Adding to the outstanding selection of F-18 sheets that Leading Edge has offered is this really nice on US Naval Test Pilot School F-18Bs. These aircraft are painted in a very nice white with red/orange trim scheme that is quite eye-catching. They are also among some of the oldest Hornets in the fleet, but since they are not undergoing the stress of cat shots, arrested landings or other 'normal' USN stresses, they should be able to last quite a long time.

The sheet itself is just superb, something we've come to expect from Leading Edge products over the years. The color is brilliant, the registration is perfect, and the engineering is first rate. As always, the instructions are top-notch giving you all the info needed for your model.

Though markings are provided for three aircraft, there are notations that all may not be viable.  You see, these planes were not all painted at the same time and there are variations between them all. The biggest difference is in the 'USNTPS' marking on the fin stripe. Other variations of this are slanted and outlined in black. Since there was no room on the sheet for these other styles, only the block, un-outlined version is provided. There is more information on this on the decal sheet. Basically, you get all you need for aircraft 00 and 02 and much of what is needed for 04. The sheet shown is the 1/48 version with the 1/72 sheet being identical in terms of the markings provided. What is really nice is that all of the colored markings are provided so you only need paint the plane white with a black anti-glare panel.

Your only real choices for kits are the Hasegawa and Testors/Italeri versions. Most will choose the Hasegawa kit as it is probably the most detailed of the pair. 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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