Leading Edge Decals

By Michael Benolkin

I must confess that I've only recently discovered the Leading Edge decal line. A friend of mine showed me a special edition that they produced, providing the markings for a 410 Sqn Commemorative Hornet. The markings were for only one aircraft, and yet encompassed two large sheets of decals. Not only was the original paint scheme impressive, but so was Leading Edgeís ability to effectively capture the scheme. Well, Leading Edge has recently released some new markings. Here is a look:

RCAF 1 Fighter Wing Sabre Mk.6

This first set should be a welcome relief to those of you who love the F-86 and are allergic to bare metal paint jobs. Sets 72-10, 48-10 & 32-3 (for 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scale, respectively). These depict the RCAF Sabres that operated out of Marville, France between 1955-1963. These Sabres wore the standard RAF Grey/Green upper camouflage scheme, and featured PRU Blue undersides. Markings are provided for any of the three squadrons of 1 Wing(410 Sqn, 439 Sqn and 441 Sqn). In addition, a second sheet is included in this packet for an impressive array of maintenance stenciling, warning stripes, etc. If you have been keeping your 1/32 Hasegawa Sabre, your 1/48 Hasegawa/Academy/Monogram Sabres or any of your 1/72 Sabres on the shelf because of bare metal phobia, now is the time to dust them off. These will build into some colorful aircraft!

Canadian Forces VU-33 T-33 Shooting Star The next set is 72-14 & 48-14. These capture the RCAFís VU-33 T-33 , which sports an overall dark blue paint scheme, yellow 'racing' stripes, and interesting wavy white bands on the wings and tail. This is an interesting one-of-kind paint scheme that will look great on your Hobbycraft of Testors 1/48 T-33, or your Hasegawa 1/72 T-33.

Idaho ANG F-4G Wild Weasel Phantoms

This set represents an airplane near and dear to my heart -the Wild Weasel (72-17, 48-17 & 32-2). These markings provide markings for the Hill One camouflaged F-4Gs of the Idaho Air National Guard. The decals are provided on two sheets, with markings to do any of three aircraft. These three aircraft received sharkmouths and other commemorative markings when the unit finally retired these fine warriors. These unique commemorative markings are also provided. If you are interested in doing a Desert Storm era aircraft, this set is still for you! The active duty Weasels also carried the WW tailcode, so these markings can be adapted to the active duty machines by simply not using the Idaho bands or commemorative markings. Either way, if you are any sort of a Phantom Phan, you must get this set in your favorite scale!

Canadian Forces Standard Semi-Gloss Grey T-33 Scheme

Finally, here is set 72-19 & 48-19, depicting the standard grey paint scheme found amongst the Canadian T-33 fleet. The scheme is a combination of semi-gloss grey (FS26173) and flat grey (FS36173). National markings are provided in subdued colors, though individual squadron markings retain their real color. Markings are provided for four different T-33As from 414 Sqn, 417 Sqn, 434 Sqn, and 439 Sqn. Also included on the sheet are maintenance stenciling and walkways, enough to nicely do one aircraft.

My sincere thanks to Leading Edge Decals for these review samples!