Now here is a very interesting sheet from our friends at Balkan Models. This one covers the Mi-24 Hind as operated by three Balkan countries that gained their independence in the last 20 years. The Croatian AF was the first to buy these craft in 1993 and used them in combat during 1995, though retired them a few years later. Next was the Serbian Air Force that flew two of them in the Kosovo war of 1998 and 1999. Finally, there are those used by Macedonia against Albanian insurgence in 2001. There are examples of all of the aircraft on this sheet.

The first option is a Serbian Hind in a European scheme of Sand, Brown and Black Green. Next up is a Croatian aircraft in San and Olive Green over light Grey. This one has several grey patches covering former insignia. The next four are all Macedonian aircraft. These have a base coat of Sand with Yellow-Green patches. Some have additional patches of Grey-Green and all have grey sections painting out former markings. Balkan Models has included some of these grey patches for one of the Macedonian aircraft.

The superbly printed decal sheet is totally free of any registration issues. They are crisply printed and provide enough markings to do all six schemes. Each aircraft comes with a full color four-view that not only shows exactly where the markings are placed, but gives a brief history of each aircraft as well. Rotor head and blade color information is also provided. On the back of the instructions is a listing of the various paints that can be used in RAL, FS 595 and from a wide range of paint companies.

These are among the finest decals I've seen and if you have any interest at all in the subject, these are the ones to get.

Thanks to Balkan Models for the review sheet. Ask your local shop to get this one for you when it is available or visit the link.

July 2011

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.