The most prolific jet aircraft of the 60's and 70's has to be the Mig-21 Fishbed. Built in large numbers and used by a large number of air forces throughout the world, the Mig-21 is still in service. In fact, currently, there is a booming business in Mig-21 modernization. It is interesting to note that quite a bit of this work is being undertaken in Israel, mostly for ex-Eastern Bloc countries who still need a capable interceptor, but cannot afford new aircraft.

The aircraft is still being produced in China, that version looking very much like the early Mig-21F, but again, with more capable avionics. This is the Shenyang F-7 and is used by such countries as Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Albania.

In Europe, the most used version is the Mig-21 MF and Mig-21bis. They are nearly identical to each other, but the true Mig expert can tell the slight differences!

The first aircraft on this sheet is a Slovakian MF. It is in green/brown upper with light blue lower. The insignia and numbers are two piece decals so that registrations isn't a problem.

Next is a Hungarian MF in a homebrewed color scheme of tan and green over light blue. Again, the insignia and numbers are two-part decals.

The German MF is a farewell scheme for JG-1 in green and brown over light blue. Insignia and special decals are two parters.

A Croatian Mig-21bis is next and appears to be in a similar scheme to the East German planes. Current Croatian Mig-21s are in an overall light grey. Note from a reader (Nov,2002) , "Current Croatian Mig-21s are NOT “ in an overall light grey ” as quoted but in similar green and brown over light blue color scheme applied locally at overhauls at ZMAJ repair center at Pleso AF, Croatia. There were only a few during 1991-1995 period, not more than four Mig-21 Bis/ k models in overall light grey . Those Migs were incorporated in Croatian AF after Croatian pilots defected at the beginnings of the war from than Yugoslav AF to Croatian AF. They were in overall light grey with lighter or darker patches of gray where the tactical numbers and old Yugoslav AF insignia were overpainted and new Croatian AF insignia added.  Regards Igor Petrovic, Croatia"

Finally a Serbian Mig-21MF. This is in overall light grey with lighter patches where the tactical numbers were overpainted. Insignia are in three parts with the white, red, and blue being separate.

Overall, a nice sheet for the OEZ or Academy 1/48 Mig-21.

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet!!

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