MiG-21PF ProfiPACK

Eduard, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Luke Pitt

Eduard's 1/48 scale MiG-21PF is available online from Squadron.com

For me, nothing symbolized the Cold War more than the Mig-21. Its unique design was a symbol of everything I expected a Russian aircraft to be - small fast and effective.

This new release from Eduard is a follow on from their previously released kits but, this time, in its “PF” variant.

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The main difference to the casual observer is its forward-hinged canopy. This canopy was designed as a supersonic shield for high-speed ejections. The problem was, while it protected the pilot from supersonic wind blasts it would push down and around the ejection seat after ejection, in some instances not allowing the parachute to deploy.

Much has been written about the previous released versions of the Eduard Mig 21 series and when reviewing this new version, one is reminded how good the kit is from the wonderful engraved detail to the precise fit of parts.

This is a ProfiPACK version, so it includes two frets of photo-etched parts to add welcome detail to the cockpit, the exterior and more.

Every modeller has their pet “hobby horses” and mine is canopy clarity and thickness. I have been somewhat dismayed in recent times by the number of new releases that have overly thick canopies. This kit however, gets away with it, due to the clarity and the design of the canopy. The canopy swings up when open so only a small amount of the canopy cross section is revealed from most angles.

Added to this, Eduard has seen fit to include the internal blast shield, which is a first for a 48th Mig 21 PF kit. While the canopy is slightly thicker than the Academy example it has a more accurate profile and is clearer.

Two new sprues are included in this release and they are sprue ”V” which includes a new spine and interior parts and the previously mentioned sprue “T” which includes the new canopy sections in both open and closed variations.

With this version of the kit, two photo etch frets are included - one painted, for the interior components and one unpainted for the exterior details. This is backed up by a set of masks for the canopy.

Markings

Five marking choices are provided. Three are in natural metal (Vietnamese. Russian and Polish) and two in camouflage (Russian and East German).

Specifically, they are:

• 921st Fighter Regiment, Vietnam, Late 60s / Early 70s Serial Number 761008,

• Jagdfliegergeschwader 2, German Democratic Republic, Trollenhagen Air Base, Late 80s

• Soviet Air Force, Ceske Budejovice Air Base, Czechoslovakia, late August, 1968

• 702nd UAP, Chernigov Air Base, Soviet Union, 1980s

• 1st Fighter Regiment, Polish Air Force, Minsk Mazowiecki Air Base, 1980s

The decals are both thin and printed to a high standard.

A second decal sheet is provided, that include all of the various stencils dotted over the airframe.

One really has to admire this kit.

It is accurate in profile, easy to build by all accounts, and has some of the best engraved detail in the business.

The kit is backed up by a whole raft of aftermarket details, again provided for and sold separately by Eduard.

One could not help but feel someone at Eduard really likes the Mig-21. It shows. Mainstream 1:48 scale modern jets don’t come much better than this.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Eduard for the sample

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2015 by Luke Pitt
Page Created 23 March, 2015
Last updated 23 March, 2015

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