KIT #:	72043
PRICE:	$34.00
DECALS:	Six options
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	Vector Conversion Set ($26.00)

The MiG-21F-13 was the first MiG-21 model to be produced in large numbers. Unlike the MiG-21F, the MiG-21F-13 had only one NR-30 cannon on the starboard side, with only 60 rounds; however, it added the capability to use the K-13 missile system, of which two could be carried on underwing hardpoints. On early-production MiG-21F-13s the launch rails were of the APU-28 type; later models had these replaced by APU-13 rails. The launch rails were removable, allowing the MiG-21F-13 to carry two UB-16-57 unguided rocket launchers, two S-24 rockets on PU-12-40 launch rails or two FAB-100/250/500 bombs or ZB-360 napalm tanks. The F-13 had further upgrades: an improved ASP-5ND optical gunsight and an upgraded SRD-5ND ranging radar. The MiG-21F-13 was also built under licence in China as the Chengdu J-7 or F-7 for export, as well as in Czechoslovakia as the Aero S-106, though the S-106 designation was not used for long; subsequently, the Czech-built units were referred to as "MiG-21F-13" just like the Soviet-built aircraft.

Modelsvit has a somewhat mixed reputation. On one hand, they often produced subjects that other companies will not do. They also tend to be fairly detailed and many of their kits, such as this one, include photo etch as part of the required suite of parts to build the kit. Some of them also include canopy and wheel masks, which I appreciate. On the other hand, they are also what one would consider a short run kit. The external detailing is excellent, the number of sprue gates on larger pieces is more than you'd normally see, and the molds are fairly short, which limits the length of items like wings and fuselages on larger kits. This latter trait means that what would be one part in many kits is divided into segments. This is not an issue with this kit as the MiG-21 is a fairly small aircraft.

I mentioned the use of photo etch and with this kit, quite a bit of it is dedicated to the ejection seat. Other parts are for the inside of the afterburner can, and vanes for just after the final compressor stage. Other areas are landing gear brake lines and the upper wing fences though the latter are also supplied as plastic.

The cockpit is provided as a cocoon where the habitable section is included with the nose gear well and this is wrapped in a construct that provides the forward engine intake walls. Decals are provided for the instrument panel and you are also offered a panel with raised detail. This raised detail is also provided for the side consoles and side panels as well. Once that is done, the exhaust is constructed along with the fairly complex area behind the pilot.

The main gear wells are built up and the interior along with the exhaust are trapped in the fuselage halves. 9 grams is required to prevent tail sitting, and there is room in the nose for this. One then installs the main gear wells into the lower wing section, attaches the upper wings, and then glues that and the tailplanes in place. Typical of most MiG-21 kits, there are a plethora of small intakes and vents that need to be attached to the fuselage. Their position is annotated on the parts.

Landing gear and wheels are assembled along with your choice of thing to stick under the wings and fuselage. This is limited to a single fuel tank for the centerline and either bombs or missiles for the wing pylons. The gun fairing is then attached. The last steps are attaching more little intakes, hinge housings and the clear bits. You are provided with either a single piece canopy/rear quarter section or a separate canopy if you want the canopy posed open.

Instructions are quite well done and provide Humbrol and generic paint references. Markings are provided for the same plane at different stages of its existence. Four of them are Israeli and include the pimped out option shown on the box art. The other two are when it was provided to the US for testing and it's original Iraqi markings. Most options are a base of unpainted metal. 

CONCLUSIONS

The kit has a lot of promise. Not jazzed about the p.e. but it is generally expected from kits of this type. I'm sure it will be no more difficult to build than the Eduard kits I'm working on now and will provide a very early MiG-21 for my collection.

REFERENCES