RetroWings 1/144 MiG-21UM Conversion
By Matt Bittner
In order to help pilots train on the MiG-21, Mikoyan-Gurevich created two-seat MiG-21s based on the most common versions of the type. The third-generation MiG-21s, the two-seat version – MiG-21UM – was based on the MiG-21MF, at the time the version most flown in the world.
The RetroWings 1/144 MiG-21UM conversion is a relatively simple one. The conversion consists of a one-piece, replacement fuselage to which only a small amount of plastic surgery is required. You'll need to cut down the kit's spine in order to get it to fit. In addition, you'll need to hollow out the rear of the resin fuselage to accept the kit's exhaust can. The resin set also comes with seat backs as well as ejection handles for the seat. These will need to be added to the cockpits after all painting is finished.
Aside from the resin parts the kit comes with not only a vacuum-formed canopy, but also a resin plug if you want to create your own canopies. This is actually a good thing with this sample because the vac canopy I have is not formed completely, plus it looks like a hair was stuck under the master when the canopy was made. So I will definitely be using the supplied resin-plug to make my own.
Even with the flaws in my vac canopy I can highly recommend this conversion. Since you receive two Eduard 1/144 MiG-21MFs in a box, you can now create a single-seat next to a two-seater and have a unique display on your shelf. While the conversion kit does not come with decals, you can either cobble your own together or wait for decals to come from JBr Decals as I have heard they are "on their way".
Many, many thanks to RetrokiT for supplying the review conversion.