Asiatic
MiG-19s  Shenyang J-6/F-6

Part 1

1/48 scale

Gekko Graphics

Reviewed by Ken Bowes

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Gekko Graphics exploded on the scene a few years ago with two excellent sheets covering the A-4G/K Skyhawk in RNZAF and RAN service. The overall presentation of these sheets set a very high standard, one that to a large extent the decal industry has yet to better or in most cases even match. Having cut his teeth on the Kiwi Skyhawk, Richard Chafer has since released a series of sheets covering both USN Aggressor A-4s and more recently, Arabian MiG-21s from Egypt, Iraq, Syria and Algeria.  

In keeping with the more recent bent towards early MiG’s, Gekko Graphics has just released a new sheet covering the Shenyang J-6/F-6 Farmer in service with the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the Pakistani Air Force. Coming from the same factory complex that now produces Su-27 Flankers for the PLAAF, the J-6 was a licensed copy of the MiG-19S Farmer with some 3000 being produced into the 1980s in China alone. The J-6 also formed the basis of several Chinese subtypes including the JJ-6 (exported as FT-6) two seat trainer and later the A-5 Fantan light attack aircraft. The Farmer has seen service not just in China (where possibly 2000 remain in second line service) but also in numerous countries worldwide. This decal set provides markings for 2 aircraft from each of the above Air Forces, with national markings for one airframe from each provided in addition to the unique markings and limited stencilling. 

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

PLAAF 

1.      Shenyang J-6 20708 Unknown Regiment in the 1970s. This aircraft features an attractive two tone blue disruptive camouflage pattern over natural metal undersides. 

2.      Shenyang J-6II 40404 Unknown Regiment preserved at the PLAAF Museum. This aircraft is camouflaged in brown and sand tiger stripes over a light gray underside.  
 

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Pakistan Air Force 

3.      Shenyang F-6 5548 of No 15SQN “Cobras”, Peshawar Airbase 1970s. This aircraft features contemporary standard camouflage of blue-green over light blue with a Cobra insignia on the tail fin.

4.      Shenyang F-6 7724 of No 23SQN Samungli Airbase 2002. This aircraft features one of a number of schemes applied to F-6s from this unit during 2002 to celebrate their withdrawal from service as lead-in fighter trainers in 2002. Full details of this and other special PAF F-6 aircraft can be found in the June 2002 AirForces Monthly Magazine. 

In keeping with Gekko Graphics reputation for attention to detail, comprehensive instructions are provided for all subjects. Each scheme is provided with four view drawings in full colour with additional scrap views for details such as external fuel tanks spread over two A4 pages so there is no guessing or obscure references required. Another two A4 pages provide the extra details required to get each subject right, including construction notes for the Trumpeter MiG-19 keyed to kit instruction sheet stages and part numbers. In addition details and drawings of the intake shock cone and how to replicate it are provided for the J-6II as are drawings of the AIM-9 pylons for the Pakistani F-6. Given these aircraft are not finished in FS595 paint matches, Gekko have usefully provided paint mixes for all colours based on the Tamiya acrylic paint range. To top things of some finishing remarks on the state of weathering etc are also provided for modellers with less comprehensive reference libraries. 

Like the recent MiG-21 sheets, this decal sheet has been printed in the United States by Microscale. As such the images are opaque, crisp and in register, whilst the decals are the usual thinness one expects from Microscale. Given their source, these decals should present no difficulties in their use and should respond well to the usual setting solutions. Overall Asiatic MiG-19’s Part 1 has retained the quality that was a hallmark of Gekko Graphics original releases, making these a very useable set of decals.  

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Richard Chafer of Gekko Graphics for the review sample.

Gekko Graphics decals are available online from their website

Review and ImagesCopyright © 2005 by Ken Bowes
This Page Created on 04 April, 2005
Last updated 04 April, 2005

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