Now this is a sheet that I'm sure many have been looking forward to finally having available. Monogram produced a number of very nice 1/72 fighter kits back many years ago (the 60's perhaps) that most of us have built at one time or another. One of those was for the Boeing F4B-4. Now we have some optional markings for that particular kit, thanks to Starfighter Decals. The set includes enough markings to do two of the three aircraft on the sheet.

#1 is from VF-3B aboard the USS Ranger in 1933. Blue band around the fuselage and wing stripes. The nose plate is also Blue.

#2 is from VF-6 on the USS Enterprise in 1937. White is the main shade for the bands and the cowling. It is suggested that the white be painted on to prevent bleed-through and I have to suppose that is what the black-printed items are for (to provide for making masks).

#3 is a VB-5 aircraft from USS Lexington in 1934. Again, blue is the main color for the bands and cowling.

These decals are ALPS printed and have a clear coat over them to protect them from damage, but one still needs to be careful. Only the weakest of setting solutions (Microscale) is recommended.

I should mention that the blues shown on the sheet scan are actually darker than what is shown. I recommend getting some of these as it will help encourage Starfighter Decals to do more for those kits that really need aftermarket.

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

January 2008

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