Eduard MiG-31B/BM Photo Etch and Masks for Trumpeter Kit - 1:72 Eduard

[Paul A H]

MiG-31B/BM Photo Etch and Masks for Trumpeter Kit

1:72 Eduard

 

 

Eduard seem to have tracked the release of Trumpeter's new line up of Russian jets in 1:72 fairly closely. Each time a new kit has been released, we haven't had to wait long for a set of photo etch and masks. There is even a growing range of high-quality resin hardware to hang off the bottom of your chosen kit. This month is the turn of the new MiG-31B/BM kit to receive the Eduard treatment.

 

MiG-31B/BM

 

 

 

In the usual Eduard style, this set comprises two frets of parts. The first fret contains pre-painted parts for detailing the cockpit and includes harnesses, cushions, pull handles and other details for the seats, as well as details for the instrument panels and side consoles. Also included are parts for the rudder pedals. The second fret is unpainted and contains a new head-up display unit, parts for detailing the join between the canopy and the cockpit and parts for detailing the mating edges of the canopy itself. Clearly this part of the set will be of use only if you wish to finished your model with the canopy open.

 

 

MiG-31B/BM Zoom

 

If you don't wish to finish your model with an open canopy then you may be better off plumping for the Zoom set. If you do, the only other part you will really be missing out on is the head-up display unit. 

 

 

MiG-31B/BM Exterior

 

This is a fairly small set which provides some details for the rest of the airframe. There are new tail structures for the R-77 missiles, new fences for the upper wing, details for the inside of the airbrake (which will necessitate removing a small amount of plastic from the kit parts), strakes and static discharge wicks for the tail and a whole host of aerials, antennas and other small surface details for the forward part of the fuselage. The insides of the landing gear doors receive extra details, and there are replacement parts for both ends of the mighty Soloviev turbofans.

 

 

MiG-31 Pre-Cut Masks

 

This set provides pre-cut paint masks for the canopy and all of the wheels. If you've used Eduard's pre-cut masks before, you'll know that they are a real time saver.

 

Conclusion

 

These sets are a handy upgrade for the new Trumpeter kit. The cockpit seems to be the main beneficiary of the first set, while the exterior set is worth having for the replacement strakes and extra details for the undercarriage. Masks are really just a time saver, but still worth considering if, like me, your modelling time is restricted. 

 

Review sample courtesy of