MiG-21SMT

Eduard Weekend Edition, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The MiG-21SMT was a 1971 development of the MiG-21SM with increased fuel capacity.

This variant is easily spotted thanks to its larger spine.

The MiG-21SMT had an increased range of 250 km (155 mi) compared to the MiG-21SM, but at the cost of worsening all other performance figures, such as a lower service ceiling and slower time to altitude.

It was also unpopular with pilots as the hump-back spine made it harder to fly.

Eduard launched their 1/48 scale MiG-21family ten years ago but they remain excellent kits today and are still easily the best MiG-21s available in 1/48 and possibly any other scale. For a detailed analysis of the original Eduard 1/48 scale MiG-21MF, please follow the link to view Jennings Heilig's initial in-box review.

Eduard's latest iteration from the Fishbed family is a 1/48 scale MiG-21SMT in their Weekend Edition series. This Weekend Edition kit does do not include photo-etched parts or painting masks but it does offer a generous four marking options.

The kit comprises 372 parts in medium grey plastic; 26 parts in clear; self-adhesive masks, a decal sheet and full colour instructions. Many of the plastic parts are not used for this variant.

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Thumbnail panels:

The three main sprues contain parts for the fuselage, spine, tail planes and wings.

The plastic sprues are the same as the initial MiG-21MF release with the exception of the unique SMT spine. This is Sprue K.

Eduard's MiG-21SMT maintains the same exemplary standards as its predecessors. Surface detail is restrained and crisp, detail is very good even without the photo-etched parts of the ProfiPACK. The instrument panel, sidewalls and side console feature raised switch, bezel, fuse and dial detail that will respond well to painting and washes.

Decals are supplied as an overlay option for the instrument panel and sidewalls.The panel and sidewall decals have a transparent background. This eliminates any possibility of mismatched cockpit turqoise colours.

A nice looking harness decal is also included.

The transparent sprue is the same as its predecessors.

All of the plastic ordnance supplied in the MF kit are also provided with the SMT, so you will have a big bonus for your spares box too.

Markings

Four varied marking options for the MiG-21SMT are provided.

Stencil decals are glossy and readable under strong magnification for even the smallest markings (assuming you can read Russian, that is).

Based on my experience of building the debut MiG-21MF kit upon its original release, fit should be excellent throughout on this one. There was not a single “whammy” area to look out for on the MF kit.

Surface detail is as good as any manufacturer. Detail in the cockpit, wheel wells and afterburner is very good even without photo-etched parts.

If you really want to kick the detail up a level, a BRASSIN cockpit will be a luxurious finishing touch. The BRASSIN nozzle set is worth considering too.

Thanks to Eduard for the sample

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2022 by Brett Green
Page Created 4 March, 2022
Last updated 4 March, 2022

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