MiG-23 Wheel Render (Mudguard)
for RV Aircraft Kits

RES-IM, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron.com

This is only the second occasion that I have reviewed Resin Improvement's products. The previous time also involved MiG-23 detail parts, and appeared here on HyperScale in April 2012.

Detail sets do not come much simpler than this one. The single part comes in a zip-lock plastic bag with card header. The mudguard will be easy to remove from its casting block, and then be ready for painting and attachment to the model.

A quick visit to RES-IM’s website soon reveals links to MiG-23 walk-arounds and images of their detail sets including painted examples. I’ve used their images for this review because they looked better than the ones I took.

The previous RES-IM detail sets I reviewed were intended for the RV Aircraft kits, which are very nice indeed; and in my view are the best MiG-23 kits in 1/72-scale. The intended recipient kit is not stated for the mudguard however, although it is on the RV kit that it is shown in the accompanying RES-IM image. Obviously, a simple part like this should also suit the MiG-23 kits from Zvezda/Italeri, Bilek, Airfix/Heller, Hasegawa and Academy.  

The replacement part is nicely detailed, with crisply cast and delicate representations of relevant features. I cannot help but wonder about the packaging and distribution costs for one tiny piece such as this, and their effect on the final price of this one item. I should think that anyone tempted to replace the kit’s mudguard would also likely be drawn to replace other parts as well with more detailed components.

It therefore seems to me that it would make more sense to offer it as part of a complete or partial MiG-23 detail set such as RES-IM’s #7203 Wheel-Bays set, where packaging and distribution costs are spread across more parts, and thereby potentially offering the consumer better value overall.  

RES-IM’s mudguard looks very refined and should improve the appearance of any brand of MiG-23 kit.

Thanks to Resin Improvement for the review samples.

Review Text & Images Copyright © 2013 by Mark Davies
Page Created 5 August, 2013
Last updated 5 August, 2013

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