Attack Models

1/144 MiG-21 SMT

Kit Number: 14412

Reviewed by  Jack Kennedy, IPMS# 12511

MSRP: $10.50 Review kit provided by Attack Hobbies (www.attack-hobby-kits.cz) This model of the MiG-21 SMT is the latest kit that I have built by Attack Models and I can say that they just keep getting better. I just love this scale because it doesn't take up a lot of room and looks great on the shelf. Upon opening the box I noticed more parts than I was used to from this manufacturer. That was a good sign in itself. Judging from the spare wings and weapons, Attack will be producing more variants on this MiG-21. This 21 is the humpback version and lends itself to a great camo scheme. To my surprise is a very neat cockpit. It is molded in resin with a fine looking seat, joy stick, side consoles and instrument panel. These are very tiny and a real challenge to paint. I even painted seat belts to complete the cockpit. Once inserted into the fuselage along with some lead shot for nose weight the fuselage was glued with CA and the seams filled with the same. The plastic is rather soft but did clean up well with some moderate sanding. All the other components were glued with CA also and the fit was very good. I airbrushed the underside with Model Master Aircraft Grey Acrylic and the top side and wings with Vallejo acrylics using Russian Green, Earth and a lightened Green. All airbrushed nicely although I did manage to tip the color cup with the green paint into my lap to produce nicely mottled pants. When all the major components were installed I glued the landing gear in place along with the doors and gun. The decals are among the finest and thinnest I have ever used. They required very little wet time and went on flawlessly without any setting solution. Be careful not to soak them too long as only a few seconds are all that is required. Be sure to give the entire A/C a coat of clear gloss before applying the decals. The final touch was to airbrush some Dullcote over the entire aircraft. When this dried, I glued the canopy which was previously given a coat of Future Floor Wax, into position. This little gem looks just right. I would highly recommend this to any modeler as it is an easy build and looks great when finished. To top it off the cost is only $10.50 MSRP. Can't beat that. I wish to thank Attack Models for supplying this kit for review and to John Noack for giving it to me do do the review.

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