Leading Edge Models

1/72 CAF CF-18 Norad 50th 2008 Demo bird decal sheet

product # AD 72-061

Review by Steve Bamford on Dec 23 2008

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This new decal sheet from Leading Edge Models includes markings for one specially painted CAF CF-18 anniversary jet to mark the 50th Anniversary of NORAD as well as the 400th anniversary of Quebec City.  

NORAD uses a variety of technological tools to watch for any man-made threat that might come from the skies – that includes missiles, jets, or spacecraft. The Command does not monitor comets, meteorites or any other so-called natural threats, but it does monitor the progress of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve through the NORAD Tracks Santa program. Since the tragic events of 9/11, NORAD’s role – which previously was outward-looking – now includes monitoring airspace within North America.

NORAD has close relationships with a network of organizations in both Canada and the United States. Its closest partnership is with US Northern Command – they share a headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado. NORAD works in close collaboration with homeland defense, security, and law enforcement partners. These partnerships – such as the ones with the Federal Aviation Administration in the U.S. and Transport Canada north of the border – include sharing information and contributing resources and personnel.

This plane sports the usual CF-18 two tone gray camo with a false canopy on the underside of the fuselage.  The outside of the tails are where the beauty of this decal sheet can be seen.  The tail art covers the entire outside of both tails with decals sized to the Hasegawa kit as well as a second set of tail art decals sized to the old Monogram kit.  The art work includes a picture of our planet with North America being prominent in the image along with a large sword and the US and Canadian flags.

The 2 pages of instructions are clear and include 4 views of this aircraft explaining all painting and decal placement.  One page of the instructions is devoted to colour detail photos showing landing gear decal placement and engine covers.  The decals are beautifully printed on 2 decal sheets.  One complete set of stencils is included on this decal sheet.

As I mentioned, a special feature of this decal sheet is that the tail art decals include 2 sets of decals........one set is sized for the Hasegawa F-18 kit and the other set of tailart decals is sized for the Monogram kit.

Plus you get all the stencils you need for the landing gear.  

My hat goes off to Leading Edge Models for all the extra decals they have included in this decal sheet.  They also produce a first rate masking set that is well worth purchasing if you are building a Hornet. 

Steve

I would like to thank Leading Edge Models for providing me with this review sample.

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford