This is an interesting way to do a decal sheet, and that is by covering just one unit. What makes this even more interesting is that it sticks with a very short time frame and concentrates on VA-215, a unit that was disestablished after the Vietnam War. Means that you won't find this unit in the low-viz markings. This also brings a bit of a problem. You see, all three subjects are A-7Bs and there is no really good A-7B in 1/48. The closest you can get is the Monogram A-7A, itself a warmed over Aurora kit, and not at all up to today's standards. However, it appears that Cutting Edge either does or will do a conversion for the Hasegawa to backdate that A-7E to the earlier plane. All planes are in the light gull grey over white scheme.

First option is from 1974 when aboard the USS Oriskany and is what we call a 'line jet', or one without any fancy marks.

The next, also from that period is the CAG bird with the multi-colored tail stripes. A most fetching scheme.

The final one is a standard plane from 1977 and their last cruise. I doubt it was the USS Theodore Roosevelt as listed; probably the FDR, and probably on the FDR's last cruise as well.

The decals are superbly printed by Cartograf and include markings for one aircraft. I highly recommend painting the red tail band as it will look a lot better than any decal. Stencil markings placement is provided on the sheet and it is nice to see the walk area decals provided as well.

My thanks to AirDoc for the review sheet. You can find these at your local hobby shop and if not, ask them to order them for you. You can also order direct by e-mailing andreasklein@ak-airdoc.de for more information. As yet, AirDoc does not have a web presence.

This same set of subjects is available in set 72015 for 1/72 builders and 32009 for 1/32 builders.

May 2006

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