IsraDecals Ra'anan Weiss has made another step in filling IAF enthusiasts' long awaited need for IAF aircraft of French origin with four new decal releases. To his previous Ouragan and Vautour decal sheets, Ra'anan has added the Mystere IV and Super Mystere.

     IsraDecal sheets IAF-31 in 1/48 scale and IAF-32 in 1/72 scale enable the modeler to add to his collection the IAF's answer to Egypt's MiG-15. Service entry of the Mystere IV was only months prior to the October 1956 Suez War. The outbreak of the Suez war was so soon after IAF service entry of the Mystere IV that there were more airplanes available than IAF pilots to fly them. In spite of the lack of hours available on the type, IAF pilots managed to shoot down 7 Egyptian aircraft during the Suez War. IAF Mystere IV kills did not end after the Suez War. IAF Mysteres relegated to the ground attach roll during the 1967 war managed to better the Hunter and the afterburner equipped MiG-17's flown by Israel's foes.

     IsraDecal sheet IAF-31 coincides with the release of Hi-Tech 1/48 scale Super Mystere. The artwork has been resized to fit the Matchbox 1/72 scale Mystere IV in sheet number IAF-32. To address the limited information available on this aircraft, an 8 page black and white instructions booklet is provided that will aid modelers in both the assembly and the painting of the model. The booklet provides complete three views of the three different color schemes worn by the Mystere IV and is packed with 13 photos of in service aircraft with uncensored markings and weapon configurations. As now customary for IsraDecals, all numbers and front styles are provided to enable the modeler to build any IAF Mystere IV they may wish. Stencils and roundels are provided to complete two aircraft. Between the years 1956 and 1968 three squadrons operated the Mystere IV; First Fighter squadron, The Valley squadron and the Flying Wing squadron. One set of squadron markings is provided for each squadron.

Two versions of Egyptian air Force kill markings are provided for 1956 Suez war and post 1967 Six Day war camouflaged Mysteres. A nice surprise in the sheet is the profile view of a First Fighter squadron twin kill Mystere IV number 30 that has not been seen before.

Mystere IV Decal sheets IAF-31 and IAF-32 are available from Hannants.

Thanks to Ra'anan Weiss of IsraDecal for the review samples.

Yoav