1:48 Mig-31M

The real subject

The MiG-31 is a heavy interceptor with a two-man crew, in which the pilot flies the machine and the second member operates the weapon systems. It was designed for a rapid response against targets flying high and fast, or conversely very low, and over a vast territory where the density of airfields is low. A robust airframe, long range and two turbofan engines with afterburners match that. A powerful onboard radar made it possible to track several targets at once, and the machines could work as a group that passed information about the air situation between them. The M designation belongs to a later modernization intended to push the capabilities of the machine further, but it did not go into large-scale production.

What the set contains

It is a kit to be assembled and painted. In 1:48 scale the finished model works out at roughly forty-seven centimeters long and twenty-eight centimeters in span, so count on it taking up a good deal of room in a display case. The number of parts, the extent of the armament and the choice of marking variants are given in the manufacturer instructions.

Building and painting tips

Finish and paint the cockpit and the landing gear bays before you close the fuselage. Clear the parts of excess material and traces of production, sand the mating surfaces and try the assembly dry. With a large model it pays to think in advance about whether you will stand it on its landing gear and to check that the nose does not overbalance it. Wash and degrease the surface before painting, and apply the masking tape before spraying.

Who it is for

The set will please modelers of the Cold War and collectors of large combat aircraft. Paints, glue, thinner and tools are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.