1:48 MiG-21: exhaust & intake covers and decals (Academy)

The set

Covers for the air intake and the exhaust nozzle are part of the ground equipment with which a parked aircraft is closed up, so that dirt, birds and water do not get inside. On a model they are therefore not an ornament: they say unambiguously that the machine is standing on the apron and is not about to take off. Decals that complete the covers with lettering belong with them.

What the set contains

These are photo-etched metal parts of the covers and the decals that go with them, in 1:48 scale and with a reference to the Academy kit. The exact number of parts and the list of decals are on the box and in the manufacturer's instructions. Before buying, check that you have the corresponding version of the MiG-21.

Building and painting tips

Separate the photo-etched parts with a sharp blade on a hard surface and sand the remainder of the tab down with a fine file. Bend them over a straight edge or in a bending tool, as the shape will not hold in your fingers. They are bonded with super glue, as cement for polystyrene has no effect here. Before painting, wash the surfaces, degrease them and use a primer.

With the decals proceed by the usual wet method: cut the motif out, soak it, slide it onto a gloss surface and press the excess water out. Before you soak the sheet, though, check in the instructions whether it is not a self-adhesive version. A soaked self-adhesive film is ruined, whereas an unsoaked waterslide decal can be soaked later as well.

• fit the covers only after the machine has been varnished and matted
• try the parts dry before you reach for the glue
• the lettering is small, so place it according to the illustration in the instructions

Who it is for

The set suits modelers who build the MiG-21 in 1:48 scale as a machine at rest on an airfield. Work with photo-etch calls for calm and proper tweezers, but the procedure is straightforward. The kit, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.