Flying Leathernecks Decals Mk.84 GBU-31 JDAM Masks (for the Academy F-18 kits) — 1:32 Scale

Satellite-guided Joint-Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) revolutionized ground attack beginning in the late 1990s.  Today, they are among the most frequently used air-to-ground munition.  Many JDAMs are converted “dumb” iron bombs, transformed into precision-guided weapons with the addition of new tailfin kits and a series of fins or strakes attached to the mid-bomb body.  Bomb bodies remained olive drab, while the JDAM kit parts were often light gray.  For scale modelers, painting or airbrushing the intricate and curvilinear shapes of the fin component can be the bane of one’s existence.  It can be a seriously challenging and time-consuming task and not always guaranteed to look good. 

Flying Leathernecks Decals comes to the rescue with their set of pre-cut self-adhesive vinyl masks for two GBU-31 JDAMs.  These are specifically tailored for use with in any of the 2,000-pound GBU-31s fitted with the BLU-109 bunker busting warhead.  These are designed to fit any one of the 1:32 scale Academy F-16D/I Fighting Falcon/Sufa kits.  While there are many GBU-31s in many different kits, each manufacturer does them a little bit differently and the BLU-109’s configuration is even more unique.  The instructions also provide excellent masking and painting instructions.

Overall, the masking set looks great.  It is very well priced and will save scale modeler’s a ton of time and effort.  This is a very useful offering, indeed.  Do note that the vinyl used here, Oramask 813, is very good but rather tacky.  Once you’re done painting, take those masks off, pronto.

We extend our thanks to Dave Beltran-Roof of Flying Leatherneck Decals for the review sample.  You can find them on the web at https://www.flyingleathernecksdecals.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Flying-Leathernecks-Decals.  This masking set can be ordered straight from their website, Sprue Brothers, or from Flying Leathernecks on eBay.

Haagen Klaus
Scale Modeling News & Reviews Editor
Detail & Scale