Afterburner Decals 1/48 F-111E Upper Heyford Varks Decal First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | September 2009 | Manufacturer | Afterburner Decals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | F-111E Upper Heyford Varks | Scale | 1/48 |
| Set Number | 48070 | Pros | 16 distinctive F-111Es from the 20th TFW |
| Cons | None noted | Skill Level | Novice |
| MSRP (USD) | Out of Production |
First Look
Afterburner Decals continues to turn out some impressive decal releases covering contemporary US subjects and this latest set is definitely no exception. This release covers an interesting cross-section of F-111Es out of RAF Upper Heyford, the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing. The three squadrons of the 20th TFW served with distinction including combat action in Operation Desert Storm.
This decal set provides a nice operational cross-section of aircraft from all three squadrons as well as the commanders' mounts. The examples presented here include:
- F-111E, 68-0020, 20 TFW, RAF Upper Heyford, 1989, Wing CC's aircraft, "The Chief"
- F-111E, 67-0120, 20 TFW, RAF Upper Heyford, 1988, Wing CC's aircraft, "The Chief"
- F-111E, 68-0020, 20 TFW, RAF Upper Heyford, 1986, Wing CC's aircraft, "My Lucky Blonde"
- F-111E, 68-0049, 77 TFS/20 TFW, RAF Upper Heyford, 1993, "77th Gambler's Last Deal"
- F-111E, 68-0077, 77 TFS/20 TFW, RAF Upper Heyford, 1988, Squadron CC's aircraft, "Red Lady II"
- F-111E, 68-0061, 77 TFS/20 TFW, RAF Upper Heyford, 1988, "Big Dealer"
- F-111E, 68-0078, 77 TFS/20 TFW, RAF Upper Heyford, 1987, "Whispering Death"
- F-111E, 68-0077, 77 TFS/20 TFW, RAF Upper Heyford, 1986, Squadron CC's aircraft, "June Nite"
- F-111E, 68-0055, 55 TFS/20 TFW, RAF Upper Heyford, 1993, Squadron CC's aircraft, "Heartbreaker"
- F-111E, 68-0076, 55 TFS/20 TFW, RAF Upper Heyford, 1991, ODS
- F-111E, 68-0026, 55 TFS/20 TFW, RAF Upper Heyford, 1991, ODS, "Excaliber"
- F-111E, 68-0055, 55 TFS/20 TFW, RAF Upper Heyford, 1986, Squadron CC's aircraft, "Heartbreaker"
- F-111E, 68-0052, 55 TFS/20 TFW, RAF Upper Heyford, 1982
- F-111E, 68-0049, 79 TFS/20 TFW, RAF Upper Heyford, 1991, NATO Tigermeet
- F-111E, 68-0013, 79 TFS/20 TFW, RAF Upper Heyford, 1991, ODS
- F-111E, 68-0082, 79 TFS/20 TFW, RAF Upper Heyford, 1988
This set provides two complete sets of maintenance stencils and markings to replicate two aircraft, and what a nice selection to choose from!
My sincere thanks to Afterburner Decals for this review sample!