1:72 Mikoyan MiG-23S,M,MS,MF,U,UB wheels

Armory 1:72 MiG-23, resin wheels for the S, M, MS, MF, U and UB versions

This is an aftermarket accessory for kits, not a model of the aircraft. It contains resin wheels for MiG-23 models in 1:72 scale, precisely for the range of versions given in the name. The manufacturer lists the range divided by the development stages of the aircraft, because the landing gear wheels changed during production; alongside this set there are separate items for the early and for the late versions.

The real subject

The MiG-23 is a single-engined fighter with a variable-geometry wing, built in many versions differing in airframe, equipment and landing gear. The letters in the designation distinguish the individual development stages and export forms; the two-seat U and UB versions served for training. It is precisely because of the number of versions that it is good to know, when building, which particular machine the model represents.

Usage tips for a small scale

In 1:72 scale the wheels are tiny, so it pays to work methodically. First wash the castings in soapy water, cut the casting block off only after test-fitting and a rough check of the shape, and level the surface with a fine-toothed file. Spray tiny parts on a stick or on a piece of masking tape, otherwise they are easily lost. In this scale the hub is usually easier to brush in than to mask. Before the final gluing, check that both main wheels touch down equally, otherwise the model stands crooked in the cabinet.

Who the set is for

• Builders of aircraft with a variable-geometry wing in 1:72 scale
• Modelers who object to simplified out-of-the-box wheels
• Those who keep track of the differences between MiG-23 versions
• More experienced modelers used to tiny resin parts

The accessory is supplied unpainted, as resin castings. Glue, paints and the base kit are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.