Kit: No. 2166
Scale: 1/48
Manufacturer: Academy, distributed by MRC, P.O. Box 6312, Edison, NJ 08818-6312, phone 732-225-2100
Price: $25
Comments: Injection molded, 101 parts, decals.
The MiG-21 has been produced in greater numbers than any other jet fighter - more than 10,000 - and it's unlikely that mark will ever be eclipsed. It is also one of the most widely used fighters ever, and while no longer state-of-the-art, Fishbeds will serve with several air forces well into the 21st century.
The Academy release can represent an early or late version of the MiG-21PF. The parts feature finely engraved panel lines and good detail. Several parts aren't used in this kit, indicating common molding sprues and parts for future editions. Decals in this kit provide markings for Chinese, Egyptian, North Vietnamese, and Soviet machines. I chose the Egyptian aircraft because of its attractive camouflage scheme.
Assembly following the 10-page instructions is straightforward. The cockpit and ejection-seat detailing is adequate for the scale. Instead of the recommended "blue gray" for the interior, I used Testor's new Model Master II USSR interior blue-green, then painted the seat gray and black. Add weight to the nose cone, then paint it dark green before inserting it into the fuselage.
Academy provides a choice of wide (late) and narrow (early) fins; optional 23mm cannon pod or center-line tank; positionable flaps, ailerons, and speed brakes; and a one-piece canopy that can be shown open (hinged at the front). Underwing ordnance includes two pairs of rocket pods and two types of Atoll missiles.
The forward fuselage assembly joins the rear fuselage just aft of the cockpit. Dry-fit this joint and work on the fit to reduce the amount of filling and sanding. You'll also have to refine the fit of the speed brakes if you want to pose them closed. The rest of the kit parts fit well.
I painted my Fishbed with Model Master enamels, then applied the kit decals. A little Solvaset allows the decals to conform.
Once finished, the Academy kit looks right, but the main wheel bulges in the fuselage above and below the wing don't line up. The model measures a few scale inches short in length according to the dimensions in Warplane Issue 49.
You may want to devote more time detailing the cockpit than I did. I spent about 19 hours on my MiG, but at last I have a fine Fishbed for my 1/48 scale collection!
- Randy Fields