Free State Hogs
104th Fighter Squadron A-10A/C 1989-2009

Afterburner Decals, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Ken Bowes

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Sheet 48-052 from Afterburner decals is what I describe as a super sheet, which is one which provides extensive coverage of a particular unit or subject. In this case it is the A-10A/C Thunderbolt IIs of the 104th Fighter Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard. “Free State Hogs” provides a range of markings that can broadly be broken down into phases of the Unit’s history. The first phase provided are markings for A-10As from major exercises held in the continental United States during 1989 (Sentry Independence – six aircraft) and 1991 (Gunsmoke – five aircraft) as well as one option from their 1990 Operational Readiness Inspection. Two of the twelve have the same tail numbers but all have different nose art depending on year. Unlike a lot of A-10 nose art which is found inside the crew access ladder door, this unit applied large colourful nose art on the forward fuselage, including much reminiscient of World War Two girly art inspired by a book on nose art provided by one of the Squadron’s members. All jets from this period (1989-1991) are in Euro 1 camouflage.

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The second phase covered by this sheet are the Commanding Officer’s A-10A from 2000 and a second aircraft from 2005 that received nose art after striking a coyote on the runway at Davis Monthan AFB in 2005. Both aircraft are in the current Light/Dark Ghost Grey scheme. Finally to round part two out are markings for no less than 22 A-10Cs including ten with crew access door nose art. As per the two earlier A-10As, these aircraft are finished in the current grey scheme. One thing this sheet reinforces is that the 104th Fighter Squadron are prolific appliers of nose art. Aside from decals for all this nose art and complete stenciling from two airframes, Afterburner have added some nice additions that will complete a model. These include markings for AIM-9M Sidewinders, Litening targeting pods carried by the A-10C and also markings for the AN/ALQ-131 ecm pod. Aside from this are markings for both styles of engine blanking plugs as used by the 104th so no excuses to get a replica absolutely correct.

Given the extensive number of subjects covered, it is no surprise that not everyone is depicted in the instruction sheet, however there are four view diagrams for both the Euro 1 and Ghost Grey schemes and profiles for 24 of the aircraft depicted. Instructions are printed in full colour on no less than 12 glossy A4 pages including one page of armament diagrams and two pages of stencil placement guides.

As with all the large format decal sheets (almost A4 on its on with a small supplementary sheet) these are printed by Cartograph. Given the large amount of complex mutli-coloured designs included with squadron markings and nose art, this sheet is a worthy example of the printers art.

While no particular kit is cited as a preference, modelers have the choice of three for this subject, the old Monogram which is still cited by many as the most accurate A-10A and the newer kits from Hobby Boss and Italeri which suffer some problems as to the airframe mod state that is represented.

With care any one of the three can be used to make a superb replica of a Free State Hog using this sheet from Afterburner.

Thanks to Afterburner Decals for the sample

Review Copyright © 2009 by Ken Bowes
This Page Created on 28 October, 2009
Last updated 28 October, 2009

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