Aires Hobby Models has come out with an excellent upgrade for the Trumpeter MiG-23 MF / ML kits with their Correct Air Intakes set. There are six parts cast in a durable resin material along with four resin clear parts. The Aires parts provide improved air intake detail. The instructions show where the additional parts go and then its simply a swap out for the Trumpeter intakes.

Aires has molded the air intakes perfectly in tan resin with no apparent bubbles. The Aires air intakes are supplied on a four resin sprue with thin resin attachments to the parts that should minimize any cleanup.

Although most paints will adhere to resin alone, I would recommend that washing the parts to remove any remaining mold release and prime them first. They will need to be installed with your favorite CA (super glue) or epoxy, as the normal plastic glues or solvents will not react with the resin.

I used a photoetch saw to remove all of the parts from the resin sprue. All parts cleaned up well with a scalpel blade quickly. Total prep time for a single air intake should be under ten minutes not including paint. The Aires Correct Air Intakes (RP3, RP4) improves the outer-top intake curvature over the Trumpeter intakes to be more rounded instead of the boxier look of the Trumpeter parts. The Aires set also provides finer detail on the intake vanes ( RP2) presenting the subtle curve of the vane as well as providing a thinner vane. The auxiliary intake doors (RP1) are separate allowing you to pose them in whatever position you wish as well as proving improved detail on the inside of the part that is absent on the Trumpeter part. The clear resin parts provide not only the two different size light lenses (CRP1, CRP 3), but the bulbs (CRP2) as well, a significant improvement over the kit parts. The Aires set also mates better with the splitter plate that it mounts onto with a very secure fit as compared to the Trumpeter part where the splitter plate can easily sink into the intake.

This product is a superb way to significantly enhance your MiG-23 MF / ML and well worth the time and cost. This product is highly recommended due to the superior appearance of the Aires parts that corrects the overall look of the intakes, ease of installation, and attention to detail.

Thanks to Aires Hobby Models and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this set.