Syh@rt Decals 1/48 F/A-18F Digital Super Hornet '100 Years of Naval Aviation' Decal First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | June 2013 | Manufacturer | Syh@rt Decals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | F/A-18F Digital Super Hornet '100 Years of Naval Aviation' | Scale | 1/48 |
| Set Number | 48070 | Pros | The first decal set to replicate the Centennial digital Super Hornet scheme |
| Cons | None noted | Skill Level | Experienced |
| MSRP (Euro) | 30.00€ |
First Look
When I first laid eyes on this Centennial Super Hornet, I knew I had to build a model of this extremely distinctive aircraft. I also knew that painting a digital scheme of this sort would require time, patience, and very good reference photos, none of which I had in abundance. When I saw that Syh@rt Decals was going to do this subject, I couldn't imagine how they'd pull this off. As you can see here, they indeed pulled off this project!
Here is F/A-18F BuNo 165677 of VFA-122 carrying that jaw-dropping paint scheme based upon the digital Navy utility uniform camouflage. I don't even want to think about how long it took the paint shop to mask and paint this scheme! Syh@rt has replicated this scheme on 10 sheets of decals in 1/48 scale. You can see for yourself just how much careful effort will be required to successfully place each of this decals.
The last time I saw something nearly this ambitious was the Space Shuttle tile decal set from Cutting Edge Modelworks for the Monogram 1/72 Shuttle kit ( look here). In that project, the decals covered the entire underside of the model and a good portion of the upper side as well. In this case, the camouflage is wrapped around the entire airframe and extends onto the pylons and centerline tank. This will require time and patience as well as remembering not to use any sort of mask or sticky note for touch-ups as they may pull up some of that carefully placed decal (as I discovered on the shuttle).
To make all of this work, Syh@rt includes a 12-page glossy booklet that features the placement instructions and lots of full-color reference photos. There are specific instructions depending on whether your host platform will be the Hasegawa or Revell F/A-18F kits. If you look at the definition of a 'labor of love', Syh@rt has really done an excellent job with this set. I just happen to have the Hasegawa kit ready to start on this project! Nice work Syh@rt!
For more information about this set and the other releases from Syh@rt Decals, visit their website at http://syhartdecal.fr.
My sincere thanks to Syh@rt Decals for this review sample!