When I saw this kit on the review list, I decided to build it as a preview of the “Dual Combo” of single seat MiGs by Eduard I have in my stash. All I can say is I can’t wait to start them now! This issue from Platz provides parts for one two-seat MiG 15 UTI version of this famous little fighter. Included are markings for the Finnish AF as advertised on the box but also two Polish AF examples. The parts are typical Eduard with excellent surface detail perfectly delicate for this scale. Colors are given for Mr. Color, Aqueous and Tamiya paint lines. A masking set is also included for canopies, back seat blast shield and windows under the fuselage. The decals are printed by Rocketeer Decal and are up to the standard of the rest of the kit.

This is the first Then and Now book that I have read, and I am hooked. The period photographs and history are supplemented with after the battle photographs. The research that goes into finding these key places in photographs is amazing and really adds to the story with the human element of seeing the location years later and imagining the scene before you.

Casemate Publishers website describes this book as such,

The SF.260 is a 1964 Italian design used by military forces around the world as a basic trainer. Sleek and aerobatic, it is still flown today by aerial display teams and Air Combat USA as well as private owners. The trainer version was in service for over 40 years.

Knowing my interest in colorful trainers, John Noack asked if I would like to review the kit. I jumped at the offer, cleared my workbench, and began this, my first ever kit review.

Special Hobby has been a producer of unusual aircraft for many years, and I have a bunch of their kits. As time has passed and technology has improved their models have gotten much more refined. This kit has fine surface detail, small sprue gates, and some flash. There are no ejector pin marks in visible areas, but there are small sink marks on the fuselage halves where the alignment pins are molded, and a larger one on an antenna not used in my version.