Vagabond Decals

1/48 VAW-125 E-2C - “Tiger Tail Hawkeyes”

 product # 48-001 $16.50

Product Article by Steve Filak, Sr. on July 28 2010

 

Here’s a product announcement from one of the newest companies to hit the aftermarket decal scene.  Vagabond Decals is the joint venture of Brian Marbrey (formerly of VF-Decals) and Mike Hazelwood, and their first release is a VAW-125 sheet for the E-2C Hawkeye in 1/48 scale.  The markings for this sheet were sized to fit the new Kinetic 1/48 Hawkeye kit, and the sheet contains markings for three aircraft from the Tigertails from the 2005-2009 time frame (two CAG birds and one line jet).

Initial inspection reveals a full-sized 8 x 10 sheet with markings for three aircraft, as well as full stencil/crew data markings.  Note that while markings are provided for the choice of three aircraft, only one model can be completed with the stencil and generic markings provided.  Full wing walk panels are also provided.  The markings are printed by Microscale, and are very thin with minimal carrier film.  My sample was checked and found to be in perfect register.  Along with the sheet comes a glossy fold-out 8 x 10 color instruction sheet which outlines marking and data placement.

All in all, I’d say that Vagabond Decals is off to a great start with this sheet.  It’s the perfect complement to the new Kinetic kit, and I hope that this sheet will be the first of many from this fledgling company.  The sheet retails for $16.50, and is available directly from Vagabond’s website, as well as Sprue Brothers, North American Hobbies, MidTenn Hobbies, and Victory Models.

Steve Filak, Sr.

Photos and text © by Steve Filak, Sr.