This sheet from Authentic Decals covers no fewer than five aircraft from the time VFA-81 traded in their Legacy Hornets for the new Super Hornet. This basically means the last three years as they started transitioning to the new plane in mid 2008. All of the options are in the latest two tone grey of FS36320 over 36375, two shades that are very close to each other, so that faded schemes often appear monochromatic.

Using the full color, glossy paper markings guide, here is what is provided on the sheet:

First off, the CAG bird with a Midnight Blue tail from the Feb 2010 cruise on the USS Carl Vinson.

Next is from 2008 at NAS Oceana. In fact, all of the following schemes are from Oceana as I believe the Vinson cruise was their first with the new aircraft. Those who know can correct me if I'm in error. Anyway, the next three schemes are all quite similar and are from April 2010, and August 2008, the latter with a rather unusual modex of 166.

The reverse of the colors and markings guide is a stencil placement chart with any differences from the norm noted by asterisk. The decals themselves are very nicely printed with the clear coat very tight to the marking. There are enough stencils and data markings for one plane with insignia for two as long as one is the CAG bird. If you wish to do more airframes from the sheet, I'm sure that the kit markings will be useful.

No kit is specified for this (unless I missed it), but I believe the only kit to somewhat modern fit is the one by Revell. Italeri did a prototype and may have upgraded it, but I'm not sure. In all, a very nicely done sheet and one you should consider. My thanks to Vagabond Decals, where you can get this and other fine decals and accessories.

March 2011

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.