Eduard 1/72 MiG-21PF

KIT #: 7455
PRICE: $25-30.00
DECALS: Two options 
REVIEWER: Scott Van Aken
NOTES: Weekend edition

HISTORY
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 (Russian: Микоян и Гуревич МиГ-21) (NATO reporting name "Fishbed") is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft, designed and built by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It was popularly nicknamed "balalaika", from the aircraft's planform-view resemblance to the Russian stringed musical instrument or ołówek (English: pencil) by Polish pilots due to the shape of its fuselage. Early versions are considered second-generation jet fighters, while later versions are considered to be third-generation jet fighters. Some 50 countries over four continents have flown the MiG-21, and it still serves many nations a half-century after its maiden flight. The fighter made aviation records. At least by name, it is the most produced supersonic jet aircraft in aviation history, the most produced combat aircraft since the Korean War, and it had the longest production run of a combat aircraft (1959 to 1985 over all variants).

The MiG-21PF was the second generation of this aircraft. These were powered by the R11F2-300 turbojet and, starting with the seventh production batch, fitted with the RP-21 radar (the first six batches used the older TsD-30T radar (aka RP-9-21). Further, the weapons control system was modified from that of the F-13 to allow use of the RS-2US (aka K-5MS) beam-riding AAM in addition to the IR-seeking K-13. There were subvariants of this version that basically differed in avionics, shape of the canopy and fin along with other variables.
THE KIT

The kit layout is very much like every 1/72 and 1/48 Eduard MiG-21 I have ever seen or built. Since this is not the Profipack version, there is no photo etch and no mask set. There are still decals for the instruments if you want or you can paint the raised details. A seat harness decal is also provided, which I appreciate.

The kit has a separate spine and fin to deal with this variant with all the flight control surfaces separate. You can also install the nicely done landing gear after the airframe is painted if you so desire. All the small fuselage air scoops are separate pieces with engraved outlines showing where they fit. One of the options is the rear speed brake which can be posed raised or lowered. Another option are a pair of RATO units. These are butt joins. Another option is an open or closed canopy and you get separate parts depending on which you use. Despite only having three pylons (one centerline and two wing) you are provided a goodly choice of missiles, tanks, and bombs. A loadout diagram is provided.

The instruction booklet is well done with Gunze and Mission Models paint references. Since this is a weekend edition, only two markings options are provided with both shown on the box art. The camouflaged version is Soviet with a bare metal Czech option. There are aftermarket decals if you want something different. There are data markings in both black and blue. Both the decal sheets are nicely printed and in register.

CONCLUSIONS

This isn't the only 1/72 MiG-21PF kit ever done, but it looks to be the best of the lot. It should make a very nice model for your display shelf.  

April 2026

Copyright ModelingMadness.com. All rights reserved. No reproduction in part or in whole without express permission from the editor.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.

Back to the Main Page   Back to the Review Index Page   Back to the Previews Index Page