If you read the review on the VMFA-225 F-18D, you know how great this decal sheet is. The registration is spot on. Even the smallest print can be read, even though you may need a magnifying lens to see it! Included with this sheet is the expected small mountain of reference material. Like the earlier sheet, there is a huge foldout for decal placement as well as a panel number placement guide. There is also three pages of camouflage color placement. It is gratifying to see that Orion Decals are using these large sheets after years of trying to figure out on other companies sheets where the smaller decals are placed.

As you can see from the image, there are actually two sheets in this set. One of them (which I regretfully cut way down to get it to fit well), is chock full of serial numbers. In fact, there are serials for every one of the forty F-18s that the Kuwaitis operate! There are two squadrons of Hornets in the Kuwaiti Air Force. All the odd numbered aircraft are with 9 squadron and all the even numbered ones with 25 Squadron!

In addition to excellent reference material, Orion also gives detailed instructions on how to modify your F-18 kit to be completely accurate. Though no preference is given between using the Revell or Hasegawa kit, decals of this quality belong on the best kit you can get!

You have enough decals to do two complete aircraft with left over insignia and unit badges to do another. Aside from the striking three-color camouflage scheme, very similar to ones used by Top Gun F-5s several years ago, there are few non maintenance markings. Discreet markings are limited to serial numbers on the nose and fin as well as unit badges and small Kuwaiti flags on the fin tip. One thing I am not sure of as I write this, is if there are flags on both the inside and outside of the tail. A good look at a photo of the aircraft should clear this up. One is given enough flags so it is quite possible that there are.

Overall, another superb sheet from Orion Decals. I look forward to seeing what else is coming!

Review copy courtesy of Orion Model Accessories 

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