JBr Decals 1/144 Iwakuni Bats (F/A-18s of VMFA(FW)-242)
By Matt Bittner
When JBr Decals releases a set of decals for a subject they put a lot of time and effort into it. This is definitely evident with their release of F/A-18 decals for the U.S. Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(FW)) 242, known as the "Bats". There are eight aircraft catered for (with two markings for the single-seat Hornet) on this sheet and you receive enough decals to complete all of them. So if you want to build a U.S. Marine squadron of 1/144 F/A-18s this is a great place to start. The following aircraft are covered:
- F/A-18D, BuNo 164651 (Lot 14), DT-00, May 2010
- F/A-18D, BuNo 164652 (Lot 14), DT-01, 2004
- F/A-18D, BuNo 164688 (Lot 14), DT-14, 2004
- F/A-18D, BuNo 164945 (Lot 17), DT-07, Sept 2012
- F/A-18D, BuNo 165410 (Lot 20), DT-01, 2003
- F/A-18D, BuNo 165686 (Lot 21), DT-01, 2011-2012
- F/A-18D ATARS, BuNo 165531 (Lot 21) DT-03, 2011
- F/A-18C, BuNo 164906 (Lot 16), DT-13, 2012
- F/A-18C, BuNo 164906 (Lot 16), WA-13, 2013
All aircraft are finished in Dark Ghost Grey on top with the undersides painted in Light Ghost Grey. While markings for all-grey aircraft are usually dull, there are some with colorful full vertical tails and/or rudders. So if you're looking for U.S. Marine markings to finish your Legacy Hornet in, then by all means track these down.
A definite "thank you" is sent to JBr Decals for allowing us to review this decal set.