This sheet is designed for the Bilek IL-28 and IL-28U. The standard IL-28 has been boxed and sold under the Italeri label. Other IL-28 kits on the market are the very old Airfix kit, which has many shape issues and the kit by Trumpeter done about 15 years back. Actually, the Bilek kit isn't any newer, but seems to be the 'go to' kit for IL-28 builders.

This particular sheet offers markings for five aircraft and has data markings for one. Two of these are standard bombers. Those are the bare metal version with a red fin top from the North Vietnamese Air Force during 1971 and a heavily camouflaged version from the Nigerian Air Force during their civil war in 1969.

A slightly modified recce IL-28 in unpainted metal with the Hungarian Air Force in 1965 is the third option. This one required an additional radome on the bomb bay doors. a side view of these to scale is provided for those who wish to make the additional dome with putty or plastic.

There are two IL-28U trainers on the sheet. Both are in unpainted metal. One is with a recce squadron of the Polish Naval Air Arm from 1970. This does not have any additional antennas. The fifth option is with the East German Air Force in 1975 and was used for target towing.

The decal sheet is rather small, measuring 3.5 x 5 inches but is nicely printed and hopefully is opaque, though any put on bare metal finishes will not be all that affected. One thing for sure, it is in perfect register, with separate centers for the Hungarian markings.

The Hi-Decal instructions are in greyshades and provide paint information using Humbrol and Model Master paints. A full upper and lower scheme is also provided for the Nigerian plane so you basically have a complete four view to help with painting this one. A full stencil suite is also provided as well as most complete placement guide.

July 2014

Thanks to me for getting this one.

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