Aztec Decals - All Castro's MIG's - Cuban Raiders Part 1 - 1:72 & 1:48

[Julien]

Aztec Decals - All Castro's MIGs - Cuban Raiders

Aztec Models - 1:48 & 1:72

The Cuban revolution of 26th July 1953 finally ousted President Batista in January 1959 replacing his regime with Fidel Castro's revolutionary government. This was later reformed into a communist style of government, with the Cuban communist party become a reality in 1965.

As the Cuban regieme became a communist one they allied with the Soviet Union, they then became the source of military equipement for the Cubans. For aircraft this meant MiG's and more MiG's! Deliveries begining after Raul Castro visited Moscow in 1960. As well as direct exports the Soviet Air Force also left behind MiG-21's following their withdrawl during the Cuban missle crisis.

Estimated Soviet aircraft deliveries to Cuba were; 60 MiG-15, 12 MiG-15UTI, 80 MiG-17, 40 MiG-19, 117 MiG-21, 22 MiG-23, 15 MiG-27.

This new sheet from Aztec Decals contains decals to build 16 different MiG's from the early MiG-15's to the later MiG-21's (including some two seaters). The decals look to be excellent on the sheet. I cant see any printing errors, the colours are sharp, dense and in register. Carrier film is almost invisible. As with a lot of Aztec sheets, they pack the decals on so care will be needed cutting them out. I have used Aztec decals before with excellent results, and have no doubts these will perform as well.

Aircraft you are able to build from the sheet are;

1. MiG-21MF Red 602 (Green & tan over grey?) - 1962

2. MiG-15 Red 36 - 1961 NMF

3. MiG-17F Red 101 - 1964 NMF

4. MiG-19P Red 89 - 1964 NMF

5. MiG-21MF Black 656 (Blue & Tan over blue)

6. MiG-15UTI Red 26 - 1961 NMF

7. MiG-17AS Blue 232 - This aircraft landed at Homestead AFB 1969 NMF

8. MiG-21PMF Red 371 - 1962 NMF

9. MiG-21MF Black 665 - (Blue & Grey Green over blue)

10.10 seems to have been missed off!

11. MiG-21UM Red 500 - 1968 NMF

12. MiG-21MF Red 519 - 1974 NMF

13. MiG-21MF Black 672 (Blue & Grey over Blue) Defected to NAS Quay West 1993

14. MiG-17F or AS - Red 237 5 colour camo as seen in the Air Museum 1974

15. MiG-21PFM Black 618 - 5 colour camo 2010

16. MiG-21Bis Black 668 - 5 colour camo 2010

17. MiG21UM Black 526 - 5 colour camo 2009

The Pack

In addition to the decal sheet, there is one double sided A4 sheet containing all the schemes you are able to build. In all cases only one side profile is supplied which is going to make camo schemes a bit of guess work, or some research will be needed. As there is not much information out there a bit more on the instructions would have been appriciated. Small top plans are provided for the camo schemes.

In addition to the colour sheet there is a second sheet which gives additional information for each of the schemes, This is arranged by aircraft type. Additional information concerning colours and the type of roundels / flashes to be used is to be found here.

Colour call outs as given in FS numbers with appropriate Humbrol suggestions. There are also additional information concerning the Aircraft types and in one case a link to a video on you tube showing one of the aircraft.

Conclusion

This is comprehensive sheet allowing the modeller to build some of Cuba's MiG's, hopefully there will be a follow on sheet with MiG-23's, 27's and 29's.

Aztec are to be congratualted for continuing to bring the Subjects of Central & South America to the modeller.

Review sample courtesy of

Available direct or from most large Model Retailers