Scalemates states that this kit was released in 2002, yet the date on the side of the box states 2018. I've known about the earlier radar/missile equipped kit from that date, but don't recall seeing this one on the shelves back then. Regardless, I picked this one up as I wanted a fairly easy to build 1/48 MiG-19S and though I have the HiPM kit, I'm sure it is not easy to build.

The large box obviously had quite an adventure in the international mails as it arrived rather dented up. However, the contents were in fine condition thanks to a fairly sturdy kit box. As usual, one starts this one in the cockpit and you are provided with a lot of cockpit detail. The instrument panel has an acetate sheet that you put behind a clear front piece. I guess you are expected to paint around the dials. Good luck with that. The five piece bang seat is well done and without a harness. The rudder pedal/instrument console has a goodly number of bits and it is to this that the control stick is attached.

During all this one builds the intake splitter and then  a seven piece nose gear well to fit into it. Instructions tell you to put 3 grams of weight in the upper splitter piece to prevent tail sitting. This assembly then attaches to the cockpit. That assembly along with the speed brake wells then fit into the fuselage halves and those are closed. I should mention now that all of the various scoops that jut out of this beast are separate. The instructions also show all the speed brakes being deployed. I'd do some photo checks to make sure this is the case.

Since this kit is based on the missile version, one has to cut the wing roots to make room for the canon barrels. The large wing fences are butt fit onto the upper wings. The build sequence then moves to the tail planes and you build up the fin/rudder, exhaust, and the horizontal stabs. Since you can build a J-6 from this kit, you have the option of adding the braking parachute housing. One then moves the landing gear and I'd wait to install that and the doors until after painting unless you are doing overall unpainted metal. There are separate flaps and ailerons and you have two quite large drop tanks for the thirsty engine. You also have inner weapons pylons but nothing to put on them. You may want to leave these off and fill the attachment holes.

There are differences in the gun barrels between the J-6 and MiG-19 so be sure to attach the proper ones for the version you are doing. Final steps involve the windscreen and canopy, upper nose panel, attaching the wings and adding the air intakes to the aft fuselage. Again, the J-6 and MiG-19 have a different number and placement. Detail drawings are provided to assist in adding these.

Instruction seem a bit dated, even for Trumpeter. They are well drawn and call for a green cockpit and light blue wheel wells. Check references. Markings are for three planes. One is the box art Soviet aircraft, one is a Chinese J-6, and one is a rather fancifully painted blue and yellow with gold trim East German aircraft. You get additional nose numbers in two sizes and fonts. Decals are well printed, but I'd go aftermarket for more interesting schemes.