Dave Roof Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 Gentlemen, I am about to send two new sheets to the printer. One is a done deal (To be announced later), the other is still up in the air. The second sheet that is up in the air will cover the F/A-18A and/or the F/A-18C. Here is what I would like your opinions on. Two sheets I have drawn cover specific squadrons, namely VMFA-323 and VMFA-312. The 323 sheet is all Hornets and the 312 sheet covers Hornets, a Phantom and a Crusader. Would you prefer the sheets as they are drawn, or would you rather have a sheet with multiple options from different squadrons? I currently have enough artwork drawn that I could have a sheet with 12 F/A-18A/C Hornets from different squadrons and time periods. Let me know what you think Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dutch Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 (edited) Dave, As I have aged, I prefer the "historic" aspect of doing multiple aircraft types from one squadron / air group on one sheet. For instance, I am planning on building several 1/48 models of all the different aircraft flown by the 366th Fighter Group / Wing from WWII through today. This involved ~12 decals for 13 aircraft. I am also building ~8 A-4 Skyhawks from USMC Reserve squadrons. In this case, only three decals were involved. The exception to this might be a USMC KC-130F/R/T/J sheet, as only a handful of squadrons flew these and two sheets in 1/72 should allow every aircraft to be built in every c/s. After all, how many KC-130s would any one modeler build? But then again, when I was younger I built over 50 1/72 F-4 Phantoms and over 35 1/72 F-104s, so all one type aircraft on a sheet with multiple squadrons / services may also be appealing to some. Back then, I would buy a Microscale decal with 5 or 6 different options, then wait for the Squadron Mail Order monthly sale flyer to buy 5 or 6 kits on sale. Now, I'm mostly into 1/48 scale for the fighter size aircraft and 1/72 for the larger transport, MARPAT aircraft. I attribute this to my "advanced" eyesight. Don't know if I helped you, but I prefer the "historic" approach. R/ Dutch Edited February 26, 2016 by Dutch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
viper730 Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 I like Multiple A/C from Different Squadrons... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
warthoglvr Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 I'm sorta partial to the "Fight's On" sheet myself . . . but I'd probably buy either one . . . or BOTH! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fulcrum1 Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 I always thought a squadron history sheet with multiple airframes would be a good seller. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mawz Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 Frankly, I like both options, as I'll build numerous aircraft from a single squadron, and will also buy sheets for a particular type. Squadron history sheets are awesome though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
VG 33 Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 I prefer different aircraft on one sheet. Anyway my scale is 1/72... Patrick Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Niels Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 To me it's important that it is more than just the CO's jet on the sheet please. Suggestion though; I assume these are scaled according to Hasegawa's 1/48 Hornet and Phantoms? How would they match up with the upcoming Kinetic Hornet (and Academy F-4 Phantom)? Would it be better to go with the VMFA-323 for now until this can be clarified, as the tail markings for this unit seems less dependant on kit size? Other than that - 2 excellent choices that are underrepresented on the decal front Quote Link to post Share on other sites
achterkirch Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 Both sounds good to me. I do like the multiple aircraft from one unit idea! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dutch Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 So I will add some comments to amend my previous reply. I guess Dave is asking us a "Value" question. Would we value more of a particular type of aircraft of various units on one sheet over various aircraft types of one unit? If I like a particular aircraft and one sheet has several cool color schemes, then I would be tempted to buy and build that sheet. (Which I have done plenty of.) If I want to build a particular "history" project for a unit or group build, then multiple aircraft of a unit on one sheet would appeal more to me. ( I have done that too, but not as much.) I guess it's a conundrum. So my suggestion / mantra is to print them all, print them often and print them in multiple scales! R/ Dutch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Don Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 I always thought a squadron history sheet with multiple airframes would be a good seller. Agreed. The VMFA-312 sheet is more appealing to me personally as it would allow me to build and display three different aircraft from the same Squadron at different times in it's history. But that's just my two cents. Nice looking sheets! Regards, Don. