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Source: http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?/topic/308021-eduard-mig-21f-mig-21-uusum-in-48th-scale/ V.P.

MiG-21Bis Dual Combo Limited Edition (2151) 1:72 Eduard The MiG-21 was a development of Soviet Cold War jet-age aviation, developed as a natural successor to its predecessors for the point-defence/interceptor role, should the Allied bomber streams head to Moscow to bomb it into radioactive dust. It was capable of Mach2 thanks to its Tumanskiy afterburning turbojet, but this level of speed could only be achieved at the expense of immense amounts of fuel, which gave it a short range. As an interceptor this wasn’t a major problem, and range could be extended by external tanks or aerial refuelling, should the need arise. Development airframes started coming off the line in the early 1950s, as the design matured into a capable interceptor, progressing immediately to the MiG-21F due to upgrades that had been forthcoming during the years of development, commencing production just prior to the end of the decade in small numbers as a day fighter. With the inclusion of the requisite missile systems to attack bombers, the MiG-21P variant could carry K-13 missiles, a system that was also used by the mass-produced MiG-21F-13 that was one of the most produced of the first generation of this type. In the early 60s, work began on a significant upgrade that utilised the same basic airframe, but incorporated technological advancements that had weren’t integrated into the initial design. The PF, PFL, PFM, and RFM were just some of the variants that stretched the capabilities of the jet, leading to robust overseas sales, and a third generation that began with the MiG-21M. As late as 1971 the MiG21Bis was yet another upgrade to the Fishbed, which the NATO code system had already allocated several suffixes to cater for the myriad of variants, giving this variant the Fishbed-N designation. The new Tumanskiy R25-300 engine gave it yet more speed and power, with its weapon carrying capability broadened thanks to advances in avionics, again selling well to Soviet satellite states and aligned nations, China license-building F-13s as the Chengdu J-7. The MiG-21 stayed operational for a considerable period before being replaced in Soviet service by more modern next-generation jets, and many nations kept theirs substantially longer, some still in service after unofficial upgrades to capability to keep pace with modern military aviation. The Kit This Dual Combo Limited Edition is based upon the original 2018 tooling by Eduard, updated with new parts that represent this later variant, with sprues for two models in the box. The kit arrives in a Limited Edition box with a painting of a brightly coloured MiG passing over water at high speed, and inside the box are eight sprues of blue-grey styrene, two clear sprues, two frets of pre-painted Photo-Etch (PE), a single sheet of pre-cut kabuki-style masking for the canopies and dielectric panels, three decal sheets, one of which covers national and unit markings for the decal options, with two identical sheets of stencils, one for each kit. The final item is the instruction booklet that is printed in colour on glossy white paper, with the profiles for the decal options on the back pages in full-colour. Detail is excellent, as we’ve come to expect of Eduard over the years, with a quality package that includes items that other manufacturers would consider to be aftermarket. There are sufficient parts to build two models, the box contents consisting of two of each sprue, two frets of PE and one sheet of masks, plus doubling of the stencil sheets, while the main sheet contains markings for all decal options. Each of the sprue photos below depict just one of the two, so please bear this in mind. Construction begins with the cockpit, building the nose gear bay with the floor inverted to add the detailed sides, plus a pair of struts on the sides of the bay. Flipping the floor back over, the control column and rudder assembly are added, then a choice of using a three-part styrene instrument panel, or more complex two-part flat panel with two layers of PE, plus another two smaller PE parts and a styrene part that is applied over the top layer of PE. A similar process is carried out for the side consoles, using detailed styrene tops or blank tops with PE covers applied to the console sides that fit over the raised edges of the floor. The aft bulkhead, your choice of instrument panel style and a forward bulkhead are fixed in place, using a scrap diagram to the side for correct alignment, and finally adding a throttle quadrant to the port console. Before the fuselage is closed, the main gear bays must be made from four detailed parts, and the exhaust is fabricated from a succession of four cylindrical parts that trap the afterburner ring in place, attaching the completed structure to a bulkhead that has the rear face of the engine moulded-in, plus a long tapering tube in the centre. The cockpit sidewalls moulded into the fuselage sides are outfitted with either a styrene or styrene plus PE lamination to depict the detail found there, painting as you go, and painting the intake area a burnt iron colour before closing the fuselage around the cockpit, exhaust, and an internal ring within the nose area. The delta wing lower is full span, and incorporates a section of the lower fuselage, drilling out small holes around the leading edges and wing roots, then adding detail parts behind the main gear bay cut-outs before closing the assembly by gluing the two upper wings over the top. This allows the main bay insert and the wings to be offered up to the lower fuselage, gluing them in place and installing an exhaust tube at the rear, plus a spine with moulded-in fin on top, and a coaming with clear HUD glass at the front of the cockpit cut-out. The intake is tidied up by fitting a fine ring to the front, and if you feel it a good idea at this stage, a triple antenna on the tip of the fin is removed and replaced by PE, mounting another part to the exhaust, and a styrene antenna on the spine. The nose is fleshed out by an insert that closes the area in front of the windscreen, adding a circular part to the coaming, then covering it by gluing the windscreen in place, thereby protecting