Scale 1/72
Manufacturer Hasegawa OptionDecal
Decal Sheet ID 35226
Decal Sheet Title F-15E Strike Eagle "Nose Art"
Types Featured F-15E

Whilst not well known, Hasegawa produce their own line of decals under the "OptionalDecal" range and sheet 35226 provides markings for four individual F-15Es from Operation "Enduring Freedom", but also provides alternative serial numbers and nose art for 14 additional aircraft. The individual airframes are:

  • 88-1671 "SJ" from the 336th FS, 4th FW carrying "Shangri-La II" nose art and yellow tail bands;
  • 88-1700 "SJ" from the 336th FS, 4th FW carrying "Dragon Betty II" nose art and yellow tail bands;
  • 89-0506 "MO" from the 391st FS, 366th WG carrying "9-2001 Never Forget" nose art and orange tail bands containing tiger stripes during 2002;
  • 89-0486 "SJ" from the 335th FS, 4th FW carrying "Crew Dawgs" nose art and green tail bands.

With the exception of 89-0506, no information is provided about the period of operation or mission.

Additionally, Hasegawa provide the following additional nose art:

  • "Darkness Falls"
  • "Bomber Boy / 9-2001 Never Forget" from the 335th FS
  • "Anaconda / Squeeze Play / 9-2001 Never Forget" from the 335th FS
  • "Here Daddy" ...
  • "4 Warned"
  • "Southern Outlaws"
  • "Memphis Belle IX"
  • "9-2001 Never Forget"
  • "Let's Roll / F.D.N.Y. / 9-2001 Never Forget" from the 335th FS
  • "Nowhere 2 Hide / 9-2001 Never Forget" from the 335th FS
  • "Packin' Heat / 9-2001 Never Forget" from the 335th FS
  • "Bombay Sapphire"
  • "Fear The Kentucky Wompus Cat / 9-2001 Never Forget" from the 335th FS;
  • "Desert Princess / 9-2001 Never Forget" from the 335th FS

No serial numbers are provided for these markings, nor are any marking guide included.

The decals are identical in quality to those in current standard Hasegawa kits - slightly thick but in perfect register.

This sheet is highly recommended, although additional references may be required if any of the optional markings are selected.

Review and images by Chris St Clair