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Messages - Domi

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31
Aircraft Modeling / Eduard 1/144 MiG-21 SMT (Fishbed K)
« on: November 28, 2012, 09:11:10 PM »
Hi there, I'm new here, but LetLetLet is far from being new to me, as I know and have had 'dealings' with several members of this forum over many years now.  Our friend Srecko has tasked me with reviewing a few 1/144 kits for your benefit, and I'll be starting with the really cute Eduard MiG-21.  More precisely, the SMT boxing.  My plan is to review the kit and build it out of the box, to show you what the kit is all about, rather than going into a lengthy build with super-detailling  or other conversion.  I'm not saying those type of builds will not appear here from time to time, but in this case, I just wish to show you the basic kit and point out a few things (if necessary) and hopefully tempt you into building the kit yourself...

1/144, in terms of military aviation is becoming quite popular here in Europe, though the great majority of the products are still only available in Japan, a few from some of the main manufacturers like Hasegawa, but mostly from some far less well-known sources.  A look at the Kampfgruppe 144 blog will simply astound you by the shear variety and quantity of 1/144 products available..!

Eduard has dabbled with 1/144 aviation in the past, namely with some really nice Me-262s and Ju-52s and after a relatively long break, brought smiles to the 1/144 community by releasing not one but three boxings of the famed MiG-21.  More recently, Eduard has offered us a Spitfire Mk.IX and has re-released the Ju-52.  A good sign that 1/144 military aviation is on the move, in a good way.

I'll be working on the SMT (Fishbed K) boxing.  Most of the parts are common to the other two boxings, and I assume most comments that will follow in terms of fit, accuracy, and all, will apply to the other boxings (it certainly does when it comes to the initial, MiG-21 MF, boxing).

The cost of the kit is making it accessible to all, or most I'd say.  Of particular interest though is the fact that each of those boxings offer not one but two complete kits, which gives the package an even better deal in my eyes!

Here is a picture showing the kit sprues (only one of the two kits' sprues are shown), and the common decal sheet, masks sheet and the cover of the instruction booklet.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag16/djmodels1999/DSCN8518.jpg


The parts are finely engraved, with plenty of detail despite the diminutive size (the fuselage, without the nose cone, is just under 9cm long).  Whether those panel lines should be finer, or even non-existent at this scale, is a matter of debate and of current trend in our hobby, but to me, they look just fine and will result in finished models that will fit well with other current releases from other manufacturers.  Note that engraved panel lines were the norm on 1/144 military aircraft well before they became common on 1/72 and even larger kits...  Otaki, LS, and Arii in particular were offering this feature at least back in the very early 1980s..!  The clear parts are commendably thin, extremely transparent and this kit offers the canopy in two parts (windshield as a separate part) and two separate main canopy parts, one with the pilot's periscope, the other without.

Here's a view of the sprue that differenciates this SMT boxing from the others, with the more prominent dorsal hump of the Fishbed K.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag16/djmodels1999/DSCN8520.jpg


The decal sheet provides markings for five Soviet/Russian aircraft.  The decals appear thin, and are well printed.  The masks sheet offers masks for various areas of the aircraft that are not typically camouflaged, such as canopy, windshield, wheels, dielectric panels and the like.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag16/djmodels1999/DSCN8522.jpg



The next view shows the kit in construction.  I have deliberately not followed the kit's instructions, in particular when it comes to the cockpit, so that I can apply the main colour on the aircraft (silver) before painting the internal areas.  This saves on masking chores!  The fit is very good overall...

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag16/djmodels1999/DSCN8523.jpg

32
Aircraft Modeling / Re: F-104G ZELL
« on: September 08, 2011, 08:14:47 AM »
Mmmm...  I did not realise there was a trench under the aircraft...  That complicates things a bit.  Keep that sort opf images coming guys, because the more I have the better and more accurate the kit will be.  Thanks!

33
Combat Warplanes / Re: Boeing B-47 Stratojet
« on: September 07, 2011, 09:49:53 AM »
Nice possible conversion kits... 

34
Aircraft Modeling / Re: F-104G ZELL
« on: September 07, 2011, 09:48:22 AM »
Hmmm...  Srecko is definitely too nice!  But no, I think the scale is not too small at all.  It's a beautiful kit Revell gave us, and I think it's time to do something with it!

I love that picture, Srecko!!!!!  Any more like this???????

35
Aircraft Modeling / Re: F-104G ZELL
« on: September 07, 2011, 09:08:35 AM »
Yes, the idea is to create a conversion set for the Revell 1/144 kit...

36
Combat Warplanes / Re: Boeing B-47 Stratojet
« on: September 07, 2011, 07:55:40 AM »
The 1/144 Academy kit is quite nice...

37
Aircraft Modeling / Re: F-104G ZELL
« on: September 07, 2011, 07:51:23 AM »
Thanks for your help so far, but I already had most of those views.  It's the platform that is proving very elusive!

38
Miscellaneous Subjects / Re: Star Wars: Cloud City Aircar (Retro-SF 1/72)
« on: September 05, 2011, 10:27:04 AM »
May the Force be with you, Daniel..!

39
Aircraft Modeling / F-104G ZELL
« on: September 05, 2011, 10:25:55 AM »
I'm interested in modelling this rocket take-off assisted 'variant' of the Starfighter, but lack info on the actual launch platform...  Anyone here who can help with pictures and drawings?

Thanks,

Domi

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