Eduard 1/48 MiG-29A
By Djordje Nikolic
Introduction
The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a fourth-generation jet fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union for an air superiority role. Developed in the 1970s by the Mikoyan design bureau, it entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983, and remains in use by the Russian Air Force as well as in many other nations. The NATO name "Fulcrum" was sometimes unofficially used by Soviet pilots in service.
The Kit
Eduard has re-packaged Academy's MiG-29 kit, the best kit of this airplane in 1/48 scale. This kit has some flaws but with plenty of extra parts that Eduard provides it looks like a promising build.
The parts are molded on six light gray plastic sprues. Details are very fine and there appear to be no issues with ejector pins or flashing on critical areas.
In addition to plastic parts, Eduard has provided the following extra parts:- Resin K-36D ejection seat
- Photo etched HUD
- Resin cockpit with pre-painted photo etched parts
- Resin pilot's helmet
- Master control block behind the ejection seat
- Canopy rails- Replacement engine intake louver covers
- Photo-etched fuselage intake louvers
- Photo-etched after burner nozzles (first done on new Mig-21 kit by Eduard)
- Resin chaff/flare dispensers
- Various antennas and lights
Decals
Decals are provided for four countries that operated or still operate MiG-29s. In addition to these, a rich supply of stencils as well as very detailed instruction for their placement is provided.The four decal options are as follows:
- Bort 08, Soviet AF, Mary AB, Soviet Union
- Bort 26, 85 GIAP, Soviet AF, Merseberg AB, East Germany
- Bort 7702, 11 Sqn, Czech AF, Zatec AB, Czech Republic
- Bort 115, 1 Sqn, Polish AF, Minsk Mazowiecki AB, Poland
Conclusion
Being an owner of Academy's Mig-29A and MiG-29UB and after looking at this kit, I definitely know which one I will rather choose as my next build. Extra resin and photo-etched parts that add more realism to the the model will appeal to those interested in this airplane.
My thanks to Eduard for the review sample.