This is the third of three reviews of the new Eduard 1/144 MiG-21s. The aircraft here is the MiG-21SMT, the “home grown” MiG. Other versions were for export, but the SMT was the one the Soviets kept for themselves.

The MiG-21 in its various forms has been around for a really long time, entering service in 1959, and it’s still in service. The early versions are considered second generation fighters, but the newer versions, such as the MF, SMT and bis are third generation. That big added hump on the fuselage and upgraded avionics/electronics bring the MiG-21 into the third generation. The SMT has the biggest hump of the three.

The Kit

You get two of every part, with an extra canopy for each one. You also get a pair of Eduard masks for the kit(s). Five different MiGs could be built from the decals, all Soviet, although one was based in Poland. As a change of pace, I decided to build the all-silver one.

Having recently acquired one of the Kinetic 1/48 Grumman S-2 Tracker kits, I was intrigued when I saw this book and the corresponding decal sheet offered for review. I was previously unaware that the Royal Netherlands Naval Air Service, or Marineluchtvaartdienst (MLD), had used the Stoof. This excellent 52-page publication combines dozens of photographs along with text in both Dutch and English to tell the history of the S-2 in the MLD.

I have seen Master Models gun barrels and pitot tubes reviewed in magazines and other websites before, but this is the first time I have seen them in person. To say that I’m amazed and blown away is an understatement. I do not know if they are turned or cast, but these .303 Browning barrels are exact in scale and detail. You get four finely reproduced barrels that can be used in British gun turrets, or as nose armament for Mosquitos. See the pictures below and be amazed. I plan on using mine on an upcoming Mosquito project.

Thanks to Master Model and to IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this sample.