The McDonnel Douglas F-4 Phantom II needs no introduction. With over 5,000 airframes built, and many being exported, including to the two countries covered by this decal sheet, Greece and Iran. The Hellenic Air Force (Polemikí Aeroporía) began using the planes in 1974 and has some Peace Icarus 2000 upgraded Phantoms still in service, while the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) may still have a few in service – their status is currently unknown due to the current issues the country is facing.

Taiwanese modeling company DXM Decals has released a set of 1/48 decals for six airframes, including two Hellenic Air Force F-4Es, plus two Iranian F-4Es and two Iranian RF-4Es. The decal set comprises two sheets, one standard-sized decal sheet is packed with images comprising what appears to be two complete sets of stenciling, plus a half-sheet with serial numbers, roundels, and special markings.

A full color 8-page instruction leaflet includes comprehensive decal placement and painting guides for tops, bottoms, and both sides of the aircraft. Color callouts are in FS numbers so you can make your own choice of paint brands. A small, half-sheet includes details on masking the wing drop tanks for one of the Greek options, including full-size masks.

The decals are printed for DXM by Cartograf, which ensures quality. The colors are strong and even the tiniest of stencils is readable under magnification, and the colors are perfectly aligned. I expect them to behave properly with appropriate solutions, as with all Cartograf’s offerings.

This is a great sheet if you are looking for something different for your 1/48 R/F-4E model, and it is highly recommended. My sincere thanks to DXM Decals for supplying the sample to IPMS/USA, and for my opportunity to perform this review.