Attack Hobby 1/144 MiG-21SMT
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Overview
The MiG-21 is undoubtedly one of the most famous Soviet fighter aircraft
of all time. Its small size, coupled with quick speed and decent armament,
made the MiG-21 a formidable foe when flown by skilled pilots. The MiG-21SMT
was one of the later variants, developed from the MiG-21SM. The main difference
between the SMT and the SM was with the spine, which was enlarged to accommodate
more fuel. While this gave the MiG-21SMT a much better range, it also
introduced problems, most notably with fuel trimming. As the fuel burned
off, the center of gravity shifted aft, greatly degrading the handling
and performance. These problems kept the MiG-21SMT from obtaining widespread
usage, and ultimately only around 200 were built. Although an export version
was suggested, it never materialized and the MiG-21SMT served solely with
the VVS.
 The
Kit
This is the first 1/144 Attack Hobby kit I have seen, and first impressions
are rather favorable. Molded in a light gray plastic, there are three
main sprues, with several parts hinting at future MiG-21 variants. The
parts have recessed panel lines that are not too heavy, and there is a
general crispness to the tooling. A one-piece resin cockpit is included,
with a corresponding one-piece clear canopy. A small decal sheet provides
markings for two aircraft.
Moving to the actual construction, this model has all the makings of
a fast build. The one-piece cockpit tub has some basic detail to it, easily
enough for this scale, and after some quick paint work it will be ready
for placement in the fuselage. Also fitting in  the
fuselage is the nose intake shock cone and a rear engine disk. No mention
is made in the instructions for nose weight, but I would guess this kit
will need a little.
Once the fuselage is together, the remaining assembly is very simple.
The wings and tailplanes are solid pieces, with the wings having a single
locator peg. The rest of the assembly deals with the landing gear and
armament, which includes missiles, the belly gun pack, and drop tanks.
The wing stores have simple scribed lines to show their location, and
these are backed up by measurements in the instructions.
 For
marking options, there are a couple of choices for MiG-21SMTs: three-tone
camouflage or overall natural metal. The decal sheet caters to both of
those options, providing markings for one of each. The natural metal option
is Blue 45, while the camouflaged one is Black 16. National insignia are
provided for all six positions, and two different colored Excellence badges.
The decals are thin and in excellent register.
Conclusion
For those wanting a small MiG-21, this is a great kit. Its simple assembly
and good detail means that it will look good next to any of the other
mainstream 1/144 kits out there. My thanks to Attack
Hobby for the review sample. |
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