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

Sky Guardians

Aztek Models, 1/72 & 1/48 scales

S u m m a r y :  

Catalogue Number:

Aztek Models Item No. D72051 – Sky Guardians

(Although not reviewed here, the same set is available in 1/48-scale as D48-051)

Scale:

1/72

Contents & Media

Decals for eleven subjects.

Price:

Available from these on-line Stockists:*

  • Aztec Models -  US$10.20  (US$12.90 for 1/48 scale)
  • Hannants £6.83  (£8.58 for 1/48 scale)

Review Type:

First Look.

Advantages:

Attractive options, helpful colour cross-referencing, and useful reference notes.

Disadvantages:

Conclusions:

These decals and their instructions for a good quality, well researched, and attractively presented package. The schemes offered should please those who want to finish their Fisbed-C model in something other than overall aluminium, as well as fans of small air forces.

Definitely recommended.

Reviewed by Mark Davies


HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron.com

FirstLook

 

The decals reviewed here cover early versions of the MiG-21 Fishbed, from both Soviet and Chinese factories, covering several operators of this very widely exported cold-war warrior. They are an ideal compliment for the very nice 1/72nd Revell MiG-21F-13 kit.

The decals come supplied on as two sheets in an A-5 sized re-sealable plastic bag. This also encloses two coloured and two monochrome pages covering paint schemes, decal placement and general instructions. A QR marking is provided for quick linking to Aztec Models’ website. The instructions generally provide at least one profile and one plan view for each subject. Colours are cross-referenced to FS-595, and the Humbrol, Model Master, Tamiya, and Revel paint ranges. The instructions include several useful notes, which suggests some good research has been done; and a list of the references used is provided in a footnote to the instructions.

 

  • Aztek Models Item No. D72051 – Sky Guardians Review by Mark Davies: Image
  • Aztek Models Item No. D72051 – Sky Guardians Review by Mark Davies: Image
  • Aztek Models Item No. D72051 – Sky Guardians Review by Mark Davies: Image
Thumbnail panels:
Now Loading

 

I have several sheets of Aztec decals, although I have yet to use any. In all cases they have colourful and interesting subject selections, which are presented with quite a degree of artistic flair and panache. The set reviewed here is no different in this respect, employing eye-catching graphics that I suspect will create an instant degree of interest and appeal for many. There can be a slight downside to this approach however; as there can be just a slight loss of clarity, because the various written notes and comments become a little lost in the colourful background graphics. This is not major problem, but some other companies' less flamboyant markings guides are a bit clearer to follow.

 

 

The decals appear to be very well printed; with crisp registration and good colour density. The subjects covered are as follows:

  • Chengdu F-7N, 3-7510 of the 51st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, Omidiyeh, circa 1993.

  • Chengdu F-7N, 3-7510 of the 51st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, Omidiyeh, circa 2007.

  • MiG-21F-13, 1st Stihaci Lekta, Czechoslovak Air Force, Czechoslovakia, circa 1968-70.

  • Chengdu F-7N, 1424 of No 35 Squadron “Thundertcats”, Bangladesh Air Force, circa 1989-90.

  • MiG-21F-13, 06, Fuerza Aerea Revolucionaria, San Antonio de los Banos Air Base, Cuba, circa 1963.

  • MiG-21F13, 2167, United States Air Force, circa 1962 (two options).

  • Chengdu F7B, 2159, Iraqi Air Force, circa 1990.

  • Chengdu F7NM, CF704, No 5 Squadron, Sri Lanka Air Force, Colombo-Kaunayake Air Base, circa 1991 (two options).

  • MiG-21F-13, 714, Korean People’s Army Air Force, North Korea, circa 1962-63.

 

 

C o n c l u s i o n

 

These decals and their instructions for a good quality, well researched, and attractively presented package. The schemes offered should please those who want to finish their Fishbed-C model in something other than the often-seen overall aluminium, as well as fans of small air forces - Definitely recommended.

Look out for "Sky Guardians Part II" for more options that are similar to those reviewed here.

Thanks to Aztec Models for the review samples.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2013 by Mark Davies
Page Created 6 June, 2013
Last updated 6 June, 2013

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page