Scale Plastic & Rail

1:144 MiG-21BIS Dual Combo from Eduard

1:144 MiG-21BIS 'Dual Combo'
Eduard
Catalogue # 4427
Available from Eduard for 17,25 €

The Mikoyan MiG-21 tactical jet fighter was the backbone of the Soviet era Air Force for many years and its success was evident in that it was exported to over 50 countries. Over 12,000 MiG-21's  were produced  in  various versions, and for different nationalities,  culminating in the MiG-21BIS variant. The MiG-21BIS is an all-weather interceptor with  improved air combat performance at low and medium altitudes due to the upgraded R25-300 Turbojet engine, as developed by Tumansky.

The Kit
The parts for each model are distributed over two grey and one clear sprue.

The main sprue contains fifty two parts, eight of which comprise the cockpit. This sprue is a generic set for all three current representations of the MiG-21 that Eduard produce to date: MiG-21MF, MiG-21SMT and Mig-21BIS.

Some of the parts are really tiny, and obviously fragile, therefore care will be needed when removing from the sprue to ensure the components do not get damaged.

The second sprue has a two part fit of the tailfin and spine which is the main difference from earlier versions.

The clear sprue contains three components, consisting of a front windscreen plus a choice of two separate main canopy parts.  Only one of the main canopy parts is required for this version of the aircraft.

Eduard has really helped the modeller here by producing a split canopy as this allows for a build with the canopy either open or closed; without the mess of trying to saw through a piece of clear plastic canopy.

The decal sheet comprises of enough common component decals to make two complete models and sufficient nationality markings for a choice of four different countries aircraft. Decal quality is very good, with everything being printed in perfect register, and also reasonably thin too.

The markings are for the following aircraft:

• 1st Air Division, Polish Navy
• Izdel 75B, 3rd Air Base, Bulgaria
• 31st 'Kapos' Tactical Fighter Wing, Hungary
• 31st Fighter Squadron, Kuopio Airbase, Finland

Eduard has provided a set of masks which consists of parts for the canopy and also masks for certain areas of the aircraft which should be a real boon when it comes to painting the model.

So what do we think?
The provision of a separate canopy is a real bonus and Eduard is to be commended for providing this.  The addition of a set of masks is really useful as it may help anyone who has never tried using masks whether to pay out for a set of masks for other models they may have.

The boxing is of the end opening type however it is of a study construction and does not appear to have the collapsing tendencies, which can be problematic with other kit producers.

Highly recommended

Our sincere thanks to Eduard for the review sample. To purchase directly, click THIS link.

Mike C