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Rock Posted February 27, 2016 Share Posted February 27, 2016 I'd buy that VMFA-323 sheet in a blink of an eye as I've been looking for Death Rattlers markings for F/A-18 for ages and there's absolutely nothing out there. Hope you're gonna release 323 sheet just the way it is mate. Cheers, Miro. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Posted February 27, 2016 Share Posted February 27, 2016 Dave, I'd really like to see that VMFA-312 F-8E all on its own with one or two other early (F-8A/C) Marines Crusaders. There are lots of very colourful early Crusader markings but it would be a matter of popularity, of course. Muroc Models does really nice conversions for early F-8's but I don't know how popular the subject matter is. Cheers, Tom Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dave Roof Posted February 27, 2016 Author Share Posted February 27, 2016 Dave, I'd really like to see that VMFA-312 F-8E all on its own with one or two other early (F-8A/C) Marines Crusaders. There are lots of very colourful early Crusader markings but it would be a matter of popularity, of course. Muroc Models does really nice conversions for early F-8's but I don't know how popular the subject matter is. Cheers, Tom I'm looking at that as an option. I may very well remove that F-8E and add it to a sheet dedicated to the Crusader. Here is an option that I already have drawn and laid out on a sheet that is in progress. VMF(AW)-251 from their 1962 cruise aboard the USS Shangri La is also in work. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Posted February 27, 2016 Share Posted February 27, 2016 I'm looking at that as an option. I may very well remove that F-8E and add it to a sheet dedicated to the Crusader. Here is an option that I already have drawn and laid out on a sheet that is in progress. VMF(AW)-251 from their 1962 cruise aboard the USS Shangri La is also in work. Very nice! Your decals will be designed to fit the Hasegawa Kit? Tom Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Neo Posted February 27, 2016 Share Posted February 27, 2016 Do tou have a prodile for the ac that you are showing on your decal sheet that has the black and white checker tail a la Big beautiful doll?? Im really intregued Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stalal Posted February 27, 2016 Share Posted February 27, 2016 I think we are missing AV-8B Harrier decals. I dont see a lot of options for this aircraft. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dave Roof Posted February 28, 2016 Author Share Posted February 28, 2016 Very nice! Your decals will be designed to fit the Hasegawa Kit? Tom Yes, the Hasegawa kit. Do tou have a prodile for the ac that you are showing on your decal sheet that has the black and white checker tail a la Big beautiful doll?? Im really intregued This one? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Neo Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 Thanks dave Yep that's the one , but from reading your post i tought it was on a f-18, Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Stephen Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 I like the VMFA-323 sheet myself. I hope that at some point you'd consider releasing decals for VMFA-314 which are very under represented in the decal world. Stephen Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jinxter13 Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 (edited) Absolutely great looking sheets Dave, lotsa options...if I may ask a question, is there a chance you might do a sheet for Squadrons no longer doing duty, ohhhhhhh....such as VMFA-333 and/or others that we don't see on the Flightline anymore. I won't go nutz and ask for a Phantom sheet, though that would be the churchs' bells, naaah I'm thinking recently like C hornets, If I could just find where I put that 231 Harrier sheet I'd be dancing in my wheelie. Edited February 28, 2016 by #1 Greywolf Quote Link to post Share on other sites
11bee Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 I'd love to see a series on VMA-322 Skyhawks (based at the now defunct NAS South Weymouth, MA). They had some pretty interesting markings. This FB page details many of them (will have to scroll down a bit). https://www.facebook.com/PlanesTrainsShips Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HS-4Grandson Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 Dave, I am liking the Marine Crusaders scheme's, and I am game for a VMFA-323 sheet!!!! Stanton Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Youngtiger1 Posted March 1, 2016 Share Posted March 1, 2016 Any chance seeing those VMFA-323 CAG markings in 1/32? TIA Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gunny Posted March 1, 2016 Share Posted March 1, 2016 How about some F/A-18A+/++ from VMFA-314, VMFA-115 & VMFA-112 on the same sheet in 1/48 and/or 1/32 as well? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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