Two Bobs Aviation Graphics

F/A-18D VMFA-332 Moonset  decal sheet

1/48 &1/32 scale product #48-144 / 32-042

Review by Steve Bamford on Nov 21 2007

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This new decal sheet from Twobobs features markings for one complete aircraft in two different scales on this sheet.  This scheme represents the stand-down scheme for the VMFA-332 Moonlighters.  This squadron is in a temporary decommision status pending the arrival of the F-35B.

The Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 332 was originally commissioned on 1 June 1943 and they have flown a variety of aircraft including; 

  • SBD Dauntless dive-bomber
  • TBM Avenger
  • F6F Hellcat
  • F4U Corsair
  • AD-5 Skyraider
  • A4C Skyhawk
  • A-6A Intruder
  • A-6E TRAM
  • F/A-18D Hornet

In 1953 the Squadron adopted the polka dots, hat, and cane that are still resident today. The polka dots arose when the squadron replaced the VMA-312 “Checkerboards” in the Yellow Sea. The “Checkerboards” had a white and black checkerboard pattern painted around the nose of each of their aircraft. In mockery of the “Checkerboards,” VMA-332 painted red polka dots on a white background around the cowlings of their own aircraft. The pattern of the polka dots on a circular “ring” background was reminiscent of Captain Eddie Rickenbacker’s hat in the Ring Squadron in World War I. 

 

The addition of the hat and cane to the logo originated from the two-letter identifier of “MR” found on the tails of squadron aircraft. Since “MR” is the abbreviation for Mister, and the aviators considered themselves gentlemen in every regard, a hat and cane were adopted as accoutrements. From then on, VMA-332 was known as the "Polkadots," and the squadron insignia became a straw hat and cane on a black background surrounded by a white ring with red polka dots.

During the Skyhawk years, the nickname of VMA-332 mysteriously changed from the “Polkadots” to the "Moonlighters," and the tail letters changed to "EA”. The squadron insignia never changed, however.  Although there are speculations, no written explanation exists for this evolution.

If you're going to build one of these then Twobobs suggests the following kits and aftermarket detail items.

1/48th Scale
  • Hasegawa F/A-18D
  • Airwaves Resin Cockpit
  • Black Box Cockpit
  • Eduard Accessories
1/32nd Scale
  • Academy F/A-18D
  • Black Box Cockpit
  • Eduard Accessories

The markings include the white nose band with the red polkadots and on each side of the fuselage you get custom artwork.  The right side has artwork of Bugs Bunny chewing a carrot as he sits on a bomb with a sharks head with the script "1943" above the artwork.  The year 1943 is the year Squadron 332 was originally commissioned.  The artwork on the left side is custom deck of 332 Squadron playing cards with the year 2005 above that.  

You've got to love the colorful markings used by this Squadron, these guys definitely don't want to blend into the crowd and this means the markings will stand out.  This decal sheet rocks big time.

This sheet retails for $11.50 and is available through http://www.twobobs.net/ and select US Hobby Shops.  Overseas customers can purchase these from Twobobs site or through Twobobs network of overseas distributors.  Remember, shipping is always FREE to US Customers at Twobobs!! 

Steve

History for this article is from the official website for the Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 332 http://www.2maw.usmc.mil/mag31/vmfaaw332/default.asp

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford