Master Model has produced a replacement nose pitot for the Trumpeter MiG-21 F-13 Fishbed kit. The replacement pitot is a clean drop-in for the kit’s plastic parts. The supplied items include a two-piece main pitot tube of turned stainless and photo etch brass vane fins.

A side-by-side evaluation (see photos) indicates an identical replacement that provides a much more realistic assembly with a significantly improved abuse tolerance. Painting of the main tube should not be necessary, but the fins will need a quick touch with silver or red to transform the brass. Check your references

Some assembly is required. The photo etch vane fins are placed in tiny holes in the forward pitot section, and secured with CA glue. The instructions suggest removing the plastic tube from the kit attachment point, drilling the appropriate size mounting hole, and inserting the replacement tube. The tube should be firmly attached to the kit fuselage before inserting the pointed end of the pitot with the fins and fixing with CA glue. Waiting in this case would seem to be good advice, as the vanes will be quite fragile.

Overall, this is an excellent replacement that will lend increased realism to your Fishbed. Highly recommended.

Thanks to the Master Model and the IPMS Reviewer Corps for the opportunity to review this item.