Israeli F-15 MiG Killers

Isradecals

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Reviewed by Dave Williams

For those interested in building an Israeli F-15A/B/C/D “Baz”, Isradecal has released a new decal set in 1/48 scale. Consisting of a 16-page booklet, two decal sheets, and a double-sided page listing all IDF/AF F-15 kills, you have the option of building any one of a number of Israeli F-15s. The decals, printed by Cartograf, are thin and very nicely done. The highlight of the sheet is the very comprehensive stenciling similar to that provide with Isradecal’s F-15I sheet. In addition to the fuselage stencils, which include panel numbers, the sheet provides stencils for the CFTs, pylons, drop tanks, and missiles (Sparrow, Python 3 and Python 4). One item to note on my sheet is that decals 114 and 116 for the Python 4 were missing, but the set includes a coupon to send to Isradecals for replacements when they become available. Rounding out the sheet are decals for the underfuselage flare/chaff dispensers, refueling panel, formation lights, and stripes for the missile bodies. The printing is incredibly crisp with very small lettering remaining fully legible, and registration is near perfect.

The instructions are contained in a 16-page booklet which is comprised mostly of scrap drawings showing the locations of all the stencils. In addition, a number of black and white close-up photographs are included showing some of the stencils as they appear on real aircraft. The instructions show markings for approximately 23 aircraft and consist of a scrap view of the nose and tail areas. The individual aircraft names written in Hebrew are included separately on the decal sheet; however the nose and tail numbers must be made up from individual digits.

Many of the aircraft on the sheet have undergone the “Improved Baz” upgrade which adds some improved electronics from the F-15I program and the ability to carry later missiles like Python 4. The upgraded aircraft are currently denoted by the large black eagle on the tail, although the decal sheet also includes the Hebrew script which was written under the tail number that was used prior to early 2002 to identify upgraded aircraft. Rounding out the paperwork is a double sided sheet listing each individual kill made by Israel’s F-15 fleet.

One item that I wish would have been included is some discussion of the physical differences between improved and non-improved aircraft, as well as differences between individual aircraft. For example, some IAF/DF F-15s are now being seen with the exhaust turkey feathers removed like their USAF counterparts, but the sheet makes no mention of whether individual aircraft shown in the instructions have or do not have the feathers. This is really just a minor personal nit and doesn’t affect my overall recommendation of the sheet.

If you are looking to do a recent Baz and aren’t daunted by the thought of applying all the stencils, then this is the sheet for you. Highly Recommended.

Sample courtesy of my ever dwindling bank account.


Dave Williams
IPMS/USA 19050
 

Review Copyright © 2002 by Dave Williams
This Page Created on 01 December, 2002
Last updated 14 August, 2003

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