Born in the USA!
U.S. built aircraft of the TUDM (Part 1):
F/A-18D Hornet

F-4Dable Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Rodger Kelly

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For the uninitiated, F-4Dadable Models is based in Malaysia and produces both decal sheets and resin aftermarket products for the F/A-18 Hornet in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scale.

This sheet provides markings for the F/A-18Ds of the Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) or Royal Malaysian Air Force.

The TUDM operates eight D model F/A-18s, M45-01 through to M45-08.  The machines are all painted in overall FS36118 gunship grey with black markings and light blue/mid blue and yellow national insignia roundels in four places as well as the same colour fin flashes on the top of the outer surfaces of the vertical stabilizers.

The sheet provides the individual serials as well as tail and modex number markings for all eight of the TUDM F/A-18Ds.  The national insignia worn by these markings were incorrectly painted when the aircraft were first delivered but they worn until they were repainted in the correct colours during scheduled maintenance.  F4Dable acknowledge this and have provided the two different sets of national insignia on the sheet to enable you to model the airframes prior to and post the change.  As well as the serials and national insignia, you get a very comprehensive set of stencil data and slime lights.  There is sufficient data for one aircraft.

The placement guide is a somewhat large sheet that measures some 450mm long by 210mm wide that has been folded down into three sheets.  The guide is printed on good quality glossy paper and has left and right hand side profiles of two machines in colour as well as line drawing left and right hand side profiles and upper and lower plan views of the aircraft.  Comprehensive modelling notes are included to advise on the 1/72 scale Academy and Hasegawa kits as well as the 1/48 scale Hasegawa one. 

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Thumbnail panels:

The decals have been sized for the Hasegawa kits.

The decals themselves have been printed by Cartograf. They are very thin, sharp and clearly printed and have a minimum of carrier film surrounding each subject.

The placement guide and the decal sheets are packed in a clear plastic zip-loc bag.

The sheets are available in both 1/72 and 1/48 scale.

A well produced and packaged product from F-4Dable Models.

Postscript

If you a sense of déjà vu about these decals then you are right.  

F4Dable Models did previously release a similar sheet on the F/A-18Ds of the TDUM in 2003 in both 1/72 and 1/48 scale.  These sheets have since been sold out and 48-005 BORN IN THE U.S.A.! U.S. built aircraft of the TUDM (Part 1) and 72/005 48-005 BORN IN THE U.S.A.! U.S. built aircraft of the TUDM (Part 1) replaces them in the F-4Dable Models catalogue. 

However, it is not just a simple re-print as F-4Dable Models have reworked the old sheet to include a more comprehensive stencil data set bought about by the availability of more research material.

Thanks to F4Dable Models for the sample

Review Copyright © 2011 by Rodger Kelly
This Page Created on 14 August, 2011
Last updated 14 August, 2011

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