FCM Decals 1/48 F-14A VF-211 Checkmates Operation Southern Watch Decal First Look
by Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | January 2012 | Manufacturer | FCM Decals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | F-14A VF-211 Checkmates Operation Southern Watch | Scale | 1/48 |
| Set Number | 48043 | Pros | Two distinctive subjects |
| Cons | Nothing noted | Skill Level | Basic |
| MSRP (USD) | $TBA |
First Look
FCM Decals has an interesting line of aftermarket decals from Brazil. The subjects covered in this line include many Brazilian civil and military aircraft subjects, WWI aircraft, and the occasional look at the aircraft of other nations as well.
Here are a pair of F-14 Tomcats from VF-211 during their Operation Southern Watch cruise that spanned the Christmas 1997 holiday season prompting the skipper's aircraft to receive special Santa markings.
The aircraft depicted here are:
- F-14A-130-GR, 161856, VF-211, NG/101, USS Nimitz, 1997
- F-14A-130-GR, 161850, VF-211, NG/103, USS Nimitz, 1997
This decal set provides complete distinctive markings, walkways, and stenciling for both aircraft. The decals are printed by Microscale and are in register. None of the markings here require you to stack one decal atop another to recreate artwork as done by some other decal companies.
This decal set provides some nice alternative markings for the 1/48 Tomcat kits out there. Note that you must use an F-14A like Hasegawa's 09884 that has the late NACA gun gas door vents to be accurate.
For a list of retailers that carry the FCM Decal series, look here.
Thanks to FCM Decals for this review sample.