Trumpeter 1/48 MiG-21F-13
By Gerry Nilles
History
The MiG-21F-13 first entered service in the late 1950s although initial design specifications, for this icon of Soviet airpower, actually go back to the time of the Korean War. Lessons learned from the use of the MiG-15 during combat in the Korean skies quickly translated into the need for a much more refined air superiority fighter. The result of this design effort of course was the MiG-21 that began pre-production and squadron evaluation deliveries around 1957. However, the first principle production version, the MiG-21F, a day-fighter (NATO code name Fishbed), and the subject of this Trumpeter kit, did not go into service until late 1959 early 1960.
As noted, the initial "F" series MiG-21 is primarily a day-fighter because of a number of limitations, the most prominent being only a basic radar system that restricted the aircraft not only to daylight operations but also only in fair weather. Secondly, and despite being designed to carry two cannons, because of weight considerations it only carried one while having the space for the other faired over. As a side-note in 1962, the Indian Air Force ordered a small evaluation batch of the "F" model that did include both cannons, disregarding any loss of performance. Regardless of these limitations, the "F" series saw service not only with the Soviet Air Force itself, but also with many of the other Soviet Bloc countries as well as a number of Middle Eastern and Asian nations.
The Kit
The Trumpeter 1/48 MiG-21F-13 kit is sharply cast, well detailed, and without any visible flaws, or sink mark. The kit comes with a very nicely detailed cockpit, including a photo-etch fret with seat belts, separate control surfaces and rudder, rubber main gear tires, and a nice selection of under wing munitions. The decal sheet provides markings for six aircraft, and also include stenciling data for the aircraft and the various weaponry.
I should note here that Trumpeter, in many respects, seems to have taken a very similar design approach to this kit as Eduard did to their late model MiG-21 series. Obviously, Trumpeter, like Eduard, has other MiG-21 variants in mind, verified by the fact that there are several unused parts included. As noted above, the kit comes with a variety of under wing weapons, including both the RS-2US and R-3S missiles, UB-16-rocket-pods, two 250KG bombs and a 490L centerline fuel tank. Accuracy wise, I would say that this kit look to be on the mark.
Other features of note are a detailed electronics bay, located just forward of the cockpit, along with its separate access panel. Likewise, landing gear bays and the air brake area detail is excellent as are the individually cast cannon and cannon fairings. Finally, the assembly instructions are very well done and easy to understand and follow. In addition, this kit is not overly complicated, and as such should be a relatively easy build.
Markings & Painting Guide
The kit includes two decals sheets with the larger of the two containing markings for six different aircraft, with all, but one, being natural metal in color. The first markings are for a Soviet MiG-21 based at Tushino airbase circa 1961. Second is for a Chinese Fishbed, with the third being for a North Vietnamese Air Force bird. The fourth scheme is for a camouflaged (dark green and dark tan) East German MiG-21. The fifth is Czech Air Force, while the sixth is Finnish. With the exception of the Russian MiG-21, none of the other subject aircraft has the period of time they were operational or where their base listed. The second smaller decal sheet contains the stenciling common to all the aircraft and weapons. Finally a fully colored, two sided, markings and decal placement guide is also provided.
Conclusion
This is a well-done, kit of a classic and overlook, at least in 1/48 scale, subject that is indeed and icon when it comes to the beginning of supersonic air superiority fighters. It looks to be a straightforward build with a choice of a half dozen color schemes. The kit also comes with a good selection of weapons, along with some interesting details. My thanks to Stevens International for the review copy.