the HUD from damage during the rest of construction. The tail is completed by a pair of elevators on tabs, mounting a probe on the top of the fin, and several intakes around the rear of the fuselage. The flying surfaces are each individual parts that are glued to the trailing edges of the wings, two per side, and they can be offset if you wish, checking your references for suitable arrangements. There are several choices of sensors under the nose, while the nose gear leg has a separate yoke part that traps the two-part wheel in place, slotting it into the bay and installing the bay doors on either side. Moving aft to the underside of the wings, inserts are added to the fuselage, with a choice from two for the larger aft section, in front of a large tapering strake under the exhaust, and yet more intakes/outlets and probes around the area. The main gear legs have separate oleo-scissor links, and a captive bay door that is bent along a pre-weakened line according to a scrap diagram nearby, fitting the one-part tyre and hubs from both sides to the short axle at the lower end of the legs. A scrap diagram shows the correct orientation of the wheel to the leg from above to assist with alignment, then they are inserted into sockets in the main bays along with a retraction jack and control linkage, which are again shown from a different angle in a scrap diagram nearby. The inner bay doors have retraction jacks to hold them in position, with a scrap diagram showing where they mount on the bulkhead (part D53) within the fuselage. A pair of RATO packs can be fitted under the wings, each one made from two halves, with more scrap diagrams showing where they are located, using alternate small parts instead of the packs if you omit them. An airbrake folds out from a location in front of the tail strake, and it is held at the correct angle by a retraction jack, painting the interior the colour suggested by the instructions for the various decal options. Much of the airframe is now complete, but there are still many tasks left to do on this detailed model. PE blade antennae and static-wicks are applied to the tail feathers, removing a few small bulges near the tip of the tail for some decal options, a task that is best done early in the build before you add too many details. The pilot’s KM-1M ejection seat is built from four styrene parts with the help of a scrap side-view, plus five PE parts to represent the crew belts, pull-handle, and seat controls on the port arm, sliding the finished assembly into the cockpit. The canopy can be posed open or closed using the same part, but propping it open to the side with a retraction jack to leave it open, mounting a probe on the starboard nose, and a long pitot probe over the intake, which you can relieve of its chunky fins using a sharp blade, replacing them with PE parts that whilst more delicate, are more in-scale once glued on later in the build. The nose cone that protects the radar is slipped inside the nose after painting and applying a ring decal near the base, locking it in the correct position thanks to a keyed base. To pose the canopy open, additional PE detail parts can be fitted to the lower sills and in the centre of the opener, plus some stencil decals to improve it further. A host of antenna of different sizes and shapes are shown in the last main step, your choice depending on which decal option you have chosen. Two sprues of weapons are included in the box, allowing you to build the following: 1 x 800L fuel tank 2 x 490L fuel tank 2 x R-13 A2A Missiles 2 x R-3S A2A Missiles 2 x R-3R A2A Missiles 2 x UB-16 rocket pods A page of the instructions is devoted to the locations suitable for each of the included stores, which are fitted under the wings on simple pylons on a busy diagram that also includes some optional antennae that require drilling of holes for some of the decal options to complicate them further. Markings There are an impressive ten decal options on the three sheets, giving you plenty of choices for your two models. The MiG-21 was covered in many stencils too, which adds visual interest to the model, but of course these things take time. From the box you can build two of the following: MiG-21bis, c/n 75061904, 2 Fighter Squadron, Taszár Air Force Base, Hungary, 1993 MiG-21bis, 115 GIAP, Soviet VVS, Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, 1980 MiG-21BIS, c/n 75084300, HävLLv 31, Kuopio airbase, Finland, 1980 – 1981 MiG-21bis, No. 47 Squadron, Iraqi Air Force, Al Hurrya Air Base, Iraq, 1990 MiG-21bis, Free Libyan Air Force, Tobruk, Libya, November 2011 MiG-21bis, 797, German Democratic Republic, Holzdorf, 1990 MiG-21bisD, Eskadrila borbenih aviona, HRZ i PZO, Zagreb-Pleso, Croatia, December 2016 MiG-21bis, San Antonio de los Baños, Cuba, 1990 MiG-21bis, c/n 75080880, 1 Pucki DLMW, Lotnictwo Marynarki Wojennej, Gdynia-Babie Doły, Poland, late 1997 MiG-21bis, C2776, No. 26 Squadron “The Warriors”, Indian Air Force, Adampur, 1990 The decals are printed using a digital process and have good registration, sharpness, and colour density, with a thin gloss carrier film cut loosely around the printed areas. This means that the carrier film on their decals can be coaxed away from the printed part of the decal after they have been applied, effectively rendering them carrier film free, making the completed decals much thinner and more realistic, and obviating the need to apply successive coats of clear varnish to hide the edges of the carrier film. It’s a great step further in realism from my point of view, and saves a good quantity of precious modelling time into the bargain. Supplied on a sheet of yellow kabuki tape, the pre-cut masks supply you with a full set of masks for the canopies of both models, with compound curves handled by using frame hugging masks, while the highly curved gaps are in-filled with either liquid mask or offcuts from the background tape. In addition, you get a set of masks for the dielectric panels on the tail and strakes, plus masks for the HUD glazing. Conclusion The kit is a good one, improved further by the addition of PE parts to detail the cockpit, which coupled with a range of colourful and interesting decal options, plus masks should make for an entertaining build that will look good in your cabinet once completed. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

