MPD 1/48 MiG-23MF 'Hell Fighter' Decal First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

I've just learned of a decal manufacturer out of the Czech Republic called Mini Print Decals, or MPD. Their primary subjects in 1/72 and 1/48 are the Czech Air Force aircraft sporting special markings. And if you haven't been paying attention, the Czech AF has had some fantastic paint jobs in the years since the 'wall' came down. MPD is also the only decal manufacturer (to my knowledge) to release decals of George Bush's TBM-3 in 1/72 and 1/48. If anyone out there knows of a US source for MPD, please let me know. I had to get the sheet below through some rather interesting trades.

This particular sheet, number 48002, represents a 50th Anniversary aircraft that was painted and flown June 3-6, 1994. "Hell Fighter" is a MiG-23MF Flogger B in one of the most interesting paint schemes I've seen anywhere. It is now on display at the air museum in Kbely, Czech Republic. As you can see, the decals are "spot on" in register, and appear to be of Superscale/Aeromaster quality. While the decals take care of the 'details', there is still quite a bit of painting to do. I've included a photo of the actual Hell Fighter in flight for reference. I am looking forward to building and painting this aircraft, as soon as Kazan releases their MiG-23 fighter enhancement set...

MiG-23MF "Hell Fighter" in Flight - photo by V. Tiechert & S. Rogl