Master Model of Poland is becoming as prolific as Eduard when it comes to supplying modelers with after-market brass bits to enhance their latest projects. One of the latest offerings from Master Model is a brass replacement pitot tube for any 1/144thscale MiG-21. While this part will do nicely with any kit, you'd be hard pressed to find a finer example of a small scale (1/144) MiG-21 than those produced by Eduard.

This brass pitot tube is a straightforward replacement for the kit-supplied part. All you need do is snip off the forward section of the kit part, drill a hole in the mounting bracket to accept the new part, and attach the pitot tube (All of this, courtesy some well-drawn instructions). Exercise some caution because I managed to bend the thing just getting it out if the packaging. But don't fret too much as the brass pitot tube will need to be bent slightly (see instructions) to conform to the curve of the fuselage.

The tricky part, for me, was attaching the guide vanes. These vanes are common to the pitot tube on the prototype aircraft and are supplied as itty-bitty PE parts, on a separate fret. Your viewing device (Opti-visor, etc.) is really going to come in handy at this juncture. Even that extra hands thing from X-Acto might be of some use. Master Model has provided six vanes, although you'll only need four to complete the pitot tube. This is a good thing considering that should one of these parts go flinging off into the infinite or carpet it will be gone forever. You know the old saying...” Go slow and all will be right with the world.” As it turned out, I needed about another sixty tiny guide vanes as most of mine went flying. What is that saying... Do as I say, not as I do.

I would suggest that you attach the kit-supplied pitot mounting bracket to the side of the fuselage first and then proceed with the other steps outlined by Master Model’s assembly instructions. Whichever method you choose to assemble this after-market brass bit you will wind up with a beautiful addition to your small scale MiG-21.

My thanks to Master Model and IPMS/USA for the review copy. Support Your Local Hobby Shop.