Trumpeter

1/32 MiG-29M model kit

Product # 02238

Product Article by Vinny Ibarra and the modellers at IPMS-Philippines, Bert Anido

 

 

 

"Cousin" Vinny Ibara takes a shot at the Test Shot of the forthcoming Trumpeter kit

 

MIG 29 quick review:

Trumpeter models were kind enough to provide IPMS-Philippines (Bert Anido) a test shot of their upcoming 1/32nd MiG-29M Fulcrum (Kit No. 02238).

 

The kit was given to IPMS-P-BA during the recently concluded Trumpeter show held from August 15-21, 2005.  Outside of Trumpeter, we are the first to evaluate it.

 

I. General Description of the kit.

 

The MiG-29M, is the multi-role version of the Fulcrum series. It can be distinguished by the large spine / hump housing additional fuel and electronics. It is designed for the multi-role task and can carry a large variety of air-to-air and air-to ground ordinance.

 

The test shot appears to have parts for both the MiG-29M and the carrier based MiG-29K. The MiG-29K will be also be released by Trumpeter.

 

 

II.   The Parts

 

      The sprues came in a large plastic bag and came without instructions or a decal sheet. From my estimation, the kit has about three hundred parts. There are four sprues dedicated to a bewildering array of Russian weapons. There are plastic undercuts and mold imperfections noted. This is understandable since a test shot is used only to calibrate the molds. I expect Trumpeter to tidy up the molding for their finished product.

 

 Compared to the Revell 1/32 MiG-29A, the panel lines are recessed with fine rivet details at the right places. This is surely a welcome sight to modelers who have attempted to scribe the Revell Fulcrum.

 

 

Click on images below to see larger images

 

      Compared to the Revell 1/32 MiG-29A, the panel lines are recessed with fine rivet detail at the right places.

 

The sprues for the clear parts  contain the instrument panels for both the M and K models.  It also contains the clear lenses for the weapons. The canopy is slightly clouded; again this is understandable since this is only a test shot. 

 

Also provided are four metal parts, three landing gear inserts and the nose pitot tube. The landing gear insert is a welcome relief, since past Trumpeter releases were criticized for their weak all-plastic landing gears. Two nose gear insert was provided. I suspect that one of them is intended for the “K” model, since it features a front catapult bar peculiar to naval aircrafts. Large ejector pin marks are visible in the landing gear insert.

 

The wheels are soft vinyl rubber, however a little bit too shiny. It reminds you of those vinyl armor wheels that are difficult to paint.

 

Click on images below to see larger images

 

            There are no photo-etched parts provided, however a quick examination of the parts, specially the movable surfaces indicates that there will be metal inserts to make them workable.  There also appears to be screw points where screws will be used to strengthen certain parts.

             

            An examination of the nose area also reveals the presence of a large notch which could be  used to mount a radar assembly. Since no radar assembly appears on the sprue, I suspect that if this feature is provided in the kit it will be made from resin.

III. Conclusion:

 

On the downside I am a little bit disappointed that the kit is an “M” version and not the more popular “A” or “UB” Fulcrum used by at least twenty nations.

 

But on the upside, it looks like a mean looking machine with lots of armaments to choose from and finely detailed in 1/32nd scale. 

 

Surely the plus outweighs the negative.

 

Stay tuned for more updates as we try to build this beauty.

 

RECOMMENDED. 

 

Vinny 

Photos and text © by Vinny Ibarra