Afterburner Decals 1/48 TA-4J Scooter Trainers Part 2 Decal First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

Afterburner Decals has turned out some impressive decal releases covering contemporary US subjects and this one is no exception. This new set covers the second increment of color schemes and markings for the US Navy's TA-4J Skyhawks. Designed for the Hasegawa or Classic Airframes 1/48 TA-4J kits, these markings replicate nine of the Navy's more interesting trainer color schemes spanning over 14 years.

One of the more difficult tasks in replicating these color schemes is good information including four-view color guides and matching Federal Standard color numbers so one can replicate this scheme in scale. Afterburner has taken the hassle out of this step by providing detailed four-view diagrams of all seven aircraft, including the color patterns inside the flap wells. Nice! The nine Scooters presented here include:

• TA-4J, 153477, Blue Angel 7, 1981
• TA-4J, 153502, AD/500, VA-45, 1974, Wing Commander, Light Attack Wing One
• TA-4J, 152871, AD/314, VA-43, 1973
• TA-4J, 158501, A/744, VT-7, 1992
• A-4E, 152080, A/701, VT-7, 1986
• TA-4J, 156925, F/235, VT-86, 1974
• TA-4J, 154617, NJ/600, VF-126, 1974, COMFITAEWWINGPAC
• TA-4J, 158723, C/475, VT-24, 1986, Diamond Jubilee aircraft
• TA-4J, 153674, XF/22, VX-4, 1974

This decal set provides you with the sufficient markings to replicate at least two of these aircraft. If you look over the decal sheet, you can see that this set is complete with the names of the flight crews and maintainers. Someone has done their homework!

If you're looking for a nice subject for your next two-seat Scooter project, this is the right set to get you there. If you're a fan of colorful trainer aircraft as I am, you'll need to stock up on a few of the new Hasegawa TA-4J kits.

My sincere thanks to Afterburner Decals for this review sample!