This latest release from Great Wall Hobby is a multi-media plastic model kit that includes photo etch brass detail items. 

History
The Mikoyan MiG-29 (NATO reporting name Fulcrum) is a fourth-generation aircraft designed in the Soviet Union for the air superiority role.  Developed in the 1970's by the Mikoyan design bureau, it entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983, and remains un use with the Russian Air Force and many other nations.  The NATO name Fulcrum was sometimes unofficially used by Soviet pilots in service.

The MiG-29 was publicly seen in the West when the Soviet Union displayed the aircraft in Finland in 1986.  Two MiG-29s were also displayed at the Farnborough Airshow in Britain in 1988. 

MiG-29 (Product 9.12) is the initial production version and entered service in 1983.  NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-A".  The later 9-12type was modified from the early 9-12 type, flare dispensers and some other equipment were added.

This kit includes;

• 18 sprues of grey styrene (6 are for the pre-assembled missiles)

• 1 sprue of plastic styrene

• 2 fret of photo etch brass

• 1 clear plastic acetate for HUD glass

• 16 page instruction booklet

• 3 page large 4 view colour profiles

• decal sheet with markings for 3 different aircraft

• poster of box art that is suitable for framing

• parts are all packed in plastic bags....including the clear styrene parts

• sturdy box

I think the first point to make is the way the parts are packed.....everything is packed in a  way to avoid damage.  The clear sprue comes in a small plastic bag which is packed inside a foam bag (you can see a photo below).  The missiles are fully assembled with fins and then packed in sturdy hard bubble packaging to protect the fins.  The boxart poster is the same size as the box so it isn't folded and it comes wrapped in a plastic sleeve to protect it.  The instruction booklet is glossy paper with easy to follow line drawings and text in English and Chinese.

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At first glance I am quite impressed with what I see. All panel lines are recessed and very crisply done. Flying surfaces are pose able, cockpit sidewalls includes extra parts you glue to the sidewalls for added detail.  Two multi-part engines are included with fantastic detail that will be hidden under the fuselage parts, but perhaps a maintenance diorama of an engine being repaired might be an idea to show off all this wonderful engine detail.  The tires are weighted, pilot figure is not included, but the seat is a multi-part ejection seat that includes photo etch seatbelts.  The multi-part clear styrene canopy is very clear and includes actual frames just like the real aircraft. 

The photo etch includes seatbelts, grills, HUD frame and a few other tiny parts including (what appear to be) 1 or 2 AK-47 assault rifles.  In the instruction booklet, the photo etch parts are shown in gold making them very easy to find in the instruction booklet line drawings. 

You get 6 missiles and a center pod and 2 drop tanks.  The drop tanks can be used instead of two of the missiles so you have a good variety of loadout to select from.  Plus the missiles and drop tanks come with stencil decals.  The missiles and drop tanks have great levels of detail and the weapon pylons are wonderfully detail like the rest of this kit.    

Markings: 
I'm pleased at the 3 choices for markings for 2 Russian and 1 Syrian aircraft.

• MiG-29 "Fulcrum" 9-12 Late Type, "44 Blue" Russian Air Force 20th IAD / 404th IAP / Sqn 1, Orlovka AB, Far Eastern DD wearing Blue/Green camo.
• MiG-29 "Fulcrum" 9-12 Late Type, "99 Blue" Soviet Navy / Black Sea Fleet 119th MIAD wearing Blue/Green camo.
• MiG-29 "Fulcrum" 9-12 Late Type, Syrian Air Force wearing Blue/Green camo.

For paint, the instructions list the numbers for Gunze Creos, Mr Color and Vallejo Acrylics, so you can use which ever paint you choose. 

Great Wall Hobby has hit a home run with this MiG-29 kit.  This kit is loaded with parts so it is not a quick little build, this is the sort of model kit you enjoy over many, many modelling sessions.

I would like to thank Great Wall Hobby for providing me with this product sample.

Steve Bamford

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