MiG-29 SMT Fulcrum
Type 9-19

G.W.H., 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Mick Evans

G.W.H.'s 1/48 scale MiG-29 SMT is available online from Squadron.com

The MiG 29 SMT Product 9.19 is an upgrade package of the first generation MiG-29s (9.12 to 9.13) containing many enhancements intended for the MiG 29M. 

It is a kind of multi-role fighter that has the ability to act as an air superiority, interceptor, attacker, scout and ACOC.

The Russian Ministry of Defence has decided to modify more than 150 early version MiG 29s to the SMT version before 2020. 

A much larger fuselage spine incorporates additional fuel tanks to provide for a maximum flight range of 2100km on internal fuel alone.  The cockpit receives an enhanced HOTAS design, two 152 x 203mm colour Liquid Crystal (LCD) Multi - Functional Displays (MFDs) and two smaller monochrome LCDs.  An upgraded Zhuk-ME radar provides similar features to the MiG-29M. 

Upgraded RD-33 ser.3 engines with an afterburning thrust of 8,300kgf each are also installed. 

The weapons load capacity is increased to 4,500kg on the six underwing and one ventral hard point with a similar weapon fit to the  MiG 29/MiG29M variant, including the R-27ER extended range semi active radar homing air to air missile,R27ET infrared air to air missile, and R-77 active radar guided air to air missile for long range interception.

This release from Great Wall Hobby is a follow on from their earlier release of Mig 29 Fulcrum kits.

The content of this new release is identical to Great Wall Hobby’s earlier release except that the box contains a new sprue with a new upper fuselage and the associated parts for the SMT version.

The kit comprises around 200 parts in medium grey plastic, eight parts in clear plastic, two photo-etched frets and markings for two aircraft.

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Thumbnail panels:

Surface detail is made up from a combination of fine, crisply recessed panel lines and recessed rivets of various sizes, some of which are almost invisible at certain angles. Hinge lines, intakes, bumps and vents compliment the panel detail to good effect. The surface and structural features are really very impressive.

The kit is sensibly broken down into upper and lower "pancakes" incorporating the wing and fuselage elements in a single piece each. These large parts are carefully packed to avoid damage during shipping and storage. The upper fuselage requires no inserts for the single-seat configuration, reducing the amount of joins and potential for misalignment.

The cockpit is fitted out with an eight part plastic ejection seat supplemented with a further five photo-etched parts, including the harness. Photo-etched parts are also used to detail the rudder pedals, gunsight and pilot's mirrors. The instrument panel is injection moulded plastic. Individual dials are supplied on the decal sheet. These are clearly marked with numbers, with a corresponding illustration in the instruction sheet.

The canopy parts are impressively thin and sparklingly free from distortion. Even more impressive is the absence of the usual centreline seam down the centre of the main canopy part - no cleanup required here! Of course, the canopy may be posed either open or closed.

The windscreen is moulded with two faint lines down either side. These are not moulding seams, so do not remove them. They represent the structural rods fitted to the inside of the windscreen of the real aircraft. You could try painting these fine lines from the inside, but I think they will look just fine as they are.

Separate parts are supplied for either open or closed auxiliary intake vents on the top of the fuselage - a really nice touch. Alternate cannon vent panels (open or covered) are included too. Speed brakes may be posed open or closed.

The wheel wells are comprehensively detailed with structural features moulded in place.

Two full engines are included. The intake fans, engine bodies and exhausts are some of the best I have seen in a 1/48 scale plastic kit. In fact, I would suggest that they are up to the standard of some after-market resin parts. if you just cannot bear to hide the engines away inside the fuselage, G.W.H. has supplied an engine stand to display this little masterpiece separately.

Undercarriage parts are also very well detailed. The tyres are injection moulded plastic, which will please modellers who do not like working with vinyl tyres (myself included).

A large centreline fuel tank is supplied along with two slim wing mounted tanks.

Additional ordnance includes two R-27R and four R-73R missiles. These are truly a remarkable achievement in modern moulding technology. They are all presented in one piece each, with their fine fins moulded in place. They really have to be seen to be appreciated.

Marking Options

The decal sheet is well printed, and includes markings for two Fulcrums:

• MiG 29 SMT Red 23 of the 14th Leningrad’s Guards Fighter Air Regiment based at Khalino Airfield Kurst region Russia in 2010.  The aircraft is painted in the typical Fulcrum three tone blue and grey scheme.

• MiG 29 SMT Red 03 of the 14th Leningrad’s Guards Fighter Air Regiment based at Khalino Airfield Kurst region Russia in 2010.  The aircraft is painted in the typical Fulcrum three tone blue and grey scheme.

A separate decal sheet is provided for stencil markings.

In summary, this is another excellent kit from Great Wall Hobby.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Great Wall Hobby for the sample

Review Text Copyright © 2015 by Mick Evans
Review Images Copyright © 2012 and 2015 by Brett Green
Page Created 21 September, 2015
Last updated 22 September, 2015

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