1/72 - MiG-21 Fishbed family project was finally officially confirmed by Eduard http://www.eduard.com/store/out/media/InfoEduard/archive/2015/info-eduard-2015-01CZ.pdf (english version soon) MF, bis and SMT versions expected first

Wolfpack Design is to rebox the Academy 1/48th Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21PF "Fishbed-D" kit - WP14821 Source: http://www.wolfpack-d.com/htm/kit.html One day here: http://www.wolfpack-d.com/catalog/htm/wp14821.html V.P.

Rye Field Model is to release a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 "Fishbed" kit - Scale (1/32nd or 1/35th)? Variant (M/MF/R or J-7C/D)? Source: https://www.facebook.com/ryefieldmodel/posts/pfbid022J46VfdcfVUtuF464SWDMZje3yiTtQk1DBNqrzt3yCX146cssZZpzxpUvTdP4wTXl V.P.

Wolpack Design is to rebox the Academy 1/48 - Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21PF "Fishbed-D" kit - ref. 14819 - Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21PF "Fishbed-D" - ref. 14821 - Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21PF (Izdeliye 76) "Fishbed-D" V.P.

About the aircraft: MiG-21MF - representative of the third generation of MiG-21 aircraft. Quite numerous in Poland (120 pieces). About the copy: MiG-21MF-75 with the side number 7399 - one of twenty MiG-21MF-75s delivered to Poland, produced at the Gorky factory. It was stationed at the 34th Fighter Aviation Regiment in Babie Doły. It was painted in an atypical for Polish's MiGs "pigeon" gray. As it turned out during later operation - with the help of radar-absorbing paint 🙂 . Presented with armament as for a pair of duty aircraft: 2 x RS-2US + 2 x R-3S. About the model: The base was Eduard's kit "MiG-21MF Interceptor" in 1/72 scale. Own decals, Bilmodel paints. More photos in WiP gallery on Scalemates.

New Eduard "Fishbed-J" boxing - ref. 1199 Release in May 2016 Source: https://www.facebook.com/EduardCompany/?fref=nf V.P.

MiG-21MF Cockpit set & Seat Belts (for Eduard kit) 1:72 Eduard Space (72002) Eduard now seem to have joined the 3D printed revolution with these new 3D printed decals in a range they are calling "Space" for some reason. Update Set This set comprises a sheet of decals and a nickel plated colour PE fret. The decals are for all the cockpit panels and the more conventional PE for the ejection seat and canopy rails. All of the raised details will need to be removed from the cockpit panels and them prepared with a glossy surface to accept the decals which are applied in the normal way. For the seat new belts belts and a firing handle are provided. As you will no doubt want to open the canopy to show all the detail off new canopy rails are provided for the underside of the canopy. Conclusion The detail added with these sets will doubtless set your model apart from the rest, though I find the actual printing not as sharp as others on the market; and the colours for the Russian cockpits look a little off, maybe its because of the printing process as their PE always looked better. Review samples courtesy of

MiG-21 PF/PFM Pilot & Ground crew figures 1:72 CMK by Special Hobby This twin figure set from CMK brings us a MiG-21 PF/PFM pilots wearing a high altitude pressure suit. In addition there is ground crew member. The ground crew member looks like he is listening to the pilot about how he has broken the MiG ! They should enhance your MiG on a base, or part of a diorama. Review sample courtesy of

Wolfpack Design is to rebox in November 2018 the Academy MiG-21MF "Fished" kit into a 1/48th Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21MF-75 Lancer-C of Romanian AF - ref. WP14806 Source: https://www.facebook.com/wolfpackd/photos/a.554832374609972.1073741832.554818677944675/1813763462050184/?type=3&theater V.P.

MiG-21MF, PF & PFM Seatbelts & Masks 1:48 Eduard for Eduard Kit The Eduard MiGs are great kits now there are seatbelts and masks available as separate items for them. Seatbelts In the now familiar steel we have seatbelts, despite the different set numbers they are identical. MF PF PFM Tface Masks MiG-21MF (EX636) Supplied on yellow kabuki tape, these pre-cut masks supply you with a full set of masks for the interior & exterior glazing; plus the wheels. Tface Masks MiG-21PF (EX637) Supplied on yellow kabuki tape, these pre-cut masks supply you with a full set of masks for the interior & exterior glazing; plus the wheels. Tface Masks MiG-21PFM (EX638) Supplied on yellow kabuki tape, these pre-cut masks supply you with a full set of masks for the interior & exterior glazing; plus the wheels. Review samples courtesy of

