Mikoyan MiG-21BIS

[bootneck]

MiG-21BIS

1:144 Eduard – Dual Combo

The Mikoyan MiG-21 tactical jet fighter was the backbone of the air forces of the Soviet era and its success was evident in that it was exported to over 50 countries. Over 12,000 MiG-21’s, in various versions, were built with the programme culminating in the MiG-21BIS variant.

The MiG-21BIS variant is an all-weather interceptor with improved air combat performance at low and medium altitudes due to its upgraded engine, the R25-300 Turbojet, as developed by Tumanskiy.

The Kit

There are two kits included and they come in a box of the end opening type, however it is of a study construction and does not appear to have the collapsing tendencies which can be problematic with other kit producers. Each kits parts are distributed over two grey and one clear sprue. The main sprue contains fifty two parts, eight of which comprise the cockpit. Eduard currently produces three MiG-21 variants in 1:144 scale: MiG-21MF, MiG-21SMT and Mig-21BIS and this main sprue is generic for all three kits.

Some of these parts are really tiny, and obviously fragile, therefore care will be needed when removing from the sprue to ensure the components do not get damaged.

The second sprue only contains two parts which comprise the tail fin and spine, however these are the main components which differentiate the MiG-21BIS from the earlier variants.

The clear sprue contains three components, consisting of a front windscreen plus a choice of two separate main canopy parts. Only one of the two main canopy parts is required for this version of the aircraft.

Eduard has really helped the modeller here by producing a split canopy as this allows for a build with the canopy either open or closed without the mess of trying to saw through a piece of clear plastic canopy.

The decal sheet comprises enough common component decals to make two complete models and sufficient nationality markings for a choice of aircraft from four different nations.

The markings are for: 1st Air Division, Polish Navy; Izdel 75B, 3rd Air Base, Bulgaria; 31st ‘Kapos’ Tactical Fighter Wing, Hungary and 31st Fighter Squadron, Kuopio Airbase, Finland

Eduard has also included a set of masks containing parts for the canopy and also for certain areas of the aircraft. This should be a real boon when it comes to preparing the model for painting.

Another feature with this kit is the instruction booklet as it gives illustrated details of the aircraft's liveries and markings in full colour.

Conclusion

This is a superbly detailed kit, especially for a model that only measures approx’ 10cm (4 inches). The cockpit area is nicely detailed and the separate canopy is a real bonus and Eduard is to be commended for providing this. Add to this the masking set, decals for four nation’s aircraft and an instruction booklet, which is both comprehensive and fully illustrated in colour, then Eduard is really setting the standard in 1:144 which previously was only expected in large scale kits.

Review sample courtesy of

[Paul A H]

That looks the bee's knees! Some good colour schemes too.

[bootneck]

Hi Paul,

yes, it is a really nice model and I don't think my photography does it justice.

I like the fact that Eduard has included masks as this should be a good 'tester' for those who don't know whether it is worthing buying masks for their other kits.

cheers

Mike

[Mike]

I had a look in the box before I sent it to Mike, and it's a little cracker... add the PE set that Mike will be reviewing later, and you've got a rather impressive little model with detail beyond its scale

[Julien]

That looks a very detailed model for 1.144

Julien