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Leading Edge Models
When this package arrived in the mail, I was a little puzzled by the “heft” of the envelope. Once I opened it though, my puzzled state turned into one of pleasant surprise. I was not familiar with Leading Edge Models prior to receiving this set. They manufacture CAF markings and have a nice assortment of subjects. While they don't have many 1/32 offerings, I hope they will produce more in the future. In 1994, in honor of the 50th anniversary of D-Day, 441 Sqdn painted two of their birds in commemorative markings. They carried D-Day stripes and squadron codes that their forebears would have been carrying over the Normandy beachhead. The aircraft, CF-18 Hornets, tail numbers 188703 and 188781, carried the squadron codes 9G*A on the port side of the fuselage and JE*J on the starboard side in honor of those that flew with 441 Sqdn all those years ago. I'm not sure who flew 9G*A, but JE*J should be familiar to many of us. The decals contain markings for both of these aircraft. There are subtle differences in some of the markings between these two aircraft that are correctly captured by these decals.
Designed for the Academy F/A-18C, the decals are very nicely done. Leading Edge Models designed and printed the decals themselves and they have done a great job. The registration is dead on and the colors are fantastic. The decal seem to be a little on the thick side, however, they should settle down without problem using a little MicroSol/MicroSet. Because these are short production run sets, there are no guarantees on reprints once the initial run sells out. A caveat from there site reads: “Note that all LEM products are properly printed decals with separate carrier clear for each item although these are produced in small production runs and may not be reprinted.” So, if they have something that strikes your fancy, it may not be available when you go back some time later...
In addition to the great decals, Leading Edge Models goes one better. The Hornet has some “tricky” compound curves on it's fuselage. This can be especially stressful (on the modeler...) when attempting to mask the D-Day stripes. So, to save the modeler's sanity, Leading Edge Models has provided masks for the D-Day stripes as well as the false canopy under the forward fuselage. The modeler is provided with seven sheets of vinyl masks, in addition to some reusable plastic templates. I'm not sure about reusing the masks, but it seems the modeler should be able to squeeze out two uses.
I highly recommend these decals and masks for anyone with an interest in unique aircraft, specifically unique CAF markings. Reviews samples courtesy of Leading Edge Models, Thank You! This set and others are available directly from Leading Edge Models. © Randy Bumgardner 2008 |
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