MiG-21MF Fighter-Bomber BIGSIN Set (67216) 1:72 Eduard This set brings together a number of resin sets in one money saving package. inside the box, you get the following resin replacements: cockpit exhaust nozzle undercarriage wheels fuselage / wing pylons The overall package is around 25% cheaper than buying all of the sets on their own. MiG-21MF Fighter-Bomber Cockpit This set provides a replacement resin cockpit for the fighter bomber version of the kit. The set comprises a complete cockpit tub (which replaces a multi-part version supplied with the kit), an instrument panel, coaming, control column, HUD unit and ejector seat. A small fret of photo etched parts is provided and this contains smaller details including harnesses for the seat, details for the instrument panel (which is otherwise devoid of cast detail). A small sheet of plastic film is provided for the HUD screen itself. While the plastic cockpit provided with the kit is no slouch when it comes to detail, there is only so much that can be achieved with injection moulded polystyrene. This resin version is a considerable upgrade over the plastic version and is well worth consideration. MiG-21MF Exhaust Nozzle This set manages to achieve the feat of improving on the parts provided with the kit while simplifying construction. The replacement resin jet pipe comprises just three resin parts and a small fret of photo etched components which represent a more detailed version of the afterburner flame holder. The replacement assembly simply slots into the kit fuselage with no cutting or surgery required. MiG-21MF Wheels This set is intended as a like-for-like swap for the kit wheels. A choice of two different main wheels are provided, although the instructions note that one type was rarely used on the MF, along with two identical nose wheels. This means you actually get enough wheels for two complete kits. As is the norm for a set of this type from Eduard, pre-cut masks are also provided to aid painting. These wheels, with their realistic tyre treads, offer a significant upgrade over the kit parts. MiG-21MF Pylons This is the 4 wing pylons and centre line pylon. Conclusion Eduard can hardly be accused of shyness when it comes to providing aftermarket for one of their marquee releases of the past 12 months. It's great that Eduard's approach caters for both the casual hobbyist (through the weekend range of kits) and the committed enthusiast through this extensive range of detail upgrades. The quality of the items on offer is excellent, with each offering considerable enhancement over the plastic equivalents. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

MiG-21MF Fighter Bomber ProfiPACK (70142) 1:72 Eduard The Mig 21 has the distinction of having been produced in greater numbers than any other supersonic jet fighter aircraft in the world. It has seen service with dozens of counties globally and has seen action in Vietnam, the Middle East, Yugoslavia, Cuba and during numerous conflicts in Africa. The design was even copied by the Chinese, where it is known as the Chengdu J-7. The MF is the export version of the SM (itself an upgraded version of the MiG-21S) with modernised radar and avionics and an upgraded R13-300 turbojet engine. This particular variant has seen service with many Soviet states and their post-Cold War descendants. Czechoslovakia had a substantial quantity that were split between the Czech Republic and Slovakia following the Velvet Divorce, eventually to be replaced by Saab Gripens and Mig-29s respectively. The Kit This is the first mainstream boxing of Eduard's long anticipated all-new 1:72 MiG-21 kit. As the kit is part of Eduard's Profipack line, it is supplied with photo etched details, masks and a generous selection of marking options. The kit is spread across three sprues of grey plastic and one of clear plastic. The parts are classic modern Eduard; beautifully moulded, with fine, crisp panel lines and fastener detail where appropriate. In common with many kits of single-seat jet fighters, the cockpit is combined with the nose gear bay. The cockpit itself comprises a floor which is combined with the roof of the nose gear bay, separately moulded sidewalls, rudder pedals and a control column, in instrument panel which can make use of decals or the included photo etched details, and front and rear bulkheads. Photo etched parts are provided for the sidewalls as well as the instrument panel, and again decals are provided as an alternative to the photo etched parts. The KM-1 ejection seat is broken down into three parts and is very nicely detailed. As this is a profipack edition, there are pre-painted photo etched details provided for the seat harnesses. Other parts that have to be assembled before the fuselage halves can be combined include the main landing gear bays and the jet exhaust