Speed Hunter Graphics, a new venture by Reid Air Publications, has released their first decal sheet, and it is devoted to F-4 Phantom airframes that are “MiG-21” killers. I should point out that all of the decal options represent versions of the airframes in the post-Vietnam era, with some of them featuring non-SEA camouflage, but still displaying the “kill” markings. This makes the decal options more attractive and unique.

The sheet includes:

1. F-4D 66-7554, 906TFG SEA wraparound camo "City of Fairborn" nose art 1983
2. F-4D 66-7550, 507TFG Hill II camo 1989
3. F-4C 63-7676, 154CW, Hawaii ANG, SEA wraparound camo, 1984
4. F-4C 63-0589, 191FIG, Michigan ANG, ADC gray, 1979
5. F-4C 64-0776, 142FIG, Oregon ANG, Hill II camo 1989
6. F-4C 64-0829, 482TFW, SEA wraparound, 1982

Options two and five are also included in 1/32 scale as a bonus.

The decal sheet is printed by Cartograf. As such, you know you’ll get good quality, thin and opaque decals. The decals are very glossy on the sheet, and they have very little transparent carrier film around them, thus minimizing the chances for silvering. The sheet also includes two full sets of stencils.

The sheet is designed to fit several kits. As such, you might have to trim some of the markings (tail banners and such) for a perfect fit.

The only criticism I have is that the decals have no number on the sheet. You have to check out the instruction sheet and then find the decal on the sheet. If you are in doubt you should use your references, as there is no way to crosscheck if the decal is the one you think you should be using.

The instruction sheet is printed in full-color, and includes left/right views of the fuselages, when relevant. The instructions include a small narrative on each airframe and their kills. Be aware, in my sample there was one page of instructions from another decal sheet (Part II of the Phantom MiG Killers) and it took me a while to realize what was going on. For a while I though there were options missing on the sheet.

Considering the quality of the sheet and the subject, I welcome Speed Hunter Graphics to the modeling industry and I’m looking forward to more of their products.

I would like to thank Speed Hunter Graphic/Reid Air Publications and IPMS/USA for the review sample.