1:32 US weapon adapter for MiG-29 Fulcrum (2 pcs) (GBU-39 SDB, GBU-62 (JDAM-ER))

The Fulcrum learns new weapons

The MiG-29 was designed as a short-range frontal fighter and its armament was exclusively of Eastern production. Even so, it was Ukrainian Fulcrums that first carried American precision munitions into combat. What made it possible was an adapter beam inserted between the standard pylon and the weapon: its underside sits on the Soviet lug spacing, its top matches the American standard. The set aims at exactly this combination, that is a Fulcrum carrying a GBU-39 bomb or a GBU-62 JDAM-ER kit.

Set contents

Inside are two pieces, which covers one pair of symmetrical stations. Compared with the Flanker, the smaller aircraft has a shorter wing and fewer hardpoints, so the layout comes out noticeably tighter. While building, it pays to find a photograph of the particular machine and decide from it where the beam really hung.

Thin beams and how not to break them

The casting reproduces the bolted lattice, holes and all, and the holes really do go through. Geometry like that will not come out of a steel mold – it would have to either fill it in or cut it into several parts. Handling is more demanding in return. First lay the part on the pylon dry and check that it fits; only then reach for the glue. Resin is less forgiving than plastic and a seam that has been sanded through is harder to true up. The paint holds best on a surface free of grease and over a thin coat of primer; a heavy coat would flood the fine bolt heads. Anyone preparing the whole load at once should mark both pieces left and right as soon as they are cut off; mixing them up only shows when the part will not sit on the pylon.