pipe. The former is comprised four parts including the front and rear bulkheads. There is plenty of moulded detail here and it should take a wash quite nicely. The engine exhaust pipe includes a representation of the rear of the engine moulded into a bulkhead, as well as a single piece forward exhaust tube, the afterburner ring, and a two-part aft exhaust tube. As you will have seen from the photographs above, this kit is unlike most other MiG-21s as the lower wing is moulded as a single span, joined by the central section of the lower fuselage. To this part, the upper wings must be added before being joined to the now-complete fuselage. The dorsal spine of the MF - which includes the vertical tail - must also be added at this stage, along with the outer part of the jet exhaust and the air intake outer ring. Several cockpit components, such as the instrument panel coaming and HUD unit must also be fitted at this stage. Being as this is a profipack edition, the plastic 'odd rods' IFF array on the fin and below the nose can be replaced with photo etched parts. The slab elevators are, of course, moulded as solid parts, but the ailerons and blown flaps on the main wing are separate parts. Optional parts are included for open or closed airbrake configurations, and of course there are a plethora of scoops and intakes to add detail to the fuselage. The landing gear on these kits is well detailed. The single nose wheel is clamped in place by a two-part gear leg and the wheel itself features a separate hub. Two gear bay doors sit at either side of the narrow bay, linked to the fuselage by a pair of hinge tabs with some detail moulded into the inside. The strakes immediately aft of the nose gear bay are provided on both the plastic frame and the fret of photo etched parts. The main gear is a single strut for each leg with a separate hydraulic extender. The wheels have separate hubs and you get a lovely set of pre-cut tape masks to help you paint them. The main gear doors are nicely detailed and included separately moulded parts for the hydraulic mechanisms. The canopy is moulded in two parts and finishing details are provided on the fret of PE parts (including vanes for the pitot probe). The pre-cut tape masks (not shown) cover not just the canopy but the dielectric panels too. The Decals A generous five options are included on the decal sheet: MiG-21MF Fighter-Bomber 1/72 - No. 5121, flown by Pham Tuan, 921st Fighter Regiment, Noi Bai AB, Democratic Republic of Vietnam, December 1972 MiG-21MF Fighter-Bomber 1/72 - No. 9712, 9th Fighter Regiment, Bechyně, Czechoslovakia, 1989 - 1993 MiG-21MF Fighter-Bomber 1/72 - No. 127, 812th Training Air Regiment, Kharkov Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots, Kupyansk Airfield, Soviet Union, August 1991 MiG-21MF Fighter-Bomber 1/72 - No. 8447, No. 46 Squadron, Egypt, 1973 MiG-21MF Fighter-Bomber 1/72 - No. 9111, 3. Eskadrą Lotnictwa Taktycznego, Poznań - Krzesiny, Poland, 2002 The decals are well printed and a full set of stencils are included. I expect it will take a week to apply all of the stencils! Conclusion It has been a long time coming, but Eduard have at last given us the definitive MiG-21MF in this scale. The kit is a thoroughly modern tooling of an important and iconic aircraft and appears to be accurate in both outline and detail. The engineering does not seem to be as complex as some recent Eduard kits, but it is still rich in detail. The decal options are comprehensive (the inclusion of an African scheme is particularly welcome) and the usual plethora of aftermarket parts are already available. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Resin Seat for Eduard MiG-21 MF 1:72 Eduard 672197 Eduard's all-new MiG-21MF was one of the most hotly anticipated kits in 1:72 scale for some time. Now it is finally here, we can see that the kit doesn't disappoint. It is both accurate and well detailed and has made a lot of modellers of Warsaw Pact subjects very happy. That's not to say it can't be improved, however, thanks to the possibilities offered by resin replacements for some key components and sub-assemblies. We reviewed a bunch of these a couple of months ago here on BM, but now Eduard have released the resin seat that was previously only available as part of the cockpit set. The seat comprises two resin parts. Detail is crisp and fine and it is beautifully cast. A small fret of photo etched parts is provided and this contains smaller details such as the harnesses and the pull handles. This seat will make an ideal alternative to the more expensive full resin cockpit. While the seat provided with the kit is no slouch when it comes to detail, there is only so much that can be achieved with injection moulded polystyrene. This resin version is a considerable upgrade and is well worth consideration.

