Modelsvit is a fairly new model company to us, so when one came past our desk intrepid Clayton put his hand up to build this - the Mig-21F in 72nd scale. He thought he would show you what is in the box of this before he got to make it into something special (as he always does). See what he thought about what was in the box in his review.
In-Boxed: MIG-21F
From: Modelsvit
1/72nd scale
Kit No# 72021
Price: $56 AUD from Creative Models Australia
The MiG-21F was a light single-seat aircraft, designed in the late 50’s as a further development of the MiG-21. The aircraft passed flight tests in 1959 and was then put into service. That same year, manufacturing began at ‘Aviation Plant 21’ in Gorky.
The aircraft was armed with two underbellies mounted 30mm NR-30 cannons. The fighter was also capable of carrying bombs and missiles on wing pylons. The first ten fighters were built in 1959, with another 79 being produced in 1960.
(Notes adapted from the supplied instruction sheet)
After a quick look bit of research, I found the following - Modelsvit is a Ukrainian based manufacturer specializing in the production of unique scale kits of Soviet warplanes and establishing itself as a quality leader in the "short run" production technology.
The box art is in the typical style of the region. It is instantly recognisable, and for me, I have to be honest, scared me a little, because I have had some horrible experiences with some of these short run, Eastern Block kits. Ill-fitting and warped parts along with soft detail and hard to follow instruction sheets. I’m sure you all know what I am talking about. I had to make a conscious effort to not let experiences from my past determine the way I would look at this new kit.
On face value, the box art is quite nice in itself, but obviously born from the Ukrainian region, or at least somewhere around there. A nice touch is the dimensions clearly shown on the face of the box. 99mm wingspan, 187mm length and a total of 139 pieces.
The other has a number of pictures of the finished model. I do like getting a feel for what the model looks like built up.
Upon opening the box, we are presented with the bagged sprues and instruction sheet. As the review kit I was supplied is a sample kit, I can only assume the actual release will present in a similar way.
The instruction sheet is presented in an A4 size, stapled booklet. The English is a little incorrect, but it is close enough to be able to piece it together and get the gist of what the MIG-21F is about. Colour codes and stated using Humbrol Paint numbers as reference.
The instructions are broken into 24 steps, and at surface level seem reasonably straightforward. Both of the inbox schemes are that of the Soviet Air Force.
Moving onto the sprues in the box now. Sprue A contains the two halves of the fuselage and the tail section. Interestingly the right side of the tail is moulded as part of the fuselage section, but the other side is not.
Sprue B has the underbelly and wing sections of the model. Panel lines are light and in-scale.
Sprue C has all the bits and pieces required for the wheels and landing gear. Things are getting really tiny now and will be a test for my failing eyesight I fear.
The engine and the drop tank is shown here. Some of these parts are getting very small, but the moulding seems reasonable to my eye.
Sprue E contains the internals for the cockpit and the instrument panel. There is the option to paint your own or to use the decal sheet on a flat surface piece. Detail all looks reasonable. Just some very fine pieces with heavy connecting points.
Sprue G speaks for itself. I fear the pitot tube may not withstand the removal from the sprue…so an aftermarket tube may be worth considering, especially given the prominence of the piece on the model.
The ejection seat comes on its own sprue. There are 9 tiny parts for this assembly (not including the PE parts for the belts).
The kit comes with a small photo-etch fret containing belts, fins and engine detail. There are also brake lines present. Some of these pieces are really going to be a test.
The clear sprue gives the modeller the option to present the canopy in an open or closed position.
The decal sheet is comprehensive to say the least, with a great deal of stencil detail.
Conclusion
I have been wanting to practice my natural metal finishes, so when this review kit came up, I thought it would be a great opportunity to do just that.
I can’t deny the fact that if I had crossed paths with this kit at the local hobby shop, I probably wouldn’t have given it a second look. Unfairly, those manufactures that are a little out of the mainstream can scare people off, and people do tend to stick with something they are familiar with. Having said that, it is really a pretty poor way of thinking given the improvements in manufacturing of late, and the abundance of new and interesting kits coming out. It can be really easy to miss a gem.
At first glance, I am intrigued to see how it will all come together. The elements are all there, it’s just a matter of how they will all fit together. The canopy mask is a lovely touch, and the comprehensive decal sheet will add some real interest to the model for those who have the patience to tackle in it its entirety. Probably the only thing missing is a pilot figure. But it is hardly a reason to overlook the kit.
The model does contain a lot of fine parts and will challenge some modellers simply due to their fiddly nature.
If all the parts come together and fit properly, I can see no reason why this wouldn’t build into a lovely little MIG-21F.
I should also point out, that during "Spielwarenmesse" fair in Nuremberg, this kit was awarded the Model of the year in 1/72 scale by Modell Fan Magazine…so it would seem Modelsvit is doing something right.
The Mig-21F in 72nd scale from Modelsvit...
Today I take a look at the new, MiG-21F from Modelsvit. I have to confess, I am completely unfamiliar with the company and the subject for that matter, so this is all new ground for me. The box art is in the typical style of the region. It is instantly recognisable, and for me, I have to be honest, scared me a little, because I have had some horrible experiences with some of these short run, Eastern Block kits. Ill-fitting and warped parts along with soft detail and hard to follow instruction sheets. I’m sure you all know what I am talking about. I had to make a conscious effort to not let experiences from my past determine the way I would look at this new kit.
One side of the box shows the two kit supplied schemes.
On closer inspection, the panel lines look really nice and well formed.
...And in a little more detail
Thoughtfully, the kit comes with a canopy paint mask set.
P/E in a little more detail.
The decals in a little more detail
I have been wanting to practice my natural metal finishes, so when this review kit came up, I thought it would be a great opportunity to do just that.
I can’t deny the fact that if I had crossed paths with this kit at the local hobby shop, I probably wouldn’t have given it a second look. Unfairly, those manufactures that are a little out of the mainstream can scare people off, and people do tend to stick with something they are familiar with. Having said that, it is really a pretty poor way of thinking given the improvements in manufacturing of late, and the abundance of new and interesting kits coming out. It can be really easy to miss a gem.
At first glance, I am intrigued to see how it will all come together. The elements are all there, it’s just a matter of how they will all fit together. The canopy mask is a lovely touch, and the comprehensive decal sheet will add some real interest to the model for those who have the patience to tackle in it its entirety. Probably the only thing missing is a pilot figure. But it is hardly a reason to overlook the kit.
The model does contain a lot of fine parts and will challenge some modellers simply due to their fiddly nature.
If all the parts come together and fit properly, I can see no reason why this wouldn’t build into a lovely little MIG-21F.
I should also point out, that during "Spielwarenmesse" fair in Nuremberg, this kit was awarded the Model of the year in 1/72 scale by Modell Fan Magazine…so it would seem Modelsvit is doing something right.
(taken from the Modelsvit facebook page)
Clayton Ockerby
We got our kit from the Creative Models Australia - Thanks to them for sending it to Clayton to review and soon to build up for you...
