The Eduard MiG-21bis is a very nice kit right out of the box; however, the pitot tube could be better. There are limitations that plastic can’t overcome, not even with the best injection molded technology. Even so, the pitot tube sticks out so far on the MiG-21 that it’s bound to be broken off in handling. Besides, you can get a scale thickness with brass that you couldn’t get any other way.

Master Model has set the standard when it comes to these pitot tubes. This pitot tube is the same quality I’ve come to expect. This pitot tube has two perfectly turned brass barrels, one that fits inside the other. Then there is a fret of six photo etch vanes. If you look really, really close, you will see there are super tiny holes on the pitot tubes to mount the photo etch vanes in. This will require a steady hand and an Opti-visor with the maximum magnification to get right, but, oh, the results are worth the effort. I would have liked to have a second fret of vanes just because they are so small that I am afraid that even with two extras they will go flying.

The instructions describing the process are simple, aiding the modeler in getting the build right. The hardest part will be to get the vanes aligned. Thank you, Master Model, for including extra vanes, just in case.

This pitot tube is typical quality from Master Model. The strength and scale thickness make this a required addition to your MiG.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Master Model for the review sample and IPMS/USA for the review space.