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21MF / Fishbed-J, Pics thanks to Randy Malmstrom who retains the copyright.

This is my (first?) entry for the GB: a red striped soviet MiG-21S. It took part at "Operation Danube", the warsaw pact invasion of the Czechoslovakia. For the kit, i will use the little gem from Eduard. I have already built the kit and i really enjoyed it. So, let's start with another. I will build the "Red 01". Hope to start soon the work on this kit! ciao Ale

MiG-21MF Brassin Weapons 1:72 Eduard Eduard's new MiG-21MF comes with a fairly comprehensive suite of weaponry for both the interceptor and fighter bomber variants. As you might expect, however, Eduard have released a suite of resin alternatives through their Brassin label. The range includes some items that have been released before in different guises, but these are all labelled for the MiG-21MF and include the relevent launch rails and/or pylons. The range covers the R-13M (NATO AA-2C Atoll), R-3S (NATO AA-2A Atoll), RS-2US (NATO AA-1 Alkali) and UB-16-57UMP Launchers for the S-5 55mm unguided rocket. Of course these items are not strictly exclusive to the MiG-21 and could also be used with other Soviet/Russian aircraft such as the MiG-23, Su-9, Su-17 etc. Each item is well made and beautifully cast, with decals and, in some cases, photo etched details. R-13M Missiles for MiG-21 With pylons (672188) Without Pylons (672187) R-3S Missiles for MiG-21 With pylons (672186) Without Pylons (672185) MiG-21MF Pylons RS-2US Missiles for MiG-21 With pylons (672192) Without pylons (672191) UB-16 Rocket Launchers for MiG-21 With pylons (672190) Without pylons (672189) Conclusion While these items are not essential (the kit equivalents are perfectly useable), they do represent an upgrade for quality and detail-conscious modellers. They are also useful for any other kits you may have in the stash. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Eduard MiG-21MF Royal Class 1:72 Eduard The Mig 21 has the distinction of having been produced in greater numbers than any other supersonic jet fighter aircraft in the world. It has seen service with dozens of counties globally and has seen action in Vietnam, the Middle East, Yugoslavia, Cuba and during numerous conflicts in Africa. The design was even copied by the Chinese, where it is known as the Chengdu J-7. The MF is the export version of the SM (itself an upgraded version of the MiG-21S) with modernised radar and avionics and an upgraded R13-300 turbojet engine. This particular variant has seen service with many Soviet states and their post-Cold War descendants. Czechoslovakia had a substantial quantity that were split between the Czech Republic and Slovakia following the Velvet Divorce, eventually to be replaced by Saab Gripens and Mig-29s respectively. This is the first 'Royal Class' boxing of Eduard's all-new 1:72 MiG-21 kit. Inside the large, regal box you get two complete kits (one interceptor and one fighter-bomber), as well as photo etched parts, pre-cut masks, resin seats and wheels, a limited edition poster and an unfathomable sticker game. Unlike the previous Royal Class kits such as the Spitfire, FW-190 or the MiG-15, you don't get a little drinking glass or a piece of a real airframe to display. Those editions all included four kits instead of two. Although this kit is a little bit cheaper than the aforementioned, I can't help but feel it doesn't represent quite such good value. Still, you do get no fewer than a dozen decal options. I shan't go into a great deal of detail about the plastic as, if you are interested, you can read our detailed review here. Suffice to say that the kit is excellent. The addition of resin wheels and seats improves the kit in two important and visible areas. The resin seats are particularly impressive and well worth having. As this particular boxing contains both interceptor and fighter bomber versions, you get an even more comprehensive selection of ordnance. This includes: 2 x 800L external fuel tank 4 x 490L external fuel tank 4 x RS-2US missiles 4 x R-3S missiles 4 x R-13 missiles 8 x FAB-100 bombs 4 x FAB-250 bombs 4 x S-24 rockets 4 x UB-16 rocket pods 2 x UB-32 rocket pods 4 x RATO units. A generous twelve options are included on the decal sheet: Czechoslovakian Air Force: Aircraft number 4175, 1st Flight Regiment, České Budějovice, Czechoslovakia, 1979. This aircraft is finished in overall grey with red and yellow bands on the upper wing and fuselage; Bulgarian Air Force: Aircraft number 177, 26th Reconnaissance Air Regiment, Dobrich, Bulgaria, early 1990s. This aircraft is finished in a dark green/light green/sand camouflage over light blue. Soviet Air Force: Aircraft number 03, Krasnodar Military Flying Academy, Soviet Union, 1979. This aircraft (which the instructions note was probably an SM rather than an MF) is finished in a disruptive dark green and sand over light blue scheme. Angolan Air Force: Aircraft number C41, flown by General Rafael del Pino (Cuban Air Force), Angola, 1976. This aircraft is finished in a disruptive green and sand over light blue scheme. Iraqi Air Force: Aircraft number 1019, flown by 1st Lieutenant Sadik, 11 Squadron, Al Rasheed Air Base, Iraq, 1980. This aircraft is finished in a disruptive green and sand over light blue scheme. Egyptian Air Force: Aircraft number 7628, Tanta Air Base, 1988. This aircraft is finished in a disruptive grey, green and sand over light grey scheme with orange panels on the outer wings, dorsal spine and fin. German Air Force: Aircraft number 23+15, Jagdgeschwader 1, Holzdorf, Germany, 1990. This aircraft is finished in a dark green/light green camouflage over light grey. Indian Air Force: Aircraft number C1531, No. 101 Squadron "Falcons", Sirsa Air Base, early 1990s. This aircraft is finished in overall silver with large black and yellow dots. Slovakian Air Force: Aircraft number 4312, 3rd Fighter Bomber Regiment, Malacky, Slovakia, 1993. This aircraft is finished in overall silver. Czech Air Force: Aircraft number 9414 43rd Fighter Squadron, Czech Republic, 1996. This aircraft is finished in red-brown and dark green over light blue; Polish Air Force: Aircraft number 9107, flown by Major Dariusz Pacek, Commanding Officer of 10. Pułk Lotnictwa Myśliwskiego, Łask, Poland, 2000. This aircraft is finished in gold over silver. Libyan Air Force: Aircraft number F-03, Tobruk, Libya, 2017. This aircraft is finished in a disruptive two-tone grey scheme. The