1/72 Su-25 Frogfoots
and
1/48 MiG-21 Exercise Markings

Balkan Models

Reviewed by Ken Bowes

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Having previously reviewed Balkan Models earlier releases, especially BM-7205 and BM72-06 for Hyperscale it was interesting to see where this company has gone for their next series of releases.

These releases have continued to see a diversification away from their traditional Yugoslav subjects to cover a full range of Su-25 operators whilst for their first release in 1/48 scale they have produce an excellent set of markings for Yugoslav MiG-21MF, R and bis variants, perfect for the recent Eduard kits.

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Starting with Sheet BM-7207, Balkan Models have turned their collective attention to the Su-25 Frogfoot. Eight subjects are covered on this sheet including four Macedonian airframes and one each from Bulgaria, Ukraine, Iraq and Georgia. Of the eight six are single seat Su-25 or Su-25K types and two are Su-25UB trainers. As can be expected from such a diverse range of operators the sheet depicts a wide variety camouflage schemes. Clear instructions are given for each, including a four view colour guide and a handy cross-reference chart for the 22 colours needed (depending on subject choice) in FS, RAL and major hobby paint manufacturers.

The next release is Balkan Model’s first in 1/48 scale and covers four MiG-21 aircraft from two different large scale air exercises conducted in Yugoslavia, “Sloboda 71” and “Golija 76”.

The first subject is MiG-21R 104 of 352 Squadron marked with a white lightning on the nose to indicate involvement in “Sloboda 71”. The second is a MiG-21MF 870 of 204 Regiment and the third MiG-21bis 157 of the same unit, both during “Golija 76” with either light blue nose and wingtip or white band around the rear fuselage denoting their involvement in the manoeuvres. There are Bort and serial numbers provided for another airframe which I suspect is also an MF from 204 Regiment (No 823) but no instructions are given for it.

All three subjects for which instructions are provided on this sheet are covered in detailed four view colour diagrams. Each of these not only shows the colour scheme (universally natural metal) but also provides placement details for both principal markings and maintenance stencilling. Three complete sets of stencils are also provided and there are enough markings to build three complete models. I suspect as there are two sets of instructions for MiG-21R 104 included one of these might be printed in error in place of MiG-21MF(?) 823.

Aside from the gripe regarding the instructions on sheet BM-4801 the overall package from Balkan Models is well researched and put together. They leaves little for the modeller to do save source a kit which thanks at least to Eduard in 1/48 scale should not pose a problem. These subjects may be of narrow interest, especially the Yugoslav MiG-21s but they offer something that is different and that should offer new options for both existing Zvezda, OEZ, Academy and Eduard Su-25 and MiG-21 kits in 1/72 and 1/48 scale respectively.

Thanks to Balkan Models  for the review sample.

Text and Images Copyright © 2012 by Ken Bowes
This Page Created on 15 May, 2012
Last updated 15 May, 2012

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