With the recent reissue of the Monogram F9F-5 Panther kit by Revell, it was only a matter of time before we'd start seeing new decal sheets for this kit. A bonus with this particular boxing is that the small under nose radome that was originally planned for this kit was finally included. Though not called out in the instructions, it is there and that opens a whole realm of possible markings for the Panther later in its career.

This particular sheet includes two USMC squadrons, neither one of them in the overall gloss sea blue.

The first one is from VMF-224. This particular plane is in the overall bare metal scheme. You should realize that Navy planes in this scheme had the sheet metal anodized to prevent corrosion. This means that it isn't going to be shiny and bright, but rather dull and almost weathered looking so keep that in mind when doing this version. Most of its color comes from the yellow nose and tail markings. The nose itself is white, which should make the nose markings stand out quite well. You may have to undercoat the tail marking areas with white to get the same shade. The black anti-glare panel is provided as a decal which is quite nice.

The other aircraft is from VMA-223 and it is in the light gull grey over white scheme with nice red markings on the nose, tip tanks and tail section. This is a later F9F-5 that has been fitted with the under nose radome

Either scheme will be a good choice and an interesting change from the usual sea blue.

Review copy courtesy of . Thanks for your support.