decals are well printed and a full set of stencils is included. I expect it will take a considerable amount of time and patience to apply all of them! Conclusion There is no questioning the quality of Eduard's new MiG-21MF. The kit is accurate, well detailed and well made. The Royal Class edition of the kit is desirable, but seems difficult to justify at around £20 more than the cost of two Profipacks, given the only extras are two sets of resin seats and a set of wheels. There's nothing wrong with the kit per se, but in my opinion it doesn't quite live up to previous Royal Class releases. Other than that, the kit itself is beyond superb and can be highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Eduard MiG-21MF Interceptor Profipack (70141) 1:72 Eduard The Mig 21 has the distinction of having been produced in greater numbers than any other supersonic jet fighter aircraft in the world. It has seen service with dozens of counties globally and has seen action in Vietnam, the Middle East, Yugoslavia, Cuba and during numerous conflicts in Africa. The design was even copied by the Chinese, where it is known as the Chengdu J-7. The MF is the export version of the SM (itself an upgraded version of the MiG-21S) with modernised radar and avionics and an upgraded R13-300 turbojet engine. This particular variant has seen service with many Soviet states and their post-Cold War descendants. Czechoslovakia had a substantial quantity that were split between the Czech Republic and Slovakia following the Velvet Divorce, eventually to be replaced by Saab Gripens and Mig-29s respectively. This is the first mainstream boxing of Eduard's long anticipated all-new 1:72 MiG-21 kit. I have been waiting years since this kit was first announced and I'm happy to say that it doesn't disappoint... but more of that later. As the kit is part of Eduard's Profipack line, it is supplied with photo etched details, masks and a generous selection of marking options. The kit is spread across three sprues of grey plastic and one of clear plastic. The parts are classic modern Eduard; beautifully moulded, with fine, crisp panel lines and fastener detail where appropriate. If you're seriously into your MiGs, then you may care to note that this kit apparently represents the Gorky produced MiG-21MF, manufactured after the Moscow factory re-tooled for the MiG-23. In common with many kits of single-seat jet fighters, the cockpit is combined with the nose gear bay. The cockpit itself comprises a floor which is combined with the roof of the nose gear bay, separately moulded sidewalls, rudder pedals and a control column, in instrument panel which can make use of decals or the included photo etched details, and front and rear bulkheads. Photo etched parts are provided for the sidewalls as well as the instrument panel, and again decals are provided as an alternative to the photo etched parts. The KM-1 ejection seat is broken down into three parts and is very nicely detailed. As this is a profipack edition, there are pre-painted photo etched details provided for the seat harnesses. Other parts that have to be assembled before the fuselage halves can be combined include the main landing gear bays and the jet exhaust pipe. The former is comprised four parts including the front and rear bulkheads. There is plenty of moulded detail here and it should take a wash quite nicely. The engine exhaust pipe includes a representation of the rear of the engine moulded into a bulkhead, as well as a single piece forward exhaust tube, the afterburner ring, and a two-part aft exhaust tube. As you will have seen from the photographs above, this kit is unlike most other MiG-21s as the lower wing is moulded as a single span, joined by the central section of the lower fuselage. To this part, the upper wings must be added before being joined to the now-complete fuselage. The dorsal spine of the MF - which includes the vertical tail - must also be added at this stage, along with the outer part of the jet exhaust and the air intake outer ring. Several cockpit components, such as the instrument panel coaming and HUD unit must also be fitted at this stage. Being as this is a profipack edition, the plastic 'odd rods' IFF array on the fin and below the nose can be replaced with photo etched parts. The slab elevators are, of course, moulded as solid parts, but the ailerons and blown flaps on the main wing are seperate parts. Optional parts are included for open or closed airbrake configurations, and of course there are a plethora of scoops and intakes to add detail to the fuselage. The landing gear on these kits is well detailed. The single nose wheel is clamped in place by a two-part gear leg and the wheel itself features a seperate hub. Two gear bay doors sit at either side of the narrow bay, linked to the fuselage by a pair of hinge tabs with some detail moulded into the inside. The strakes immediately aft of the nose gear bay are provided on both the plastic frame and the fret of photo etched parts. The main gear is a single strut for each leg with a separate hydraulic extender. The wheels have separate hubs and you get a lovely set of pre-cut tape masks to help you paint them. The main gear doors are nicely detailed and included separately moulded parts for the hydraulic mechanisms. The canopy is moulded in two parts and finishing details are provided on the fret of PE parts (including vanes for the pitot probe). The pre-cut tape masks cover not just the canopy but the dielectric panels too. The kit includes a comprehensive set of external stores, including: 1 x 800L external fuel tank 2 x 490L external fuel tank 2 x RS-2US missiles 2 x R-3S missiles 2 x R-13 missiles 2 x RATO units. A generous five options are included on the decal sheet: Polish Air Force: production number 96007600, No. 7600, 11 Pułk Lotnictwa Myśliwskiego, Mierzęcice, Poland, early 1990s. This airfraft is finished in overall silver; Czech Air Force: prodction number 96004017, No. 4017, 9.slp/ 9. sbolp, Bechyně, Czechoslovakia, early 1990s. This aircraft is also finished in overall silver; German Democratic Republic (East German) Air Force: production number 96002170, No. 784, Jagdfliegergeschwader 3, Preschen, late 1980s. This aircraft is finished in a two-tone green disruptive camouflage over light blue; Romanian Air Force: production number 96006721, No. 6721, Regimentul 71 Aviaţie Vânătoare, Câmpia Turzii Airbase, 1990. This aircraft is also finished in overall silver; and