For ship modelers, specifically aircraft carrier enthusiasts, with an interest in post-WW2 Essex-class ships, Starfighter Decals has released a two-sheet set to improve your models. The set provides decals for use on 17 of the Essex-class carriers as well as for the three Midway-class carriers. In addition to the flight deck and hull numbers, flight deck stripes, elevator safety lines, island safety reminders, and ship names are provided. The sheets measure approximately five inches by eight inches (126mm by 200mm) and are printed by Microscale.

While I am not currently building an Essex-class aircraft carrier, I have the Dragon 1/700 scale USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) for service during the Korean War (kit 7063, released in 2007). As the kit includes early US Navy jets, these decals will be perfect for the kit when it comes out of the stash. Comparing the Starfighter decals with those from Dragon, I immediately noticed that the yellow is darker, and closer to Insignia Yellow, on the Starfighter set. I also noticed that the flight deck numbers are larger on the Starfighter sheet, and I believe truer to scale and shape.

The single folded sheet of paper with the decals provides some information on the flight deck markings and shows the decks of four of the ships spread across the middle section of the sheet, while the outer side has the title of the set and markings shown for 20 islands. Not mentioned on the instructions, but hinted to on the Starfighter web site, there are markings for the three Midway-class ships as well. As mentioned, the decals were printed by Microscale, so Micro Set and Micro Sol will adequately place the markings over most kit details.

As far as my hits are concerned, I appreciate the unique choice in this set of markings as there are not many kits, or decals for that matter, representing the Korean War. These improved markings will be a great addition to models of the aircraft carriers that were used in the years following World War 2. Adding the decals for the Midway-class ships is a bonus for this set. There are no misses that I identified for this set of decals.

In closing, I would highly recommend this decal sheet set to any modeler with an interest in the Essex-class ships used following WW2. Based on my experience with Starfighter Decals, I know that a great deal of research went into producing a quality product for modelers. These decals should provide little challenge for the average modeler.

I would like to thank Starfighter Decals for being gracious enough to provide this decal sheet to the IPMS-USA for review!