1:72 MiG-21 MF

The most widespread supersonic aircraft in history

The MF version was among the peaks of the long career of the MiG-21. It was given a stronger engine, a built-in twin-barrel cannon and a radar able to guide missiles, which turned a light interceptor into a more versatile machine. It was manufactured in dozens of countries from India to Europe and in the Czechoslovak Air Force it formed the core of the fighter regiments. The delta wing still belongs among the most easily recognized silhouettes in the sky.

What the sheet contains

The set offers one printed sheet from which five different machines can be chosen. Beside the national insignia and unit markings there is service lettering available including a drawing of its distribution on the airframe. The enclosed A5 format booklet has twelve pages and brings pictures of the subjects together with color drawings from four views, so you choose the finish before you start painting.

A mask for the canopy

The enclosed mask makes spraying the framing of the cockpit easier and is derived dimensionally from the kit of the Zvezda brand. Anyone building another model of the same type should lay it on dry before sticking it down.

Recommended procedure

First the gloss varnish, then the decals, at the end the unifying matte overcoat; in this order the motifs disappear into the surface and will not look like stickers. Small lettering is settled by a drop of decal softener, and at the cannon fairings and panel joints it pays to press it down with a cotton bud. Soak up the surplus water with the corner of a paper towel, otherwise white maps will stay behind once it is dry. The whole job goes faster when you choose the finish before you reach for the first paint.