This particular sheet is for one of my favorite aircraft, the F-4 Phantom II. These markings require the F-4S version and the Hasegawa kit is recommended, along with a number of aftermarket bits and pieces from various manufacturers.

First option is a specially painted aircraft from VMFA-232. This plane is in overall gloss light gull grey with white bits on the rudder and horizontal stabs. Sort of a retro scheme that was applied in 1988. to be totally retro, they'd have had to have painted the flaps and ailerons white, but apparently did not do this. This aircraft is also a MiG killer when it was with VF-31 during the Vietnam war. The aircraft is now on display with the Smithsonian Collection. The red parts of the fin and canopy surround will have to be painted by the builder.

The other is from VMFA-333 and is in the Tactical Paint Scheme it wore during 1985-86. 333 was one of the many units disestablished after Desert Storm.

The sheet is well printed with insignia and common markings for both aircraft. It also includes the fuselage walkway areas for the VMFA-232 aircraft. I did notice that a few of the red bits for the insignia bars and intake warnings are a teeny bit ragged, but you have to look very closely to see it.

Overall a fine sheet and my thanks to MAW Decals for the review sample. You can get yours direct from the link above. Free shipping in US. International orders e-mail them at mawdecals@vfdecals.com for rates.

March 2007

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly by a site that has over 350,000 visitors a month, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.