"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.
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.
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 |
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