Su-24M Syrian Warriors Pt. 1

Published on
December 22, 2018
Review Author(s)
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$9.99
Product / Stock #
172022
Base Kit
Trumpeter
Company: Advanced Modeling - Website: Visit Site
Provided by: Advanced Modeling - Website: Visit Site
Product Picture

Background

The Sukhoi Su-24 “Fencer” has been in service for the Russian air forces for over 40 years. It is a rugged, variable wing sweep bomber that is easy to fly and well-liked by the two-man crew. Several kits have been produced of this aircraft and recently, the Advanced Modeling company has released some decal sets that depict the Fencer in modern markings.

In accordance with the agreement between Russia and Syria, a group of Russian aircraft were sent to the Khmeimim Air Base in Syria, September 2015 to fly in support of the Syrian ground forces. During actual operations, the national insignias and registration numbers were overpainted. This could not be easily removed so areas of lighter gray can be seen behind the restored insignias and numbers on certain aircraft. This sheet contains seven different markings for Su-24s that have been operated out of the Khmeimim Air Base.

This decal package contains an Information Sheet, a decal sheet, and a set of paint masks. The Information Sheet is in both Russian and English. The English translation is easy to understand and is very informative. and not at all difficult to understand. For all of these markings, a color profile and a color photograph of the subject airplane is included. This allows the modeler to figure out the placement of these decals. No plan view drawing is provided but the gray and white scheme is the standard one for the Su-24. Kit decals are required for the various warning markings on the airplane.

Currently, these decal sheets are available from Victory Models in the US and Victory Models is very easy to deal with. The Advanced Modeling web site is only in Russian at this time.

Featured Aircraft

  • Su-24M, White 79, RF-90943 of the Air Force Group of Russian Aerospace Forces stationed at Khmeimim Air Base, November 2015. The airplane had previously had the number 04 which was painted out when 79 was applied.
  • Su-24M, White 04, RF-90943 stationed at Shagol Air Base in 2017. When RF-90943 returned to Shagol Air Base, it was returned to number 04. The record of 340 combat missions was retained.
  • Su-24M, White 78, RF-90940 stationed at Khmeimim Air Base in November 2015. The airplane had previously had the number 08 but this was painted over on the rudder and the 0 was overpainted by a 7.
  • Su-24M, White 08, RF-90940 Shagol Air Base in 2017. This aircraft sported 250 mission marks. Like 04 above, this aircraft was returned to 08 back at Shagol. The record of 250 combat missions was retained.
  • Su-24M, White 83, RF-90932 stationed at Khmeimim Air Base in November 2015. This aircraft was shot down by a Turkish air-to-air missile.
  • Su-24M, White 72, RF-93811 stationed at Khmeimim Air Base 2017. This aircraft flew the most missions supporting Syria and carried 1000 mission markings.
  • Su-24M, White 25, RF-90933, stationed at Shagol Air Base in 2017. While in Syria, this airplane was designated white 81 and completed 250 combat missions.

The Decals

These decals are well printed and easy to use. In all cases, the main white ID numbers are accurate replication of the originals. The 8 in 78 features a fine red surround to the number while numbers 79, 83 and the 7 in 78 have fine lines in the numbers reflecting use of stencils.

Application

I received four sets of these decals to review. I built an Su-24 to test and to display one set of the decals. I chose white 83 because it had the large stained area on the fin and I could check out the paint masks. I sprayed a lighter gray color on the rudder and the top of the wings and applied the masks. After spraying the gray and white colors, I removed the masks and they did a great job of sealing the paint. I wish that Advanced Modeling had provided some information on where to use the masks. Large and small 04 masks are supplied, and I assume that they would be useful in building White 79. It also appears that the masks feature several small rectangles. I have no idea where these would be used.

Regarding the decals, they lay down smooth and follow the surface. They can be moved around readily but are very thin. The decals are strong enough with withstand some significant "handling" but thin enough to allow molded detail to be seen. Photos of my model are attached.

Recommendation

This decal set is highly recommended for several reasons. The Information sheet is thorough in its coverage of the aircraft which "wore" the markings on the sheet. The illustrations are clear and will be of great assistance when getting the placement of the decals correct. The price is reasonable. Thanks to Advanced Decals for making this decal sheet available and to IPMS for letting me review this interesting sheet.

While preparing for this write-up, I checked out Google Earth to figure out the location of the Khmeimim Air Base. I was able to find the base near the northwest edge of Syria close to the Mediterranean. Zooming in on the air base, I saw lots of aircraft. There were several Su-24s parked alongside the main runway and also, something that looked like the Su-34. Technology is great!

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