Review: Iliad Design 1/48 Korean War Mig-15s Decals

Review – Iliad Design 1/48 “Korean War MiG-15s” (Set 48027a)

Iliad Design’s 1/48 Korean War MiG-15s decal set provides modellers with an appealing selection of markings covering eight different aircraft from the Korean War, representing Soviet, North Korean, Chinese, and post-defection US service. The sheet includes options for both camouflaged and natural metal MiG-15bis airframes, making it a versatile choice for anyone building Eduard, Tamiya or Trumpeter kits of this famous jet.

This release, catalogue number 48027a, is a reprint of Iliad’s earlier set 48027 but with one important addition: an extra option for MiG-15bis “325”, flown by top-scoring Soviet ace Col. Yevgeni Pepelyayev.

Subject & Coverage

The set’s subject matter is particularly attractive because it steps away from the over-represented US aircraft of the Korean War and focuses instead on their adversaries.

The eight options provided are:

• MiG-15bis “07” – PLAAF (People’s Liberation Army Air Force), natural metal, Chinese script “People’s Voluntary Air Force,” markings possibly for Chinese volunteers in Korea.

• MiG-15bis “931” – North Korean markings, flown by Soviet pilot K.I. Siyom, spring 1953; medium green/dark green/tan disruptive camouflage over light grey-blue undersides.

• MiG-15bis “758” – Flown by Soviet pilot Capt. P.S. Milaushkin, 176 IAP, Antung, early 1952; natural metal finish with 10 victory stars.

• MiG-15bis “2057” – Flown by North Korean pilot No Kum-Sok, defected to Kimpo Air Base, South Korea, 21 Sept 1953; overall natural metal.

• MiG-15bis “616” (ex-2057) – No Kum-Sok’s aircraft after capture, repainted with USAF markings; now at the USAF Museum.

• MiG-15bis “03” – Flown by Soviet pilot Maj. Arkady Boitsov, Manchuria, summer 1953; medium brown/dark green camouflage over light grey-blue undersides, nine red victory stars.

• MiG-15bis “2249” – Flown by Chinese pilot Wang Hai, CO of 7th Air Regiment, 3rd Air Division, summer 1953; natural metal with nine victory stars and red fin tip.

• MiG-15bis “325” – New option in this reprint; flown by Soviet Col. Yevgeni Pepelyayev, credited with 17 of his 19 victories in this aircraft; natural metal with red nose.

This breadth means modellers can depict famous historical aircraft or simply choose a striking scheme that stands out from the usual silver-and-red MiGs.

Decal Quality

The decals themselves are sharply printed with excellent registration, vivid colours, and dense opacity—essential for bright markings like the red stars and yellow numerals to show well over darker camouflage or bare metal. The carrier film is minimal and looks to be thin enough for easy blending with a gloss coat.

The sheet includes all national insignia variations used, from North Korean roundels with and without white backgrounds, to PLAAF fin flashes, and USAF stars-and-bars. Serial numbers are crisply rendered, and the victory star kill markings are provided in correct colours for each subject.

Instructions & Research

Iliad’s instruction sheets are one of the highlights of this set. Each subject is illustrated with full left and right profiles plus upper plan views, and there are clear notes on camouflage colours, finish types, and special details (such as the location of kill markings and wing insignia placement differences).

The notes go beyond basic painting guidance—pointing out unique features like red fin tips, no-white-background insignia on bare metal, and unusual kill star colours. Historical background on the pilots and aircraft adds context, which is a nice touch for anyone who enjoys knowing the story behind the markings they’re applying.

Possible Improvements

• Colour call-outs: The camouflage colour descriptions are useful, but providing FS or Humbrol/Gunze equivalents in the instructions would make it easier for modellers to match paints accurately.

• Bonus stencils: This set focuses solely on major markings—perfect for those using a kit’s stencils—but modellers without good stencil decals in their kits may wish for a full stencil set option.

Overall Impression

Iliad Design’s Korean War MiG-15s decal set is a well-researched, crisply printed, and historically rich collection that gives modellers the chance to build some of the most iconic and colourful MiG-15s from the Korean War. The addition of Col. Pepelyayev’s “325” makes this reprint even more attractive for those who missed the original issue or want to depict the aircraft of one of the war’s top-scoring aces.

Verdict: Highly recommended for anyone building a Korean War MiG-15 who wants accurate, striking markings and historically interesting subjects.

You can purchase these decals directly from Iliad Design here.

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