RAAF
F/A-18A/B

ARDU, 77 & 3  Squadrons

Model Alliance
(Hawkeye Models Australia)

Reviewed by Ryan Hamilton

Hawkeye Models range includes decals for all RAAF squadron that fly the Hornet, in all colour schemes. Some of their recent releases include:

AAF-16 Decal Set– 77 Sqn F/A-18A A21-1
REVERSE LOW VIZ TRIAL SCHEME

This set contains decals for A21-1, the Commanding Officer of the 77 Sqn. Hornets when in 1997 it was painted in a low vis trial scheme. The colour scheme is Gunship & Medium Grey and all other markings, including the roundels are the reverse colour and no white in squadron markings.

AAF-43 Decal Set– 3 SQN F/A-18 HORNET
CO’s AIRCRAFT MARKINGS

This scheme was featured in a recent “Australian Defender” magazine and contains decals for A21-57. It was the Commanding Officer of the 3 Sqn. Hornet after it had the squadrons 75th Anniversary markings were removed. This scheme had the ‘Wing Commanders’ pendent painted across the top of the tail.

AAF-45 Decal Set–
ARDU BLACK AND ORANGE SCHEME

This set contains decals for A21-32 (single seat) & 101(dual seat), both of which serve with the Aircraft Research &Development Unit (ARDU). The Hornets are in standard Medium Grey and Light Ghost Grey scheme, with yellow and green/black tail markings (colourful) and flash down the spine. The set also includes some of the reference point markings used for the photography work that is done with these aircraft.

AAF-40 Decal Set– 3 SQN
“CENTENARY OF FEDERATION” SCHEME

The set contains decals for A21-55 & 57, both of which appears in the “Centenary of Federation” markings. The Hornets were serving with 3 Sqn & are in standard Medium Grey and Light Ghost Grey scheme. The Southern Cross adorns the top of the aircraft, with colourful tail markings. Small amount of nose art as well.

AAF-70 Decal Set– 75/3 Sqn F/A-18A
in a “Cross Dressed” scheme

This set contains decals for A21-36, which appears to have any identity crisis. The Hornet was serving with 75 Sqn. when it was rotated to 3 Sqn., but instead of the old squadron markings being removed and the new ones applied, it carries both 75 & 3 Sqn. markings. The colour scheme is standard Medium Grey and Light Ghost Grey.

AAF-71 Decal Set– 77 Sqn F/A-18A - RAAF in Afghanistan – Operation Enduring Freedom

The final set contains decals for A21-5, one of the four RAAF Hornets sent to the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia to assist in air support for the war in Afghanistan. The colour scheme is standard Medium Grey and Light Ghost Grey, and all other markings, including the roundels are ‘low-vis’, similar to the reverse low-vis scheme with the lighter greys

Most sets come with three decal sheets - one with stencilling, one with colour, and one with white backing decals. Standard colour sheet contains squadron markings, roundels, fin flashes and squadron markings, a white backing sheet to ensure that the coloured decals are not translucent, black data sheet, and a grey data and insignia sheet. The stencilling is very through and detailed.

The instructions include a double-sided page of coloured drawings and a list of instruction for Hawkeye’s Decals, which should be read very carefully. These decals are not like normal decals. They are not sealed (sealing would normally prevent yellowing or cracking). The decals are printed on a full sheet of decal film and hence need to be individually cut out. This requires care, especially with smaller stencilling.

Recommended.

Thanks to Hawkeye Models Australia for the review samples.

Model Alliance / Hawkeye Models Australia contact details are as follows:

Steve Evans
Hawkeye Models Australia
6 Amaroo Close
Blue Haven NSW 2262
Australia

Phone: 0011 61 4390 8463

sgevans@bigpond.com

Review Copyright © 2002 by Ryan Hamilton
This Page Created on 14 March, 2002
Last updated 22 July, 2003

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