Malian Air Force: production number 96005512, No. TZ-356, Senou Airbase, The Republic of Mali, 2006. This aircraft is finished in an interesting scheme comprising two shades of brown and two of green over a light blue underside. The decals are well printed and a full set of stencils are included. I expect it will take a week to apply all of them! Conclusion It has been a long time coming, but Eduard have at last given us the definitive MiG-21MF in this scale. The kit is a thoroughly modern tooling of an important and iconic aircraft and appears to be accurate in both outline and detail. The engineering does not seem to be as complex as some recent Eduard kits, but it is still rich in detail. The decal options are comprehensive (the inclusion of an African scheme is particularly welcome) and the usual plethora of aftermarket parts are already available. My only gripe is that on all of the review kits I have received, there have been multiple parts detached from the frames before they have even been removed from the bag. I guess this is the price one pays for small attachment points, but make sure you check your bags carefully for stray parts when you received your kits. Other than that, this superlative kit can be highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Resin Detail Sets for Eduard MiG-21 MF Interceptor/Fighter-Bomber 1:72 Eduard Eduard's all-new MiG-21MF was one of the most hotly anticipated kits in 1:72 scale for some time. Now it is finally here, we can see that the kit doesn't disappoint. It is both accurate and well detailed and has made a lot of modellers of Warsaw Pact subjects very happy. That's not to say it can't be improved, however, thanks to the possibilities offered by resin replacements for some key components and sub-assemblies. MiG-21MF Interceptor Cockpit (672180) This set provides a complete replacement cockpit for the interceptor variant of the kit. The set comprises a complete cockpit tub (which replaces a multi-part version supplied with the kit), an instrument panel, coaming, control column, HUD unit and ejector seat. A small fret of photo etched parts is provided and this contains smaller details including harnesses for the seat, details for the instrument panel (which is otherwise devoid of cast detail). A small sheet of plastic film is provided for the HUD screen itself. While the plastic cockpit provided with the kit is no slouch when it comes to detail, there is only so much that can be achieved with injection moulded polystyrene. This resin version is a considerable upgrade over the plastic version and is well worth consideration. MiG-21MF Fighter-Bomber Cockpit (672179) This set provides a replacement resin cockpit for the fighter bomber version of the kit. It is identical to the set reviewed above for the interceptor, but includes a different tub and coaming complete with equipment used for bomb aiming and delivery. MiG-21MF Exhaust Nozzle (672181) This set manages to achieve the feat of improving on the parts provided with the kit while simplifying construction. The replacement resin jet pipe comprises just three resin parts and a small fret of photo etched components which represent a more detailed version of the afterburner flame holder. The replacement assembly simply slots into the kit fuselage with no cutting or surgery required. MiG-21MF Wheels (672182) This set is intended as a like-for-like swap for the kit wheels. A choice of two different main wheels are provided, although the instructions note that one type was rarely used on the MF, along with two identical nose wheels. This means you actually get enough wheels for two complete kits. As is the norm for a set of this type from Eduard, pre-cut masks are also provided to aid painting. These wheels, with their realistic tyre treads, offer a significant upgrade over the kit parts. MiG-21MF Airbrakes (672193) This set provides both fore and aft airbrakes. The former will require the equivalent kit parts to be cut away, while the latter parts are a straight swap for the kit versions. This is an all-resin set, with no photo etch parts required. MiG-21MF Big Sin Set (SIN 67215) This set brings together a number of resin sets in one money saving package. inside the box, you get the following resin replacements: cockpit exhaust nozzle undercarriage wheels fuselage / wing pylons The overall package is around 25% cheaper than buying al of the sets on their own. MiG-21MF Masks (CX511) In a departure from the normal pre-cut masks offered by Eduard, this set omits masks for the wheels (as they have separately moulded hubs) and instead provides masks for the various dielectric panels dotted around the jet. The canopy is, of course, also covered. Conclusion Eduard can hardly be accused of shyness when it comes to providing aftermarket for one of their marquee releases of the past 12 months. It's great that Eduard's approach caters for both the casual hobbyist (through the weekend range of kits) and the committed enthusiast through this extensive range of detail upgrades. The quality of the items on offer is excellent, with each offering considerable enhancement over the plastic equivalents. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Hello! Let's to start my another MiG! This is very quality ProfiPack edition set (PE, masks included). First time, I'm start to learn paint nozzle: Cockpit:

Trumpeter has just announced the release of a 1/48th MiG-21F-13/ J-7 (I&II) "Fishbed-C" kit. Sprue pictures are in IPMS Philippines homepage. You know what? I'm happy. Source with several sprue pics: http://ipmsphilippin...148-mig-21f-13/ Also of interest is what Alex Sidharta writes on ARC Forum: Why two different fuselage sprues? The J-7 & J-7I versions are obviously programmed, see tail parachute housing at the base of the rudder. And J-7 II versions too - see two parts canopy and the two types of tail cones. V.P.

Kovozávody Prostějov is to release 1/72nd MiG-21BIS "Fishbed-L/N" or type 75 variant kits. First boxing - ref. KPM0100 - MiG-21BIS "Fishbed-L" Sources: https://www.kovozavody.cz/produkt/mig-21-bis/ V.P.

Kovozávody Prostějov is to release a serie of 1/72nd MiG-21 - the first one will be a MiG-21MF "Fishbed-J". Source: http://www.kovozavody.cz/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/AVIZOKP-EN-0116.pdf Considering the soon to release Eduard 1/72nd Fishbed kits... http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234974059-172-mig-21-fishbed-by-eduard/ V.P.