Twobobs Aviation Graphics have just released an exciting new and colorful decal sheet for the AH-1W Cobra. These 1/35th scale decal sheets are designed for use with the MRC/Academy
kits. Decals are supplied for Cobras from Desert Storm, Allied Force and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The first page of the instructions includes left and right side profiles in color for three different Hueys. Top and bottom views are not included and are probably not required. Ten small, thumbnail size photos are also included for reference purposes. A listing of available kits and aftermarket details are also supplied.

The flip side of the instructions contains plenty of additional information. Further color profiles are included, taking up the majority of the page. Complete histories are expanded upon for five of the helicopters. A brief account is also supplied for the USMC Huey Cobra activities during Operation Desert Storm. I am sure modelers will appreciate the complete listing of HMLA-367's Desert Storm Kills. Many of these markings are included with the decals. They are listed by BuNo and Modex with accredited kills listed for tanks, APC's and trucks. Completing the page of instructions is a required listing of paints by FS 595b number. Color chips are also included with references made to Testors, Humbrol, Gunze Sanyo and Xtracolor paints.

The decals are printed over four pages. They are printed by Microscale and appear to be very thin. The instructions advise to use Micro-Set and Micro-Sol for best results. Archer Fine Transfer supplies the very fine noseart for BuNo 160815 (scan not shown). This makes a nice addition, as the gradient color blends of this noseart are difficult to achieve with the silkscreen process. A small set of insert instructions supplies the details for applying the noseart. National insignia and two sets of stencils are included.

Modelers should note that many of the helicopters in this decal sheet will require the new 1/35th scale NTS Upgrade set from Cobra Company. Lt. Colonel Randy Smith supplied references for this new resin set, and this decal sheet. He is a Whiskey pilot at Cherry Point and a modeler. Therefore, I am quite confident that this decal sheet and resin set is very accurate.

There are few decal choices available for helicopters in the larger scales. Twobobs Aviation Graphics are to be commended for supplying these very interesting schemes; I hope more are available in the near future. I am sure modelers will find little difficulty with these decals and I do recommend them to anyone wishing to dress up their Huey Cobra.

Review Sample Compliments of Twobobs Aviation Graphics