This is a new publication from Mushroom Models Publications. The book includes a brief description of where and how the Polish Air Force acquired its MiG-29 fleet. I was surprised to learn that only the first twelve aircraft were purchased directly from Russia. The bulk of the PAF’s MiG-29’s were actually acquired from Czech Air Force and from the German Air Force (post reunification) when those services decided to cease operating the MiG-29. Interestingly, upon acquiring these used jets, initially the PAF continued to operate the aircraft in the paint schemes of the original operator, so a number of the PAF single-seat MiG-29s operated for a period of time in several shades of green and brown. In 1997, the PAF commenced the overhaul of its MiG-29s. Overhauled aircraft were repainted in a new three tone grey paint scheme that matched the original three greys used on the F-16, FS 36375 light grey on the undersides; FS 36270 medium grey and gunship grey FS 36118 on the upper surfaces. There is a nice summary of the various paint schemes immediately following the acquisition history section.
The vast majority of the book is a series of color profile paintings illustrating a wide variety of paint schemes and markings seen on Polish Air Force MiG-29s from the original factory applied scheme to the later three tone greys (several different patterns are illustrated, including one that matches the current F-16 pattern), the Czech Air Force colors, a Luftwaffe example and several specially marked MiG's celebrating Polish Air Force history. The profiles include not only single seat MiG-29s, but also several two-seat MiG-29UBs. There is also a four page fold-out side profile of one of the specially marked MiG-29UBs.
The illustrations and profiles are strictly limited to paint schemes and markings, there are no drawings of any aircraft parts or details, so this is not a book for someone looking for reference material to super-detail their MiG-29, there are other books for that purpose. However, if you are looking to build a MiG-29 that is different from the standard factory applied scheme, this book offers plenty of interesting options. As a side note, my review volume included a small flyer from Model Maker Decals announcing 1/48th and 1/72 scale decal sheets for the “Stanislaw Skalski” specially marked MiG-29GT (ex-Luftwaffe trainer) #4105 which is illustrated on pages 33 and 34 of the book. A number of the other special schemes are already available in decal form.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the MiG-29 and wants to paint it as something different. If you would like to to see the video trailer for the book, go to https://youtu.be/q53w4p8tqws .
Thank you to Mushroom Model Publications for the review sample and to IPMS/USA for allowing me to review it.
