New from Flying Leathernecks Decals is #FL-48001 CH-53E Heavy Haulers; featuring markings for eight aircraft of the 22^nd MEU:  

• CH-53E CJ 16, BuNo 162526, HMH-461, MCAS New River, NC April 2008

• CH-53E CJ 20, BuNo 163062, HMH-461, MCAS New River, NC April 2008

• CH-53E CJ 21, BuNo 163063, HMH-461, MCAS New River, NC April 2008

• CH-53E EN 08, BuNo 161533, HMH-464, MCAS New River, NC April 2008

• CH-53E EN 11, BuNo 162001, HMH-464, MCAS New River, NC April 2008

• CH-53E EN 12, BuNo 162481, HMH-464, MCAS New River, NC April 2008

• CH-53E Cadillac 21 - 22nd MEU(SOC) EM 21 BuNo 162521 HMH-461 attached to HMM-261(REIN)ACE 

• CH-53E Cadillac 22 - 22nd MEU(SOC) EM 22 BuNo 161955 HMH-461 attached to HMM-261(REIN)ACE

The decals were designed for use on Academy’s 1/48^th CH-53E Super Sea Stallion.  The set features a novel approach in regards to the application instructions and reference material in the form of a CD-ROM disc.  The disc has five picture folders which contain high-resolution photos covering the following; 

• 29 photos of the cockpit

• 104 photos covering the airframe and cabin

• 32 photos covering the three aircraft from HMH-461

• 24 photos covering the three aircraft from HMH-464

• 23 photos covering the two aircraft from HMH-261

The last folder has the application guides for all eight aircraft in .PDF format. 

A paper guide is also included which gives application instructions for the nose art, color information with FS codes for the airframe, and other aftermarket items available for the Academy CH-53E kit. 

The decals themselves are printed by Cartograf and are crisp with excellent registration and color depth.  The excellent color nose art portion of the set was done by Archer Fine Transfers.  They are printed on continuous clear film which will require some careful trimming to apply.  Once trimming has been done, the decal is applied over a white background, which is on the main set.  No stencils are provided as the kit decal sheet has a complete set and are of sufficient use. 

The set retails for $17.00USD and is available from Orion Scale Models/Flying Leatherneck Decals- www.orionscalemodels.com 

The Academy CH-53E is an impressive kit and these high quality markings will allow for an even more impressive build with its colorful and unique artwork.  The $17.00 price tag is a heck of a deal considering the eight markings options and the photo reference CD-ROM (which will benefit those building the CH-53E in general). 

Thanks to Dave Roof for the review sample. 

Albert

These decals are available directly from Flying Leathernecks Decals.  

Click on images below to see larger images