This is AOA Decals first release and it is a home run right from the start. The decals are titled “Intruders from the Beach” and cover USMC Intruders in the Vietnam War. They are intended for the 1/48 scale Hobbyboss A-6A. There are two large decals sheets provided- the first is color and includes the markings for all the aircraft in this set plus national insignia and a full set of stencils which are reviewed elsewhere on the IPMS/USA Reviews web site. The second sheet is all black and contains all the black markings plus tail codes, squadron markings and BuNo’s. Both sheets are perfectly in register and printed by Cartograf which is a great start.

Also included is a mini CD which has the PDF file with the instructions. I wondered why a mini CD instead of the usual page or two of printed directions and then I popped the CD into the computer. The reason became obvious- there are 86 pages of instructions. Yes…86 pages. Before jumping ahead, let’s give this the due it deserves.

The instructions on the CD come as a PDF file and are in full color. It starts with an explanation of how the decals and company came into existence and its references plus many thanks to various people. By page four, the meat begins with two pages of detailed corrections for the kit to improve accuracy. This includes things to sand off and lines to fill. A history of the units involved is covered and then specific ordnance load out for each unit at the time of the decals. That is followed by several pages of notes on the stencils as well as specific placement for the stencils including landing gear, seats and other details. The pictures for placement are in full color and nicely specific.

The final 66 pages deal with the individual aircraft, their specific nuances and color schemes and notes for the three groups covered here:

• VMA(AW)-242 Batmen – Nineteen aircraft
• VMA(AW)-533 Hawks (Chu Lai) – Eighteen Aircraft
• VMA(AW)-533 Hawks (Nam Phong)- Eighteen Aircraft
• VMA(AW)-225 Vikings- Seven aircraft

Each build number is covered. Any wear is noted especially on the radome. A total of 62 total airframes are represented in detail and with modeler’s notes.

One side note. There is a errata sheet placed in the packet detailing the incorrect placement position on the blue field of one of the Viking headss but this already has a fix in place and is noted for the modeler to correct- which is very simple.

As a summary - a superbly researched and detailed account of the three historic Marine Corps A-6A’s with the best in-depth research I have seen anywhere and is worthy of a book more than a decal sheet. Add two large decals sheets printed by Cartograf all for $17.50…..go buy this sheet now. Most highly recommended for anyone with an interest in Naval Aviation and a must have for fans of the Intruder. My thanks to AOA Decals and greatly looking forward to future releases.