Leading Edge Models

1/72 & 1/48 RAAF F/A-18 decal sheet

Product # 72.55 & 48.55

Product Article by Colin Kunkel on Sept 30  2005

 

 

 

Leading Edge Models out of Calgary has a history of producing highly accurate decals for some of the more colourful CF-18 Demo Hornets, including the 20th Anniversary scheme celebrating 20 Years of Hornet service with the Canadian Forces.  Once again, Leading Edge has provided us with another striking Hornet special scheme, but this time, the subject matter isn't Canadian at all.
Leading Edge has released a great sheet for the Royal Australian Air Force 20th Anniversary F/A-18 Hornet in both 72nd and 48th scale, and as usual, the decal sheet is up to the high standards we have come to expect from Dave at Leading Edge.

In this set you get 4 sheets of decals which include:
-squadron badges for all RAAF Hornet squadrons
-upper and lower wing roundels along with extra decals for dropped flaps...only present on the Leading Edge sheet
-formation light strips
-upper fuselage walkways
-decals for markings on the pilots helmet
-decals for the training ASRAAM missiles included with set
complete data for this particular aircraft.  Some of the data is printed in place over specific decals, again, saving time and assuring their proper placement on the model.
All of the data is clear and legible and the decals in my set were in perfect register.

The set also includes some resin parts, again, only available with the Leading Edge sheet, which includes:
-72nd scale:  2 resin ASRAAMS and two swept back VHF/UHF antennas
-48th scale:  2 resin ASRAAMS, two swept back VHF/UHF antennas and a set of resin IFF antennas (with extras incase you lose one or two)

Above all, I would highly recommend the Leading Edge sheet.  It is well thought out in its design and layout, and was put together with the modeller in mind with the inclusion of the formation lights, missile markings, walkways and the markings for the pilots helmet. Plus, the addition of the resin parts is nice and something you don't see with other decals all that often.  The sheet will fit the Hasegawa kits in 72nd and 48th, as well as the 48th Revell Hornet, but some minor trimming will be needed for this kit, thus giving the potential modeller a couple of different kit options.

Click on images below to see larger images

So, in conclusion, Leading Edge has delivered once again.  This is one scheme you don't want to miss out on, plus, the departure from Canadian subject matter is refreshing.  Run out to your local hobbyshop now and pick up a set, or visit the Leading Edge website at www.lemdecal.com and order directly from Leading Edge.  A 32nd scale sheet should be available in the near future.

My thanks to Dave Koss for the review sample he sent me.  Now I gotta buy yet another Hornet (oh...don't look so suprised!)....so look for a build article sometime soon.

Colin

Photos and text © by Colin Kunkel