Master Model from Poland has earned the reputation as the source for exquisite metal pitot tubes, gun barrels, and numerous other machined metal detail parts for all scales. As the promotional message on their packaging suggests, their products provide “reality in miniature”…and they are miniature masterpieces.

Master Model also is proving to be very prolific. They now have added to their growing line of detail parts a 1/72 scale version of their beautiful multi-part pitot tube for the MiG-21. It is virtually a downsized version of those they offer in both 1/48 and 1/32 scales. And, like the larger scale versions, this one comes packaged in multiple plastic pouches, stapled to a display card, and includes two turned metal parts, a thin photo-etch fret, and a small instruction sheet.

Reviews of the 1/48 and 1/32 scale versions have been posted on this site and, since this version is a scaled down version of both of them, those reviews offer two opinions of how the parts goes together and what the finished product looks like. Both reviewers come to the same conclusion. They say this detail set takes a little skill to assemble and results in a wonderful addition to any MiG-21. I agree.

The two turned metal parts are not difficult to assemble – the small one literally plugs into the other. The photo-etch fins on the photo-etch fret do require a little more skill, however. They are fiddly little bits that must be removed from the fret and accurately attached in their respective positions. In this scale, an optimizer and a set of tweezers will necessarily be mandatory. The instruction sheet (pictured below) guides the assembly process. Master Model recommends using “varnish or white glue” to attach the fins. I recommend adding a thin film of superglue after that, applied with a needle tip, to keep everything more permanently attached. There are two extra fins on the fret just in case you manage to loose one or two during assembly.

It may be necessary to trim off a molded kit part and drill a precise hole to install the main shaft. So, a #11 blade and a pin vise with a small drill bit also may be required. When installed, the resulting part is truly impressive and will make any 1/72 scale MiG-21 stand out on the display shelf or on the contest table.

I highly recommend this aftermarket set to anyone adding details to a 1/72 scale MiG-21. My thanks to Master Model and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this little masterpiece.