This is the second of three reviews of the new Eduard 1/144 MiG-21s.
The aircraft here is the MiG-21bis, the last variant of the later MiGs.

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 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). Four different MiGs could be built from the decals included – Finnish, Polish Navy (!), Bulgarian, and Hungarian. I chose the Finnish one, as this one interested me when the Finns bought them.

Construction

Without the accessory set, this kit could be built in a couple of evenings. As it was, I spent more time on the PE and interior than anything else. The cockpit as provided is quite adequate, especially since I was going to put the canopy closed. The wheel wells fit inside the fuselage before the halves go together, as well as the back of the engine. I also didn’t use the intake or exhaust covers on this one, so I did take advantage of the exhaust pipe in the interior.

As far as fit of the parts go, I am really impressed. I had to use a little putty to clean up the spots where the sprues come into the fuselage and the top of the spine, but the wing/fuselage fit is so tight and nice that it just sort of slides into place and fits. It’s the same with the spine and the horizontal stabilizers. No putty needed on the seams, just a quick hit with a sanding stick.

The canopy doesn’t look as good closed as it does open. There seem to be some fit issues between the width of the canopy and the width of the fuselage. I recommend showing off that interior with the canopy open.

Painting

The color instructions for the Finnish aircraft have Gunze references, and also FS595 colors on the instruction sheet. Unfortunately, the FS numbers don’t really match the colors shown on the drawing very well. Even more unfortunate was my selection of a dark green which wasn’t dark enough. Looking back, I might have done better with Luftwaffe Black Green 70.

Before painting the aircraft, I painted the intake cone, the fin, the ventral fin and the four other small antennas on the plane medium green and applied those wonderful masks that come with the kit.

I then scanned the instruction, reduced them to 1/144 and used a printout to produce masks for the entire aircraft. I painted the brownish green first, then masked and painted the dark green. The canopy and windscreen were pieces of cake, as the Eduard masks worked perfectly here. Next was the natural metal areas on the exhaust and intake, which took a bit of time to mask, but look good.

A coat of Future, and the aircraft was ready for decals.

Decals

These decals are of very high quality. They come off the backing sheet in only a few seconds, are tough enough to stand up to some handling and moving, but once they’re in place, they stay there and conform nicely. Another coat of Future, followed by clear flat, and the decals look really great.

Finishing

After the handling needed to put on the decals, I add the small bits like the landing gear, underwing stores, and pitot tube. All of these fit very nicely. Because of the add-ons in the accessory set like the wheel chocks and ladder, I mounted the model on a piece of foam core board. I also am intrigued that Eduard included a drip pan for underneath the plane. An interesting addition.

Evaluation

Highly recommended. This kit is a superior job of molding, with interesting markings, good decals, and no real problems. The color thing is probably between me and Gunze.

Thanks to Eduard for this great kit, and to Steve Collins and IPMS/USA for the chance to build it.