This is the third of three reviews of the new Eduard 1/144 MiG-21s. The aircraft here is the MiG-21SMT, the “home grown” MiG. Other versions were for export, but the SMT was the one the Soviets kept for themselves.

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 SMT has the biggest hump of the three.

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). Five different MiGs could be built from the decals, all Soviet, although one was based in Poland. As a change of pace, I decided to build the all-silver one.

Construction

Kit construction is pretty straightforward. Do the interior, assemble the fuselage, including the main gear wells, nose cone and the exhaust, add the hump, which includes the vertical stabilizer, add the horizontal stabilizers, and it’s ready to paint. I always leave off the landing gear, doors, antennas, probes, etc until after painting and decals, as there’s too much chance of damaging these small parts.

As far as fit of the parts goes, I am really impressed. I had to use a little putty to clean up the spots where the sprues attach to 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 sticks. 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.

Because I was using the Eduard PE set with this kit, I didn’t do the engine interior, as I used the intake and exhaust covers.

Painting

This paint job was pretty basic. It was overall silver except for the antennas, the nose cone, and the exhaust area, which was painted darker metallic colors. The intake also has a slightly different metallic ring.

Before painting the aircraft, I painted the intake cone, the fin, the ventral fin, and the 4 other small antennas on the plane medium green and applied those wonderful masks that come with the kit. 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, 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. Thanks to my Local Hobby Shop for selling me this kit, and to Steve Collins and IPMS/USA for the chance to build it.

The instructions in this accessory set give you no color information, so some research is in order. My friend and fellow reviewer Brian Baker and I were at Glendale Arizona’s airport, and there was a MiG-21 out on the ramp, awaiting restoration. I’ve included a few photos below.