Eduard 1/72 MiG-21PFM Weekend Aftermarket
By Matt Bittner
Overview
The Eduard 1/72 MiG-21 is a nice kit out the box, but even with the best of kits there is always room for aftermarket improvement. To go hand-in-hand with their release of the MiG-21PFM Weekend kit, Eduard has provided two supplements.
The Aftermarket
As befitting all Eduard kits, they have created a set of masks to help with the finish of their models. This time it's a separate mask set meant for their MiG-21PFM, since their Weekend kits do not come with masks. In this set you receive masks for the clear parts as well as the dielectric panels on such areas as the top of the upper fin, and part of the underside strake, etc.
Because Eduard Weekend kits do not come with photoetch, Eduard does tend to provide separate photoetch sets to enhance your kit. What these sets titled as "Weekend" sets are is the same as a Zoom set. With this fret you receive seat belts as well as other detail items for the ejection seat; an enhanced, multi-piece instrument panel (which is adhered to the kit's smooth, plastic instrument panel); additonal items for the side consoles and straps for the rudder pedals; various antenna and replacement strakes for under the nose; antenna for the top of the fin; additional cockpit sidewall detail; and sill detail for the canopy rails. There are also replacement strakes for the top of the wing; lightning suppresors for the flying surfaces; detail items for the canopy; and brake lines for the main gear.
Conclusion
If, like me, you've acquired a Weekend MiG-21PFM and want more detail - or masks, for that matter - then by all means pick up one or both of these sets.
My thanks to Eduard for the review sample.