The latest batch of new decals from Starfighter starts with a nice sheet for the E-2C Hawkeye. There are markings for three Atlantic Coast aircraft in the standard Navy scheme of the time.

First is from VAW-124 'Bear Aces' from the 1991 time period in light gull grey over white.

Next is from VAW-125 'Tiger Tails' from 1996. By this time, the white was gone from the scheme and was just the easy to paint overall light gull grey.

Also in this scheme is the third option from VAW-126 'Sea Hawk' from 2006.

The sheet provides all the unique markings with the common ones needing to come from the kit. Fortunately, the kit for this aircraft, by Revell, is a beauty.

This particular sheet is ALPs printed so will require care in handling and in cutting out the various markings. There are enough data markings all aircraft. Instructions are in full color and provide FS 595 references as well as markings placement information. I would caution the builder that on the latter two schemes, I do not think the control surfaces were white as is implied by the painting guide. It would be a good idea to check photos to see if that is indeed the case.

Those of us who are fans of 1/144 should be glad that Starfighter Decals has taken the time and trouble to provide us with optional markings and they don't charge a fortune for them either. Well worth the cost and I highly recommend visiting them to see what else they offer.

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

March 2009

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