This next new sheet from Superscale Decals is designed for the reissued Revell 1/48 A-6E Intruder. The Intruder was possibly the last of the US Navy's dedicated bombers. Its sole purpose in being was to deliver a large load of ordnance on an enemy target. No secondary role of air to air combat and the aircraft was never equipped with self defense Sidewinders as were some other types.

Both of the schemes on this sheet are from the earliest days of A-6E operations in that both of these are in light gull grey over white and neither of them have the FLIR turret in the lower radome.

The Navy option is from VA-196 aboard the USS Coral Sea in May of 1981. This is the CAG bird so has the multiple colors on the rudder. It was apparently built as an A-6A and like many A-6Es, converted to that standard. It is a survivor and now resides at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at MCAS Miramar.

The other is from the USMC training squadron, VMAT-202 in July 1980. Like others in that squadron, it has a large Orange tail that the builder will need to paint. This plane didn't have the luck of the first option having been written off in January of the next year.

The instructions include a superb data placement guide so you can get the myriad of stencils properly located. The sheet also includes enough major data markings and insignia to do both options.  Cartograf is now Superscale's default printer and the sheet is superbly done.  Those wanting to do both options can use kit decals for the common bits.

June 2011

Review copy courtesy of Squadron Products. Get yours at your local shop or on-line retailer. 

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