The latest samples that Iliad Design have kindly sent us include a real treat for anyone building an F-104 in 1:48 scale. Starfighters in Combat provides markings for no less than seven F-104s serving with various air forces around the world - and, as the title suggests, the underlying theme is that all the aircraft featured saw actual combat.

The line-up comprises:

1. F-104A, "D", Pakistan Air Force, 1971
2. Canadair-built F-104G, "4344", 427th TFS, 3rd TFW, Republic of China Air Force, 1967
3. F-104C, 0-70927, of the 8th TFW, USAF, Udorn RTAFB, 1966/67
4. F-104C, 0-60910, of the 8th TFW, USAF, Udorn RTAFB, 1966/67
5. F-104C, 60883, USAF, 1965
6. F-104A, 56-803, Pakistan Air Force, 1971
7. F-104G, 22313, 141° Filo, Turkish Air Force, 1974

The subjects chosen sport an interesting mix of n/m, ADC Grey and two styles of camouflage schemes, so there's something to suit all tastes.

The decals are gloss finished and wonderfully thin, with crystal clear carrier film, so they should snuggle down beautifully over details. The registration is pin-sharp and the colour density and accuracy look excellent, with correctly dark US Insignia Red and Blue contrasting with the brighter tones on other markings.

There's a lot to cram onto the sheet, but Iliad Design have managed to squeeze in everything needed for all the schemes except for #5, where you'll need to rely on whichever kit you're using for USAF text. I guess the one danger with that is that the donor kit's decals might not match the quality of Iliad Design's.

The decals are accompanied by a nicely produced sheet of instructions, with full colour side and plan views and detailed notes highlighting specifics of each aircraft.

Conclusion

This is another excellent set of decals from Iliad Design. I can't fault what they've provided in any way - I just wish some kind of jiggery pokery could have made space on the sheet to include the missing items for one of the featured schemes and so ensured everything would match Iliad Design's standards.

There are some really interesting subjects among the chosen aircraft - with stories which are beyond the scope of this review - and a variety of colour schemes offering plenty of interest and enjoyable modelling challenges. Highly recommended.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.