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Grumman F-14A Tomcat Decals (D48105) 1:48 Eduard Eduard’s decal range just keeps expanding, and as with their PE sets, they arrive in resealable foil bags with instructions to the front and the decals to the rear with a sheet of translucent paper protecting the printed adhesive side. The decals are printed by Eduard and are in good registration, sharpness and colour density, with a thin gloss carrier film cut close to the printed areas. This sheet is for the much beloved and late, lamented Grumman F-14A Tomcat, which is probably a bit closer to the front of our memories right now, thanks to Top Gun Maverick, and Tom Cruise’s (WARNING: SPOILER) impromptu trip back to base in an ageing Tomcat from one of the ‘rogue states’ we’re not given too much information about. There are five decal options in total, and each one has a full side of A4 devoted to four-way profiles plus inner tail surfaces, plus a substantial paragraph of text on the subject matter. From the sheet, you can depict the following, providing you have enough kits: BuNo.161856, VF-211 Fighting Checkmates, USS Nimitz, 1997 BuNo.161621, VF-111 Sundowners, USS Carl Vinson, 1999 BuNo. 160390, VF-84 Jolly Rogers, USS Nimitz, 1993 BuNo.161601, VF-21 Freelancers, USS Constellation, 1987 BuNo.162589, VF-124 Gunfighters, NAS Miramar, 1987 My favourite is the darker grey Jolly Rogers option or the colourful Sundowners bird, but as I’ve only got one F-14A, I’ll have to make a hard decision one day. The Fighting Checkmates could make a nice Christmassy option if you’re planning on a build in time for that festive day, and the Fightertown option is a bit Top Gun-y, if you’re feeling the need… the need for. Umm… modelling. Don’t forget that as of 2021, the carrier film from Eduard decals can be coaxed away from the printed part of the decal after they have been applied, effectively rendering them carrier-free, thereby making the decals much thinner and more realistic, and obviating the need to apply successive coats of clear varnish to hide the edges of the film. It’s a great step further in realism from my point of view. Conclusion Useful and surprisingly colourful sheets for your Tamiya or other Tomcat in 1:48 that will allow the modeller to go off-piste without breaking the bank. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of