MAW-Decals 1/32
F/A-18D Double D Part 2

MAW-Decals decals continued to turn out some outstanding subjects and these two F/A-18Ds are no exception. This set provides the markings for two D-model bugs:

• F/A-18D, 164705, VMFA(AW)-332 'Moonlighters, EA/00, OIF, 2005
• F/A-18D, 165411, VMFA(AW)-121 'Green Knights', VK/05, OIF, 2007

As you can see in the images, Moonlighter aircraft is wearing colorful markings of the squadron commander's mount. The Green Knight is an example of a typical low-visibility scheme worn by the squadron. If you're looking for a colorful Green Knight, look here.

Some of the artwork is quite complex and in the case of the MEF shield worn on the starboard side of the tail, this marking is comprised of four layers of decals to get the right look. This is a bad news/good news proposition as these are printed by Microscale. Microscale has problems with multicolor registration and rather than print decals that will have a good chance of being out of register, the decal companies are breaking up the color layer like this to maintain quality and reduce the risk of misprints. The good news is that since these are printed by Microscale, these decals are far thinner that decals from other printers and lay down much better. It is a trade-off, and while it will take a little more work to place some of these markings, you'll have less problems with silvering and maneuvering them into place.

The decal printing is crisp and colorful and the instructions are printed in full color. If you're looking for some interesting subjects for your next 1/32 F/A-18D project, here is one great option.

This set is definitely recommended!

For more information about this set and the other releases from MAW-Decals, visit their website at http://www.mawdecals.com/.

My sincere thanks to MAW-Decals Decals for this review sample!