Unless you've been living under a rock or have zero interest in modern aircraft, then this may be your first introduction to one of the top decal makers in the world. Leading Edge has been around for a number of years and while their output is not as prodigious as some of the others, they have never failed to produce a quality product. You know, I find it interesting that not one time have I ever heard of a mistake or error in a Leading Edge decal. That includes research into the subject and physical glitches such as registration or color problems. They are that good.

Leading Edge tends to lean towards Canadian subjects, as is quite proper for a Canadian company, and so has managed to do some superb CF-18 special scheme sheets. With this one, it goes back about a decade to the 1993 special scheme worn by 410 squadron for its air show bird. As special schemes go, it is pretty straight-forward consisting of basically a very nicely done outer fin. Now the modeler does have to paint the fin prior to the application of the decals but when one gets to the level of doing these kinds of markings, doing the shading shouldn't be a real problem.

The really nice thing about LE sheets is that they give ALL of the markings for the aircraft in question. That includes all the data stencils. Not only that, but the instructions are very comprehensive and show the little modifications that you may have to make to the kit in order to properly portray the aircraft in question. Of course, it goes without saying that the decals themselves are absolutely superb in terms of printing and clarity.

What I don't have is a price. I just checked their website prior to writing this and no information was given so that will have to come once the web folks have gotten up to speed on things. As for kits, well, I'm sure that the both the 1/48 and 1/72 crowd will hover towards the Hasegawa end of things to build this. I should mention that there are a number of other Hornet kits around that might not be quite as complete and detailed as the Hasegawa kits, but also won't bankrupt you (as in the case of the 1/48 Hasegawa Hornet). Oh yes, the 1/72 sheet is identical in every way to the 1/48 sheet (shown) only smaller.

Regardless of which kit is used, this will make your next Hornet a real show-stopper.

Review sheet courtesy Leading Edge Decals. Thanks for your support

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