From DXM Hobby’s Decal Manufacturer’s Notes

These decal sheets provide some very colorful markings for four of the U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Prowler squadrons. These include (a) VAQ-138 Yellowjackets CAG Bird 2024, (a) VAQ-138 Yellowjackets CAG Bird 2024, (b) VAQ-139 Cougars CAG Bird 2023, (c) VAQ-140 Patriots CAG Bird 2024, and (d) VAQ-131 Lancers CAG Bird 2024.

This 1/48^th scale sheet is intended for use with either the Hasegawa, Meng, or Italeri kits.

As you first enter the DXM website, you learn several items of interest, including just how to navigate their large catalog of decal sheets (in several possible scales) which is not the simplest to navigate through, a straightforward company history (a Taiwan based ‘group of model addiction guys’), their full name stands for ‘Double Excellent Model’, and a nicely illustrated YouTube video explaining their suggested decal application methodology (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFzBgbCiEqY).

DXM also provides a basic roadmap for successfully application of their decals.

1. After painting kit, suggest to spray with clear coat on surface of kit and it will help decals fit the kit more.
2. Cut the design out of decal sheet and place them in clean water for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Remove them from water. Need to check, It will be ready to apply if you use your finger to move design easily on bottom paper.
4. Keep design on bottom paper still, place decal on correct position where you want to apply. Please note, we suggest to utilize your finger tip on design and slide off bottom paper.
5. Push out excess water and any air bubble under decal by soft and clean cloth or cosmetic tips.
6. Suggest to wait for 24 hours after applying decals to spray final gross/semi-gross/ matt coating.

Initial Impressions of the DXM Hobby Studio Decals

This sheet is stunning and includes four CAG (Carrier Air Group) Birds. And the resulting art work and printing is done by Cartograf of Italy.

Fit and Finish

These decals fit the model perfectly.

I cut out several of the EA-18G decals from the large number of four Growler aircraft included in this package. I chose the VAQ-139 Cougar CAG a/c markings for my application test and only used three markings.

I primed the model surface using Mr. Surfacer 1200 (#B-515). These decals worked beautifully and I did follow their suggested 24 hour delay before applying my final Testors Dullcoat Lacquer (#1160) finish. There were no issues and these decals provided just the colorful touch to a Meng EA-18G I am working on. Though previously mentioned, these decals may also be used on the Hasegawa, or Italeri kits. Also, it should be noted that the fellows at DXM have produced this same in 1/72^nd scale.

Recommendation

As you can see from earlier notes, I found these decals easy to use, accurate in shape, very colorful and a pleasure to use. Try them and I believe you’ll be as impressed as am I — highly recommended.

I want to thank the DXM Hobby Studio for the opportunity to review these decals.