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MiG-15UTI Dual Combo - Eduard (4444) 1:144 scale


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MiG-15UTI Dual Combo

 

Eduard (4444)  1:144

 

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The two seat version of the MiG-15 was a training aircraft that was allocated the designation UTI MiG-15. The majority of them were built in Czechoslovakia. The MiG-15 basic single seat underwent various upgrades and conversions, to fighter-bomber; Recce; target-towing and this two-seat trainer. Like all other Warsaw Pact aircraft that were allocated a NATO codename, the UTI MIG-15 was became known as the Midget.


This latest release of MiG-15 variant from Eduard is another in their Dual Combo Super44 series, and comprises two complete kits in the box. The kit first appeared as a bagged single kit (#7130) at the 2017 E-day event. 

 

The first sprue is a new tooling that contains the fuselage and wing sections to make up the two-seater trainer version of the MiG-15 family.  As with the other models, the panel lines are lightly engraved and deep enough for airbrushing a coat of primer and top coat; however these lines could disappear quite easily with brush painting.
 

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Turning the sprue over, we can see that the two-seat cockpit area is a complete intergral unit.  This means that painting individual parts, such as the seats and instrument panels could be interesting.
 

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The second sprue is the same as previous kts like the MiG-15BIS etc., comprising the tail fin and tailplane items;  undercarriage  assemblies and various ordnance pieces, much of which is not required on this model
 

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The canopy is a single piece casting and looks to be well detailed. Difficulties in painting and detailing this tiny part are eased with the provision of a set of masks.  There are 28 separate, and tiny, mask pieces for this kit!

 

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Decals and Masks

 

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 The decal sheet is quite comprehensive, especially for a model which is only approx. 6cm (2.5 in) long, and provides nationality and serial markings for eight different aircraft:
 

  • Czechoslovakian, fuselage number 2740 of 18th sbolp, Pardubice, Czechoslovakia during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962
  • Czechoslovakian, fuselage number 2512, built in 1955 and retired 1966.  Currently on display at the Air Museum in Prague-Kbely
  • Soviet red 1516 uchobny (training) of the Soviet Union during the 1960s and 1970s.
  • Finnish MiG-15UTI, c/n 922226 of Hävittäjälentolaivue 31 (Fighter Squadron 31), Rissala Air Base, Finland from 1962 to 1969.
  • Indonesian MiG-15UTI, built in Czechoslovakia and delivered to the Indonesian Air Force, Jakarta-Kemajoran Air Base, Indonesia;  late 1950 until 1973.  These would have been operational during the Borneo Confrontation.
  • One of four MiG-15UTI's built in Czechoslovakia for the Syrian Air Force.
  • MiG-15UTI [874] sold to the Iraqi Air Force in the early 1970s and remained in service until late 1980s.
  • Algerian MiG-15UTI #1755 delivered in the 1960s

 

The artwork on the rear portion of the box shows colour profile views of the eight aircaft that can be built with this decal sheet.

 

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The instructions and colour details are clear and concise, all being incorporated in a handy A5 sized booklet. The booklet contains a short history of the MiG-15 fighter, including the MiG-15BIS and Mig-15UTI.  An illustrated parts breakdown of the sprues, including shaded areas denoting items not required for this model, plus detailed illustrated instructions.

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This is another fine production from Eduard and should be a welcome addition for collectors of Soviet or Eastern European aircraft.

 

 

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Review sample courtesy of

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MiG-15UTI Overtree

 

Eduard (4444X)  1:144

 

 

Have you ever considered what to do with the remaining decals that come with a kit, after you have built the kit(s) in the box?  With eight choices of decals for the MiG-15UTI, but only two aircraft in the box, there's always going to be leftovers.  Eduard have taken this into consideration and produced a kit containing only the sprues and clear parts for sale; these are known as Overtrees.

 

Overtrees are just the sprue(s) and clear parts that make up a single kit, but without any decals, instructions or masking sets.  They are an ideal and inexpensive way to build up your fleets of aircraft without duplicating the unnecessary peripherals after you purchased the main kit/combo.

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As with the original kit, shown in the review above, an overtree consists of the same sprue(s) and clear parts to build a single kit.   Assembly instructions and decals would be expected to be utilised from that purchased first kit/combo set.

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This is a really good concept from Eduard and one that should be taken up by other producers.  Another aspect of this method is that it can be an inexpensive feature for those who can make their own decals.  Any number of overtrees could be bought and you could make the decals yourself.  This could open up a means of producing a whole range of nationalities, squadrons or even 'anniversary events' for particular aircraft for their squadrons etc.

 

 

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Review sample courtesy of

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