DXM, or Double Excellent Model, is from Taiwan and is offering a growing line of decals for the aircraft modeler. Take a few minutes and check out their website as they offer a wide range of modern aircraft schemes and different markings, including many other JASDF schemes.

Today’s review is on their excellent 1/48 scale JASDF F-4EJ Kai 301st SQ 40th Anniversary decal set.

The decal sheet comes in a sealed plastic sleeve and includes a single large decal sheet and full-color direction flyer.

Markings are included for a single aircraft: 77-8398, F-4EJ Kai Super Phantom II, JASDF 301st Squadron’s 40th Anniversary Scheme.

A bit of internet searching tells me that this airframe was painted in this scheme in October 2013. The 301st Squadron has been flying the F-4EJ Phantom since its inception in 1973 and has been flying the upgraded F-4EJ Kai since 1991.

Talk about color! This is a great sheet packed with color, and the metallic sheen on the gold markings is very convincing and especially well done. The aircraft overall is a dark blue, and these markings should produce a head-turning model when finished.

The decals themselves are printed by Cartograf and are of their usual quality. All decals are in perfect register, and there is no extra film to trim. The full-color placement guide includes color callouts for the GSI Mr. Color paint line and Federal Standard numbers (when matched). All decals are clearly numbered and the placement guide easily shows where everything goes. While this is a huge decal sheet, markings are relatively simple in comparison with some Phantoms, so this is a great mix for those who both love and hate the decaling process when building. Markings are even included for the boarding ladder!

The guide does not specify any specific manufactures kit to use, but I would guess the Hasegawa kit is your best bet in 1/48 scale.

This is a super set of markings for a specific aircraft with a great color scheme. Highly recommended.

Thanks to DXM Decals for the review sample and thanks to IPMS/USA for allowing me to review this decal set.