Now that the Trumpeter/Hobbycraft Panther is out, I figured it wouldn't be long until a decal sheet was produced for it. This one is the first of three new sheets from Yellowhammer Models and covers four aircraft from three different units. All of them are overall gloss sea blue with red trim. Yellowhammer has been kind enough to include a mask for the red nose flash used on three of them from the USS Bonne Homme Richard in case you would rather paint on this feature. Included in the instruction sheet is a color photo of the 'Bonnie Dick' while in port at what appears to be Yokusuka, Japan. It is interesting to note that just behind where the rocket exhaust would be on the wings, the paint has been burned away, showing the yellow zinc chromate primer.

First, from VF-781 is F9F-2 'Paper Doll' during its fall 1951 cruise. This aircraft has the nice red flashes and a considerable mission tally.

Next is 'Papasan'  from VF-71 aboard the Bonnie Dick in 1952/53.

Next is an F9F-3 from VF-51 that was the mount of Leonard Plog who got the first USN jet kill in July of 1950. This aircraft does not have the rocket rails under the wings.

Finally, 'Sweet Violetta/Potato City Flash' another VF-71 F9F-2  from the 52/53 cruise.

In addition to the nose flash mask, Yellowhammer provides an extensive data markings suite and an excellent markings placement guide. You can now toss those dubious Trumpeter decals!

March 2007

Review copy courtesy of YellowHammer Models