MiG-21SMT
Dual Combo

Eduard, 1/144 scale

Reviewed by Phil Parsons

Eduard's 1/144 scale MiG-21SMT Dual Combo is available online from Squadron.com

If you have been following the MiG-21 feast that Eduard have been conducting over the last couple of years, you will be familiar with their eagerly awaited 1/48 scale MiG-21 releases. Needless to say we, the modeller, have not been disappointed with the quality of the 1/48 scale kits released to date. To continue the MiG-21 theme, Eduard has begun releasing 1/144 scale versions of their bigger brothers. Tonight we will look at the MiG-21SMT in 1/144.

First Impression …. WOW!

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Thumbnail panels:

I can accept an end opening box in this scale. Upon disgorging the contents there are five zip lock bags protecting all the plastic, decals and masks. As is standard with Eduard’s Dual combo kits, there are two kits within. Now, I generally build larger scale (1/48 predominantly) but I do find the 1/144 very relaxing, quick and rewarding builds. I have a selection of 1/144 aircraft that I use as training aids in my line of work, so when I saw the detail on the plastic I was suitably impressed, the detail is fine and amazing given the scale; other 1/144 scale manufacturers have panel lines akin to the trenches of WWI, Eduard however, has it spot on.

The layout and construction is along similar lines to the bigger brother MiGs but with far fewer parts. The cockpit is well detailed for even some 1/72 manufacturers, you get an instrument panel, stick, ejection seat, side panels and the option of decals to complete the interior.

The main wheel well is built up the same way as the 1/48 kits, and there are masks provided for the wheels and dielectric panels. The undercarriage is indeed fine, and possible my only concern, while it looks to be scaled, I hope it will take the weight of the finished kit.

I generally build 1/144 kits gear up (clean) however, there does not seem to be an option to do these aircraft in a clean (airborne) configuration, but that has never stopped me. Because of the fine detail it’s nice to see two pitot probes included for each aircraft.

Markings

As you can see by the attached images there are five decal options, all for FSU aircraft. Two are in metal finishes and the other three, camouflaged. Images of the SMT variant in service are hard to come by, most colour images are of SMT’s post their service life, so I cannot say how accurate the markings are.

The decals are produced in the Czech Republic and look as good as Eduard’s other decals.

What a great little kit.

Grab one to get the creative juices going. I certainly cannot wait to build one. Now where to source a suitable stick jockey to man this beast...

I look forward to more MiG-21s from Eduard… an F-13 please!

Thanks to Eduard for the sample

Review Text & Images Copyright © 2012 by Phil Parsons
Page Created 8 April, 2012
Last updated 8 April, 2012

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