MiG-21

Begemot 1/48 MiG-21 Fishbed Complete Stencils Decal First Look

By Michael Benolkin

Date of Review	August 2006	Manufacturer	Begemot
Subject	MiG-21 Fishbed Complete Stencils	Scale	1/48
Set Number	48003	Pros	Maintenance markings for virtually every MiG-21 variant
Cons		Skill Level	Novice
MSRP (USD)	$10.95

First Look

Begemot Decals is an interesting decal company from Rostov-on-Don, Russia that offers a nice array of markings for Russian-built aircraft. In this release, they've provided THE most complete set of stencils ever produced for the MiG-21. While I've only scanned two of the variants covererd in this set, this pair of stencil sheets provide accurate stenciling and placement instructions for:

MiG-21 MiG-21 MiG-21

The decal printing is perfectly in register. The instructions are printed on two sheets that provide decal placement for each aircraft type and external stores placement. If you're wondering if these tiny stencils are even readable, the image to the right is a blow-up of the Cyrillic text.

MiG-21F-13
MiG-21PF
MiG-21PFS
MiG-21PFM (Block 15)
MiG-21PFM (Block 16)
MiG-21R
MiG-21SM/MF
MiG-21bis
MiG-21U
MiG-21UM

In addition, the set provides markings for the external pylons and weapons including:

APU-7
APU-13
APU-13MT
APU-13U
APU-60-1
APU-60-2
R-13 series
R-60 series
Type D Reconnaissance Pod
Type R Reconnaissance Pod
PTB-490 External Fuel Tanks
PTB-800 External Tank
UB-16-57 series rocket pods
UB-32-57 series rocket pods
S-24 rockets
UPK-23-250 gun pods
PBK-500
ODAB-500P
FAB-500M
ZB-500Shn

For more information about this set and the other releases from Begemot Decals, visit their website at http://www.begemotdecals.ru.

My sincere thanks to Begemot Decals for this review sample!