DXM Decal 1/72 F/A-18E Super Hornet VFA-137 Kestrels CAG 2011 Decal First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | March 2014 | Manufacturer | DXM Decal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | F/A-18E Super Hornet VFA-137 Kestrels CAG 2011 | Scale | 1/72 |
| Set Number | 72005 | Pros | One very distinctive digital F/A-18E |
| Cons | None noted | Skill Level | Experienced |
| MSRP (USD) | $TBA |
First Look
DXM Decal is a decal company out of Taipei, Taiwan that produces a very nice line of aftermarket sets. In this release, we have the first decal sheet that takes on the digital camouflage in decal form (Syh@rt is working something similar for the Naval Aviation Centennial F/A-18F). Here we have a special digital camouflage scheme applied to the Commander Air Wing (CAG) for CVW-2's aircraft operating out of VFA-137 aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. Take a look:
The example presented here:
- F/A-18E, 165897, NE/200, VFA-137, USS Abraham Lincoln, CAG aircraft, 2011
The printing is very well done and none of these decals require the modeler to stack multiple layers of markings atop one another to recreate artwork. This trend by some other decal companies of producing multiple-layer decals is unfortunate as it puts the burden on you to do the work of what should have been done by the decal maker.
In addition to the camouflage blocks, this set provides slime lights and distinctive markings to replicate this aircraft. This set will work with the Trumpeter 1/72 F/A-18E kit.
For more information about this set and the other releases from DXM Decal, visit their website at dxmdecals.com.
My sincere thanks to DXM Decal for this review sample!