Begemot 1/72 Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA Decals
By Matt Bittner
Many, many moons ago I reviewed Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA 1/72 decals from Begemot. When they were released there was only one prototype flying so in essence these decals were just correcting - and adding to - whatever Zvezda contained in their kit.
Fast forward a year or so, and Hobby Boss releases their own PAK-FA in 1/72. Fast foward some more and now we have this release from Begemot, this time meant for that Hobby Boss kit.
I read an on-line build where the Hobby Boss kit is a little more accurate, shape-wise, than the Zvezda kit but a bit off scale-wise, being closer to 1/60. If that isn't as important as shape, then the Hobby Boss kit is a good option.
For this release not only does Begemot contain all stencil decals for one airframe, but also includes separate "airframe numbers" to build any of the prototypes (and I think they're at seven, now). There are a lot of decals, though, to add to one airframe. However, you'll need to study your references as there are now subtle detail differences in the newer prototype airframes. So, if you want a more shape-wise accurate model there will be some changes to make to the Hobby Boss kit.
Be that as it may, these are still excellent decals, up to Begemot's high quality, and can be bought with confidence. If you don't mind a model being "not quite" 1/72 and want to build a PAK-FA then by all means purchase the Hobby Boss kit and definitely pick up these decals. You'll be glad you did.
I definitely want to thank Begemot for sending this decal set in for review.