MiG-21MF ‘Fishbed-J’; Eduard 1:72
The iconic MiG-21 ‘Fishbed' doesn't need special introduction. This supersonic jet fighter/interceptor first flew more than 60 years ago, has served in over 60 countries all over the globe and during its career became such a synonym for a Soviet fighter as AK-47 was for the rifles. MiG-21s are today still in service with two European NATO members – Croatia and Romania.
Yugoslavia started to replace its outdated early American jet fighters in the '60s with the introduction of MiG-21F-13. By the end of '60s, new deliveries of 21s were made, namely the improved PFM, R recon version and U and US two-seat trainers. Seventies brought versions M, MF and UM while bis version was delivered in the '80s. It is of interest, that Yugoslavia had its own designation system for its Air Force – MiG-21M became L-15, while MiG-21MF basically a M with a more powerful engine, became L-15M.
The kit
For more information about the build, you can visit my in-progress build thread here: http://imodeler.com/groups/work-in-progress-aircraft/forum/topic/mig-21mf-fishbed-j-eduard-172/
To summarize – This is an excellent kit of a fighter, that we've been waiting for way too long in 1:72 scale. The details are mostly exquisite and the fit is very good. Being an uncomplicated design, it builds fast as well and opens a magnitude of marking opportunities. A couple of notes on how to improve the model:
– sand the intake and exhaust lips from the inside to get even better and more refined look.
– check the references regarding antenna placement – some might be missing for the version you are building
– pitot tube – as with 1:48 version, the plastic one in the kit is perfectly straight while in reality, they are bent – check the above photo. I replaced mine with 1mm brass rod from Albion Alloys
– stencil decals – black – I am not sure if that is correct – if my memory serves me right, they should be blue (actually one stencil on the sheet is blue)
– The strakes just in front and below the wing root should be thinned or replaced by thinner material
The kit provides excellent basis for stunning models and with excellent looking plastic cockpit, I don't really see a need for replacement resin cockpit parts. Hat's off to Eduard for creating such a nice kit of this historically important jet fighter.
Model Data
Company: Eduard
Scale: 1:72
Aftermarket: Balkan Models decals
Paints used: Mr.Paint (MRP-32 Green for Wheels, MRP-50 RLM02 Grau, MRP-173 Tire-Rubber Matt, MRP-186 Light Grey, MRP-199 Su-33 Blue)
Alclad (ALC-101 Aluminum, ALC-103 Dark Aluminum, ALC-104 Pale Burnt Metal, ALC-111 Magnesium, ALC-113 Jet Exhaust, ALC-405 Transparent Smoke)
Beautiful build and presentation, sir...nice job!
Thank you, Craig!
Classic posting, Sebastijan - great model, lovely clear writing, some very useful tips. and beautiful photos. I followed the build thread and loved that, too.
Gorgeous use of the Alclads. Looks just stunning.
Thank you, David!
Fantastic Resultat sebastijan!
Thank you, Christian!
Just love it!
Thank you, Bogdan! Looking forwards to yours.
A beautiful -21 indeed! Love the metal work and the weathering, and the blue really creates a stunning overall appearance. Great work!
Thank you, Greg! The blue ID markings really set it apart from pure nmf birds.
Certainly one of the nicest models we’ve seen here for awhile.
Thank you, Rob!
The metal finish is perfect and the weathering is understated and refined. Great execution. Now I want to build a natural metal finish model.
Thank you George! With your skills, I have no doubt it would be abother stunner!
That's a beauty,and in 72nd! The blue markings give it something. One of the more colorful MIGs I've seen. Someone was asking me the other night if the MIG-21 was still in service. Now I can tell him. The Chinese are still turning out their versions, as well.
Thank you Bernard!
Those are just 2 European countries that still have them (but not for long). There are many 21s still flying in Africa and Asia.
Great looking Mig Sebastijan.
Thank you Anthony!
Fantastic "Fishbed," Sebastijan! The markings are interesting (particularly the vertical stabiliser/tail) and the blue just sets it apart from most others.
A real pleasure to read about and see!
Thank you, Jeff! The blue really makes it look special.
As above, great job!
Thanks, Robert!
Really cool build mate, interesting scheme as well.
Thanks, Richard!
wow, really nice, especially for 1/72. Your detail in such a small scale really pops and shows as if it is a much larger model.
Thanks Paul!
Mmm - that's really outstanding. Excellent work on the NMF finish. Hard to believe it's 1/72.
Thank you, Tom!
Someone break this man's hands. Some sharp,crisp, strong work being done on this model. Inspirational. Another candidate for model of the month.
Keep up the good work Sebastijan .
Thank you Stephen but please stay away from my hands - got a little baby daughter to take care of ?
I agree Stephen. Already in May I think we've seen a huge spike in standards and the 'model of the month' has to be an almost impossible call.
Beautiful 21 ! Well done!
Thank you, Martin!