal for the third option.

If you have a 1/72 F9F-2/3 Panther kit hanging about looking for some optional markings, this sheet will certainly fill the bill.

Thanks to www.starfighter-decals.com for the review sample.

May 2015

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