Speed Hunter Graphics 1/48 USAFE Vipers Decal First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

Speed Hunter Graphics has released a selection of GE-powered F-16C/D Vipers assigned to USAFE. This selection of subject provides a nice cross-section of units, many of which have since deactivated, as well as examples deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and a triple kill Viper from Operation Deny Flight.

The 18 examples presented here include:

• F-16C Block 25, 84-1250, 50 TFW, Hahn AB, 1989, Wing CC's aircraft
• F-16D Block 25, 84-1325, 496 TFS/50 TFW, Hahn AB, 1988, 'Cats' Meow'
• F-16C Block 25, 84-1315, 496 TFS/50 TFW, Hahn AB, 1988, 'In the Mood'
• F-16C Block 30, 85-1464, 512 TFS/86 TFW, Ramstein AB, 1987, Wing CC's aircraft
• F-16C Block 30, 85-1426, 526 TFS/86 TFW, Ramstein AB, 1987
• F-16C Block 30, 85-1546, 480 TFS/52 TFW, Spangdahlem AB, 1987
• F-16C Block 30, 85-1552, 480 TFS/52 TFW, Spangdahlem AB, Wing CC's aircraft
• F-16C Block 30, 87-0270, 480 TFS/52 TFW, Spangdahlem AB, 1991, Wing CC's aircraft
• F-16C Block 50, 91-0361, 480 FS/52 FW, OEF, Kandahar AB, 2013
• F-16C Block 50, 91-0366, 480 FS/52 FW, OEF, Kandahar AB, 2013, Sqn CC's aircraft
• F-16C Block 30, 86-0366, 612 TFS/401 TFW, Torrejon AB, 1989, 16 AF CC's aircraft
• F-16C Block 30, 87-0228, 614 TFS/401 TFW (P), Operation Desert Storm, 1991 (shot down)
• F-16C Block 40, 87-0351, 555 FS/31 FW, Aviano AB, 2000, 31 OSS CC's aircraft
• F-16C Block 40, 89-2001, 510 FS/31 FW, Aviano AB, 2000, Wing CC's aircraft
• F-16C Block 40, 88-0435, 555 FS/31 FW, Operation Allied Force, Aviano AB, 1999
• F-16C Block 40, 89-2016, 555 FS/31 FW, Aviano AB, 2002, 16 AF CC's aircraft
• F-16CM Block 40, 89-2137, 510 FS/31 FW, Aviano AB, 2014, 31 OG CC's aircraft, triple Jastreb kills
• F-16C Block 40, 88-0443, 510 FS/3 1FW, Aviano AB, Operation Odyssey Dawn, 2011

The sheets are printed by Cartograf and the printing is very well done. What's more, 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.

This set provides two complete sets of maintenance stencils and markings though you'll be able to do more versions using the kit's stencils.

These provide an impressive selection of subjects and the notes do note those early F-16Cs that still used the NSF (narrow-mouth) inlets so you'll get your project right.

These markings are available directly from the publisher on their website www.reidairpublishing.com.

My sincere thanks to Speed Hunter Graphics for this review sample!