personal review of Hobby Master Mig-21
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 3:05 pm
The Mig-21 I received and reviewed, is a pre-production model so the retail version will be even better. I offer this simply as food for thought.
I'm very pleased with Hobby Master's choice of plane and the paint scheme. After seeing the weathering first hand, there definitely is no problem with it being too dark, the on line pictures do not do this wash effect justice. The panel lines definitely are not "blackened in" lines like IXO or Forces Of Valor, the wash only gives the finish a true weathered look just like you would find on a Mig-21 that has actually been in service. All the other companies could take lessons from Hobby Master on how to apply weathering properly; it is so very slight and completes the fine paint job. There is no over spray on the model I have, the overall fit and finish of the fuselage and wings is excellent, no big gaping spaces. The only thing I noticed that was missing and is on the actual plane, is the “Poznan Raven” of 3rd squadron, it should be just behind the Polish checkered emblem on the tail. The lack of this small squadron logo didn’t jump right out at me; I had to spend some time comparing the model with actual pictures. But now I’m just being picky, I had to find some sort of fault, it’s no big error but it still is missing. I don’t expect it to be on the retail version either as it doesn’t appear in any of the photos in the various forums.
As for the accessories, I really like the idea of the option to have the canopy open or closed. The clear plastic is not hazy and doesn't show any signs of crazing. The inclusion of a fairly well done pilot is a nice touch and adds to the over all package. They even took the time to include an instrument panel and joystick. The paint color of the cockpit interior is very close to that of the actual plane. The look and finish of the missiles and drop tanks is a very nice job, no little tabs of plastic that need to be removed. The wheels are free rolling and the hubs have been nicely painted the same color green as the nose cone and on the tail.
Everything is superb until I had to attach doors, missiles and drop tanks. The missiles, doors and drop tanks need to be added to the model but the fit of the accessories into their respective notches wasn’t great so I needed to use a little of the old handy dandy white glue. Hobby Master has since assured me that this has been rectified with the retail version you will receive and everything will fit snuggly into place.
For a first time release of the Mig-21 and it coming from a company just starting out, in my opinion they did an excellent job and will only get better as time goes on.
With this said, I think Hobby Master has a real winner with the Mig-21. This model makes me want to get my hands on the rest of their planes. Bring on the Stukas, Dauntless, F-104, TBM and F6F. This line up of great planes leaves me wondering what unique models they will come out with next year. I’m sure we won’t be disappointed.
I'm very pleased with Hobby Master's choice of plane and the paint scheme. After seeing the weathering first hand, there definitely is no problem with it being too dark, the on line pictures do not do this wash effect justice. The panel lines definitely are not "blackened in" lines like IXO or Forces Of Valor, the wash only gives the finish a true weathered look just like you would find on a Mig-21 that has actually been in service. All the other companies could take lessons from Hobby Master on how to apply weathering properly; it is so very slight and completes the fine paint job. There is no over spray on the model I have, the overall fit and finish of the fuselage and wings is excellent, no big gaping spaces. The only thing I noticed that was missing and is on the actual plane, is the “Poznan Raven” of 3rd squadron, it should be just behind the Polish checkered emblem on the tail. The lack of this small squadron logo didn’t jump right out at me; I had to spend some time comparing the model with actual pictures. But now I’m just being picky, I had to find some sort of fault, it’s no big error but it still is missing. I don’t expect it to be on the retail version either as it doesn’t appear in any of the photos in the various forums.
As for the accessories, I really like the idea of the option to have the canopy open or closed. The clear plastic is not hazy and doesn't show any signs of crazing. The inclusion of a fairly well done pilot is a nice touch and adds to the over all package. They even took the time to include an instrument panel and joystick. The paint color of the cockpit interior is very close to that of the actual plane. The look and finish of the missiles and drop tanks is a very nice job, no little tabs of plastic that need to be removed. The wheels are free rolling and the hubs have been nicely painted the same color green as the nose cone and on the tail.
Everything is superb until I had to attach doors, missiles and drop tanks. The missiles, doors and drop tanks need to be added to the model but the fit of the accessories into their respective notches wasn’t great so I needed to use a little of the old handy dandy white glue. Hobby Master has since assured me that this has been rectified with the retail version you will receive and everything will fit snuggly into place.
For a first time release of the Mig-21 and it coming from a company just starting out, in my opinion they did an excellent job and will only get better as time goes on.
With this said, I think Hobby Master has a real winner with the Mig-21. This model makes me want to get my hands on the rest of their planes. Bring on the Stukas, Dauntless, F-104, TBM and F6F. This line up of great planes leaves me wondering what unique models they will come out with next year. I’m sure we won’t be disappointed.
that seems great , do you know where can i find their products ? is there a website or some other pictures ? 
