MiG Alley

Do you think that today some manufacturers produce their new releases with the 'update' firmly in mind? To produce a kit with a bland cockpit or engine compartment is very cost effective. The keen modeller is bound to reject these unimaginative parts for the superior after market bits from Aires or Eduard.

A good example of this is the Academy MiG21 Fishbed in 1/48. Its shape is pretty good, nice panel lines and rivet detail and so on. However, the cockpit, the engine and decals are all so lacklustre that to do a satisfying job you have no choice but to replace them. The MiG you see here has been completed by an Eduard colour etch set. The set replaces the entire cockpit, most of the engine and provides some additions to the airframe. Most of the decals I replaced to avoid silvering. Frankly, this set transforms a mediocre kit in to a real head turner. Academy can't lose; they've saved money on the expensive tooling and enthusiastic modellers can be counted on to turn out a decent finished aircraft.

Don't get me wrong, it's been a hell of a build and the client gets a real collector's piece, so no-one loses. But it's a good game, right?