This new sheet from Yellow Wings decals is perfect for those of you who have the Hobby Boss or Tamiya 1/48 kits. The sheet contains complete markings for three aircraft; two pre-war and one early war aircraft.

Using the sheet cover for a guide, the first is a yellow wings F4F-3 from the USS Wasp in early 1941. This one has the black tail section and yellow bands on the wings and fuselage and cowling. The cowling will need to be painted to match the decals but reference information is provided for that.

Second is an F4F-4 from VF-6 aboard the USS Enterprise in August 1942. This is the aircraft of Machinist Mate Don Runyon who was the highest scoring Wildcat ace with eight confirmed kills. This plane is in blue-grey over light grey.

The final option is a USS Ranger based F4F-3, also from early 1941 with the willow green tail and red bands. Like the previous yellow wing option, this one sports a neutrality star on the nose section.

Like all of Yellow Wings' sheets, this one is superbly printed by Microscale.

The instructions are first rate and give a step by step application sequence in case you are new to aftermarket sheets. The sheet indicates that the colors are matched to spray can colors from Tamiya and Testors, which I found a bit odd as most people I know who use aftermarket sheets don't use spray can paint. FS 595 references are also given.

Overall an excellent set of decals with superb instructions. If your local shop doesn't carry them, ask them to start!

February 2011

Thanks to Yellow Wings for the review samples. You can get these at your local shop or order them direct from the link.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.