L-39s of the New Great Game

and

L-39 Albatros Russian Stencil Data
 

1/48 Scale

Linden Hill Decals

Reviewed by Ken Bowes

HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron

Linden Hill’s latest decal release gives the modeler yet another sheet of unusual subjects, this time inspired by the Air Forces of the many former Central Asian Republics of the Soviet Union. Why then “The New Great Game?” The original Great Game was a popular description of the strategic competition between Tsarist Russia and Victorian Britain in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This came to a natural end during World War Two. Post war it flared again as part of the Cold War, this time involving the USA. Now it used to characterize a situation where both the US and a resurgent Russia compete for influence in these same former Soviet Republics, all the more so post September 11. Now, why the L-39? Well given the large numbers in service at the time of the collapse of the USSR numerous of these cheap, reliable and easy to maintain combat capable trainers were inherited by these states.

With a well deserved reputation for their research and access to information that others often only guess at, it is no surprise that this selection will probably have something to wet the appetite of any fan of the unusual. In the neat ziplock bag is a comprehensive instruction booklet, with plenty of colour profiles of the subjects and plenty of supporting text.  This book covers no less than eight A4 pages. The decals themselves are spread over two A5 sheets plus two smaller supplementary sheets. Unlike some of their previous sheets this set does not include much airframe stenciling, making the related L-39 Airframe Stencil set essential for the committed modeler.

With no less than fifteen individual airframes from nine Air Forces included, there is ample choice for everyone.

The subjects covered are:

• White 44 or White 59 of the Russian Federation Air Force based at Kubinka;

• Red 122 and Blue 04 and 46 of the Armavir Fighter Pilot Academy, Armavier AB;

• Yellow 11 of the short lived Air Force of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria;

• Red 01 of the Armenian Air Force

• Blue 03 of the Azerbaijani Air Force

• Blue 15 of the Uzbek Air Force

• 0010, 003 and 005 of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan Air Force during the Soviet occupation era

Stepping away from the theme, but offered as a bonus by Linden Hill, are the final three options:

• 8703 of the Vietnamese Air Force;

• 1709 of the Ethiopian Air Force; and

• 209 of the Bulgarian Air Force

As one can imagine, with that many operators there are numerous variations on colours applied. Linden Hill have helpfully provided FS approximations for all schemes, along with some recommendations from major paint manufacturers for some of the more unusual colours. Colour photographs of some subjects are also included to help the modeler. Linden Hill’s sheets are very well printed, being very thin and with minimal carrier film. The complex designs themselves are in perfect register. The decals are easy to use and respond well to the usual solutions without damage. Being thin they conform well to details over which they are laid. With the option of good L-39 kits in 1/48 from MPM and 1/72 from Eduard there is no excuse not to build one of the subjects here.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

---

Yet again Linden Hill has come up with an excellent product and they should be congratulated for bringing these unusual subjects to the market.

Both Sets Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Linden Hill Imports for the review sample.

Linden Hill Decals are available from Linden Hill Imports' website

Review Copyright © 2006 by Ken Bowes
This Page Created on 25 August, 2006
Last updated 25 August, 2006

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page