1:48 MiG-23 MF

A fighter with a variable-geometry wing

The MiG-23MF came about as the export form of a machine that the Mikoyan bureau built around a variable-geometry wing. The pilot chose the angle of the leading edge according to the phase of flight: the wing spread out shortened the takeoff run and tamed the landing speed, swept back it allowed the machine to be driven deep beyond the speed of sound. In Eastern Europe the type served for decades and was among the most widespread supersonic fighters of its generation.

Box contents

The basis is one sheet for four particular aircraft. Beside the national insignia and unit markings there is a complete set of service and technical lettering on it, to which a diagram of its positions belongs; on a type whose airframe is literally studded with lettering that saves a great deal of guesswork. The accompanying A5 format booklet has fourteen pages, shows photographs of real machines and four-view color drawings of the finishes.

A mask on top

Besides the decals a mask is enclosed for spraying the framing of the cockpit canopy. The set is prepared dimensionally for the kit from the Italeri company, but the decals themselves will fit any decently shaped model of the same type in this size.

Before you put the sheet on

Lettering stands out on a smooth glossy base; a matte surface under it will create matte ovals around every motif once dry. Cut them out individually close to the edge, settle them in place with decal softener and the final matte varnish will unify the whole surface again. Enlarge the diagram with the positions of the lettering before you work: the texts on the landing gear bay doors and at the rear are barely legible even in this scale and are easily overlooked. The finished airframe will then stand even a light suggestion of wear around the steps.