While I normally model 1/48 prop jobs from the Second World War, I wanted to try something different. Since I had a few jets in my collection the Academy Mig 21 was hauled out and I decided to have a go at her.

To enhance the kit somewhat, I used a Verlinden cockpit set and I decals from Begemot. Begemot Decals are a new arrival on the scene. They cover some interesting topics and their line-up is increasing. While the appearance of the decal sheet doesn’t look as slick as some of the other companies’, the decals are top notch. More on that later.

Construction started with the cockpit and while the resin is a real improvement over the kit item I thought the detail a bit soft. The assembled item fit well enough, but with one glaring error - there wasn’t enough room remaining to install the control stick! At this point I decided just to fly with it and see what happens. Assembly was fairly straight forward and very little filler was used. The one piece canopy was dipped in Future and set aside for a couple of weeks. There are a couple of areas where the kit suffers from a lack of detail, including the wells for the speed brakes as they have nothing,

The camouflage scheme I chose was for an East German Mig from the mid sixties. The closest paint matches from Model Master were selected and the entire underside painted blue. The topside was painted green and the brown splotch pattern was added last. After some touch-ups the kit was set aside for a few days to allow the paint to dry.

I have taken to using Future as a gloss coat prior to decals; three coats were brushed on using a wide, very soft brush. An interval of several days was allowed between coats. While the decal sheet from Begemot has several options, only the basic markings are supplied - no stencils, as they are available on a separate sheet.

The decals were applied using Future as a setting agent. They settled down nicely with no silvering. After a couple of days the decals were given a light top coat of Future to level out the finish. When this had cured, the entire kit was given a coat of Polly Scale flat.

All the fiddly bits were now attached with the landing gear fitting pretty good. Some of the probes and antennas had a soft fit and needed some TLC to remain in place.

Overall it was a pretty decent kit. Very little filler was used. Part alignment was good, engraved panel lines matched up. A decent selection of weapons where included in the kit, however, there is no pilot figure. It looks like a Mig 21 to me.

Kit Facts:

• Academy Mig 21PF Kit No. 2166
  
• Decals by Begemot Decals 4802 (18 options)
  
• Selected Option: Mig 21 PF, JG-8, East German Air Force, Peenemuende AB, late 60’s.
  
• Paints: Model Master Enamels: Radome Green, Light Blue Grey, Flat Green, Military Brown, Burnt Metal. I used the closest match for each color.
  
• Aftermarket Resin: Cockpit from a Verlinden details set.