Eduard Mig-23ML/MF Resin Update Sets (for Trumpeter/Eduard) 1:48

[Mike]

Mig-23ML/MF Resin Update Sets (for Trumpeter/Eduard)

1:48 Eduard Brassin

 

 

Eduard have reboxed the Trumpeter kit of this aircraft as a special edition "Bedna" boxing with Czech markings, allowing you to build either an ML or MF airframe.  Eduard's new sets are here to improve on the kit detail in the usual modular manner, and we reviewed the PE sets and masks here if you fancy a squint.  Get what you want for the areas you want to be more of a focal point.  As usual with Eduard's resin sets, they arrive in the familiar Brassin clamshell box, with the resin parts safely cocooned on dark grey foam inserts, and the instructions sandwiched between the two halves, doubling as the header card.  The larger sets are safely ensconced in card boxes and use the same foam to protect the resin, Photo-Etch (PE), masks and decals where applicable.

 

As usual with resin, take the precaution of wearing a mask when cutting or sanding resin, as the tiny particles are harmful to your health if breathed in.  Washing the parts in warm water will also improve the adhesion of paint, as there may still be some moulding release agent on the parts when you receive them.

 

 

Mig-23MF/ML Ejection Seat (648429)

This is a drop-in replacement for the kit seat, comprising two resin parts, and nickel-plated, pre-painted parts for the crew belts, pull-handle and armrest.

 

 

 

 

Mig-23MF/ML Engine Air Intakes (648434 & 648438)

More drop-in resin parts that replace the intakes (not the splitter plate), adds PE blow-in doors, and a choice of two clear lenses on the top of the port intake, with a mask for each into the bargain.  The difference between them? A small panel engraved into the rear of the ML.

 

 

Mig-23ML 648438

 

Mig-23MF 648434

 

 

Mig-23ML Wheels (648431)

With two resin main and two nose wheels, plus hub inserts for the outer sides, wafer-thin captive gear bay doors and a mudguard for the front leg, plus PE brake hoses, the protective cage that fits to the "knee" of the main gear legs, and masks (not shown) for the tyres to help you achieve a nice neat demarcation between rubber and hub.

 

 

 

Mig-23ML Main Wheel Bays (648428)

Replacing the kit bays with ultra-fine detailed resin parts, and adding extra internal parts for realism, resin inner and outer doors and jacks, plus an array of small PE parts for hoses, wiring etc. to create an impressive glimpse into the heart of the machine.

 

 

 

Mig-23ML Exhaust Nozzle (648430)

Yet another drop-in replacement for the kit exhaust, which is made up from seven resin parts for the ultimate in detail, and should look awesome when painted sympathetically, using the Gunze codes provided as reference.

 

 

 

R-23R Apex Missiles for Mig-23 (648432)

The pointy-nosed (technical description) R variant of this missiles is the Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH) version, and you get two missiles in the box with separate steering vanes at the front, larger stabilisers at the rear, and a PE exhaust ring at the back, plus adapter rails.  They can be posed with their FOD covers on by cutting off the front of the missiles and adding the supplied covers, plus a ring of PE protectors for the proximity sensors.  Decals are provided for the stencils, and the colour call-outs are given in Gunze codes as normal.

 

 

 

R-23T Apex Missiles for Mig-23 (648433)

The blunt-nosed (another technical description) R variant of this missiles is the Infrared (IR) version, and you get two missiles in the box with separate steering vanes at the front, larger stabilisers at the rear, and a PE exhaust ring at the back, plus adapter rails.  They can be posed with their FOD covers on by cutting off the front of the missiles and adding the supplied covers, plus a ring of PE protectors for the proximity sensors.  Decals are provided for the stencils, and the colour call-outs are given in Gunze codes as normal.  I know.  Déjà vu all over again!

 

 

Review sample courtesy of