If you are a 1:72 scale modeler with focus on Soviet/Russian aircraft or heavy bombers then you would know that Trumpeter has recently issued two biggies. Both are the early and the late modifications of the Russian bomber used to be so very much feared by the West during the infamous Cold War era. Please welcome the 1:72 Authentic Decals set covering few service variants of the remarkable Tu-22M2 and Tu-22M3 Backfires, a nice and timely addition to Trumpeter kits indeed.

You get complete stencils on a separate sheet as well as stencils and markings for the missiles and bombs, national insignia, tactical numbers and squadron emblems in the set. There are 2 decal sheets and 4 pages of instruction sheets showing decal placement and camo layout for both the aircraft and its cruse missiles and bombs.

The set is packed in a zip plastic bag with cardboard sheet which prevents it from bending. The back side of it is the colour guide covering some of the 9 options provided by the manufacturer. Same as always, the quality of these decals is perfect. They are clearly printed and all the emblems and national insignia are in perfect register. The lacquer layer is also very thin.

Lets have a look at the options provided in the set.

Click on images below to see larger images

• Option One is Tu-22M3, Russian Air Force, Kamenniy Ruchey AB, 2007, the Red 58 Flight
• Option Two is Tu-22M3, Russian Air Force, Olenegorsk AB, 2008, the Red 07 Flight
• Option Three is Tu-22M3, Russian Air Force, Kamenniy Ruchey AB, 2008, the Red 57 Flight
• Option Four is Tu-22M3, Russian Air Force, Olenegorsk AB, 2006, the Red 53 Flight
• Option Five is Tu-22M3, Ukrainan Air Force,  Poltava AB, 1998, the Blue 80 Flight
• Option Six is Tu-22M3, Russian Air Force, Olenegorsk AB, 2006, the Red 20 Flight
• Option Seven is Tu-22M3, USSR Air Force, Poltava AB, 1998, Red 50 Flight
• Option Eight is Tu-22M2, Russian Air Force, Dyagilevo AB, 1996, the Red 48Flight
• And finally, Option Nine is Tu-22M3, Russian Air Force, Kamenniy Ruchey AB, 1999, the Red 02 Flight
  

If I am not mistaken, Authentic Decals is the very first aftermarket producer who issued the set to provide very cool upgrade options for Trumpeter Tu-22M2 and Tu-22M3 kits

You can purchase their Tu-22M Backfire decal set either directly from Authentic Decals via e-mail:  contacts@olimpmodelsgroup.com or from, NKR Models in Australia, Hannants or Aeroclub  both in the UK, Peter Herrmann or Modellbau Huber both in Germany, Mondoridotto or Misterkit both in Italy, Artur or Modelimex or Hobbyshop all in Czech Republic, Jadar-Model or Martola or Karaya or IBG Models or Andrzej Malysz all in Poland, Model Kit or Club TM or Aviapress or Hobbyshop or Goldenhobby all in Russia and finally Stevens International or Internethobbies or Joe's-Models or Rollmodels or Greatmodels or J-Bar Hobbies or Rosemonthobby all in USA.

A big THANKS to Oleg Degtyar from Authentic Decals for the sample.

Enjoy your modeling!

Anatoly Sushon