One of the differences between the MiG-15 and the MiG-15bis, in addition to a newer and more powerful engine, is the gun configuration in the nose. It is not readily noticeable, but there are differences in the 23mm cannons and their fairings.

The MiG-15 was equipped with one N-37 37mm cannon and two NS-23 23mm cannons in a drop down tray on the bottom of the nose fairing. This was the standard configuration until improvements were made in the MiG-15bis. The MiG-15bis received two NR-23 cannons, which had a higher rate of fire and an improved ammunition system. The cowling also changed with bulged ejection chutes. The fairings on the newer guns were also shorter than their predecessors.

Eduard’s new MiG-15 and MiG-15bis kits in 1/72^nd scale are great little kits and are very accurate. Even though the kit gun barrels, parts C3, C18 and C29 are very well done, Quickboost has provided us with some exquisite resin replacements with no mold seam to clean up and the end of the 37mm cannon barrel drilled out. These barrels are direct replacements for the previously mentioned kit parts.

My thanks to Aires and IPMS USA for the review sample.