Home  |  What's New  |  Features  |  Gallery  |  Reviews  |  Reference  |  Forum  |

Yugoslav AF Roundels, Flags & Numbers

Balkan Models, 1/144 scale

S u m m a r y :

Catalogue Number:

Balkan Models Kit No. BM-14401 - Yugoslav AF Roundels, Flags & Numbers

Scale:

1/144

Contents & Media

Waterslide decals with Instructions.

Price:

Available on-line from these stockists (I only listed ones I found with an English option):

  1. Blackbird Models £6.99
  2. Plastic Miniatures €5.00
  3. Misterkit €6.00

so please see here for a complete list of distributors.

Review Type:

First Look.

Advantages:

Well produced and suitable for a wide range of subjects.

Disadvantages:

None apparent.

Conclusion:

Well-produced decals suitable for many aircraft types. Recommended to those wishing to model post-WW2 Yugoslav Air Force subjects in 1/144.


Reviewed by Mark Davies


HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron.com

F i r s t L o o k

 

Balkan Models

I think that Balkan Models are a Slovenian company. It is clear from their web-site that their niche is the Yugoslav Air Force that was, and air forces of the states deriving from the former Yugoslavia. Here’s what they have to say about themselves: “We produce decals and resin model kits for scale modellers around the world. Our main goal is to aware public about military history of the Balkans through world of scale modelling."

 

The Decals

The decals reviewed here are their first in 1/144-scale for which there seems to be an ever-growing range of kits, many with surprisingly good detail and finesse despite their small size.

Supplied in an A-5 plastic zip-lock bag along with notes on which aircraft the various sized markings and numbers fit. The lists are quite extensive and cover a good mixture of Western and Soviet types (Yugoslavia was outside the Warsaw Pact despite being a communist state, and so it was supplied aircraft from both sides of the iron curtain.)

 

 

The set covers the period from 1955 until the breakup of Yugoslavia. It was in 1955 when the Yugoslav Air Force formalised and standardised markings for all military aircraft. Three roundel sizes are covered (500, 750 and 1000-mm) and two sizes of fin flash or flags (450 and 950mm). Also included are large and small code numbers in black and white. There are enough markings to decal nine different aircraft. The decals could be used for many types including the Mig-21, G-4, G-2, J-21, J-22, T-33, F-84, F-86, P-47D, C-4, Ju-52, Il-14, Il-18, 727, DC-6, Caravelle, Cl-215 and several others.

 

 

The decals appear to be very well produced, with good registration and colour density.

When I have previously reviewed BM’s product there was no pricing or distribution information. So I’m pleased to see now that they have established a distribution network from west from Balkans to the UK, and north to Russia, and as you would expect these distributors provide pricing information.

 

 

C o n c l u s i o n

 

The appeal of these decals will clearly lie with the limited niche market of Yugoslav Air Force enthusiasts they are intended for. This said, there is a great range of aircraft that can wear these markings from both Western and Soviet  sources, as well as some allied and axis types from WW2, so be aware that the Yugoslav Air Force has a lot to offer modeling a wide variety of aircraft types is your thing. The sheet is nicely produced and looks to be good quality. I highly recommend these decals to those who wish to build Yugoslav subjects in 1/144-scale.

Thanks to Balkan Models  for the review sample.

Text and Images Copyright © 2012 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 14 February, 2012
Last updated 14 February, 2012

Back to HyperScale Main Page