Two Bobs Aviation Graphics

JAS-39A/C Colorful Gripens decal sheet

1/48 scale product #48145

Review by Steve Bamford on Dec 5 2007

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This sheet features markings for three complete aircraft from the Sweden!  These are the most colorful Gripens to date and both NATO as well as Swedish stencil data is included!

If you're going to build one of these then Twobobs suggests the following kits and aftermarket detail items.

1/48th Scale
  • Italeri JAS-39 Gripen
  • Best Choice JAS-39 Gripen
  • Eduard Detail Sets
  • CMK Detail Set

The 3 Gripens featured on this decal sheet are  rather special due to their non-standard markings.  Modifying markings is frowned on by commanding officers so instead of painting these special markings......they were done with adhesive film.  There was the possibility of damaging the lightning protective strips under the paint on the wings, so the adhesive film was applied to the fin where there was no lightning protective strips.     

 

The first aircraft is aircraft #39176 in Swedish Markings with NATO Stencils Typical in June 2006.  This is an 80th Anniversary scheme with specially modified colourful national insignia on the tail to mark the 80th Anniversary.

The second aircraft is aircraft #F17 in Swedish Markings with Swedish Stencils Typical in August 2004. This is an 60th Anniversary scheme with specially modified colourful national insignia on the tail to mark the 80th Anniversary. 

The third aircraft is aircraft #39210 in Swedish Markings with NATO Stencils Typical in December 2006.  This is a very special aircraft and was a high hour test bed to check for weaknesses in the airframe, system and components so these problems could be discovered and addressed before the rest of the fleet reached this point in their operational life.  

This decal sheet is of the usual high quality and due to the unique looks of the Gripen, these markings will be popular.  Twobobs was good enough to include formation lights as well as 3 complete set of stencils and national insignia.  The instructions include 4 view color drawing of all three aircraft.  Paint codes for Testors, Humbrol, Gunze Sangya and Xtracrylics is included on the instruction sheet as well as 11 color photos of the real aircraft.

This sheet rocks and I'm quite pleased to see Twobobs release it.

This sheet is available through http://www.twobobs.net/ and select US Hobby Shops.  Overseas customers can purchase these from Twobobs site or through Twobobs network of overseas distributors.  Remember, shipping is always FREE to US Customers at Twobobs!! 

Steve

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford