Two Bobs Aviation Graphics

1/48 A-10A Killer Chick 75th Fighter Squadron Sharks decal sheet

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Product #48-057

Product Article by Steve Bamford on Oct 9 2003

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By now many of you have seen pictures floating around the web of Capt. Kim "KC" Campbell's battle damaged A-10 from Operation Iraqi Freedom.  She is also featured in the Story section here on ARC.  "KC"'s jet was hit by ground fire while supporting troops north of Baghdad during the war.  She lost all hydraulics in her A/C and had to nurse the jet home for an hour flying it in "reversionary" mode. 

Reversionary mode is a feature that only the A-10 has and allows the pilot to fly the jet using only gears and pulleys to manipulate the control surfaces.  "KC" was able to nurse the jet home and just goes to show you how tough both her and the A-10 are.

Capt. Campbell, Twesme and Virga, all from the 75th FS provided references to the Two Bobs for all their jets and actually picked the subject matter for this sheet themselves!  Capt. Twesme was a model builder back in the day but like most active duty pilots, he doesn't find the time to build anymore.  I'm sure he'll carve a few hours out of his busy schedule now though!

The first aircraft was KC's jet on the mission stated above.  Even though she was assigned to the 75th FS, this is a 74th FS jet.  This A/C features full color wing and squadron insignia from the famous Flying Tigers of the 23rd Wing.

 

The second aircraft represents Capt. Virga's jet from the 75th FS.  It features only subdued markings other than the shark mouth.

The third aircraft is Capt. "Tweeder" Twesme's jet and features a little more color with full color ACC insignia on the tail and some color in the squadron patch on the fuselage.

The 75th FS didn't apply any mission markings to their jets during the war and none of these A/C featured any sort of ladder door artwork.

Full loadout information as well as some commentary on Capt. Campbell's mission are included on the instruction sheet! 

The instruction sheets are complete with all info you need to accurately complete these Warthogs.  Paint codes are listed in 4 different brands of paints.  As for the decals....printing quality is very clear and crisp on this decal sheet.  There is  a second insert sheet to replace 2 decals that had numbers printed backwards. The more complicated squadron badges are printed in 3 decal layers to ensure perfect registration.  You get enough stencils to complete 2 jets.  False canopy decals aren't included, but considering open nose gear doors....it's probably easier to paint the false canopy anyways.

A good sheet and highly recommended.

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