Afterburner Decals 1/48 F-15E Lakenheath Mudhens Decal First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | February 2009 | Manufacturer | Afterburner Decals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | F-15E Lakenheath Mudhens | Scale | 1/48 |
| Set Number | 48045 | Pros | Sixteen different marking options |
| Cons | Nothing 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 no exception. This set is tailored to fit the Revell 1/48 F-15E kit and provides a nice variety of options from the 429nd and 494th Fighter Squadrons of Lakenheath's 48th Fighter Wing.
Afterburner Decals is known for being thorough with its markings, especially witth crew names wherever possible, and this set is a good "who's who" in these two squadrons. Prior to receiving the F-15E, the 48th was known for its PAVE TACK precision strike F-111F which saw action in Libya and Iraq. With the F-15E, the 48th has also seen action in a variety of operations including the OIF.
The 48th has three Eagle squadrons - the 493rd with the F-15C, and the 492nd and 494th with the F-15E. Afterburner Decals has collected a number of distinctive aircraft from both Strike Eagle squadrons.
The examples presented here include:
- F-15E-51-MC, 91-0313, 3rd AF, 3rd AF CC's aircraft, 1995
- F-15E-63-MC, 01-2004, 48 FW, Wing CC's aircraft, 2007
- F-15E-63-MC, 01-2004, 48 FW, Wing CC's aircraft, 2005
- F-15E-61-MC, 97-0218, 48 FW, Wing CC's aircraft, 2001
- F-15E-63-MC, 01-2001, 48 OG, Group CC's aircraft, 2005
- F-15E-63-MC, 01-2001, 48 OG, Group CC's aircraft, 2007
- F-15E-61-MC, 97-0221, 492 FS/48 FW, Sqn CC's aircraft, 2003
- F-15E-61-MC, 97-0221, 492 FS/48 FW, Sqn CC's aircraft, 2006/7
- F-15E-63-MC, 01-2002, 494 FS/48 FW, Sqn CC's aircraft, 2006
- F-15E-51-MC, 91-0314, 494 FS/48 FW, Sqn CC's aircraft, OIF, 2003
- F-15E-51-MC, 91-0314, 494 FS/48 FW, Sqn CC's aircraft, Tiger Meet, 1997
- F-15E-51-MC, 91-0301, 492 FS/48 FW, 2004
- F-15E-51-MC, 91-0303, 492 FS/48 FW, 2006
- F-15E-63-MC, 01-2003, 494 FS/48 FW, 2006
- F-15E-51-MC, 91-0315, 494 FS/48 FW, 2006
- F-15E-63-MC, 01-2000, 494 FS/48 FW, 2007
You'll note that some tail numbers are repeated several times, denoting the differences in commander and distinctive markings over the different periods of time. In all, this set provides sixteen (16!) different marking options. This set provides sufficient markings to replicate two aircraft of your choice.
This is another great decal superset from Afterburner Decals and will provide you with lots of colorful options for your next F-15E project.
My sincere thanks to Afterburner Decals for this review sample!