Paulus Victor PV-001-48 'Syrian Veterans'

Paulus Victor is a Croatian manufacturer with a small range of decals for somewhat esoteric subjects. The decals themselves appear to be produced to a high standard with perfect registration, opaque colors, and minimal decal film. What makes the package more impressive are the inclusion of extensive notes and photos covering the aircraft's paint jobs, weathering, weaponry, and airframe anomalies. Photos and dimensions of the aircraft's shelters and aprons are also provided. The package comes with a bonus sheet of generic arabic numerals and Syrian AF maintenance markings plus a small self adhesive Syrian roundel sticker. The three aircraft schemes are:

Mig-21bis (Fishbed L) at Hama AB in 2015. This aircraft was finished in blue green and orange sand upper surfaces with light blue gray under surfaces. The right wing was a replacement from a crashed machine and shows a variation in the camouflage pattern and colors.

Mig-23MF (Flogger B) at Hama AB in 2017. This aircraft was finished in blue green and orange sand upper surfaces with light blue gray under surfaces.

Mig-23BN (Flogger H) at Al-Dumyar AB in 2016. This aircraft was finished in blue green and orange sand upper surfaces with light blue gray under surfaces. The right horizontal stabilizer was a replacement and shows a variation in the camouflage pattern and colors. This aircraft also has inconsistent placement of the roundels on the upper surfaces of the wings.

Paulus Victor has provided a thoroughly researched and attractively produced set of decals for some lesser known and topical subjects. It would have been nice if matches for the camouflage colors to readily available hobby paints had been provided, but their omission detracts little from the overall package. In fact, the information in the instruction notes alone is almost worth the price of the decals. I wish that all decal manufacturers offered instructions to the same standard with their products. Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in Migs and Middle Eastern conflicts.

Rob Hart

January 2025

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