Hasegawa 1/72 MiG-25PD Foxbat 'Russian AF' Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | November 2016 | Manufacturer | Hasegawa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | MiG-25PD Foxbat 'Russian AF' | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | 02213 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Easy build, great details | Cons | See text |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (USD) | $51.99 |
First Look
 |
 |
 |
 |
In September 1976, a Soviet MiG-25P Foxbat A left Soviet airspace and flew to Japan. After a brief look for a suitable runway, Viktor Balenko landed at Hakodate Airport and began an interesting diplomatic and intelligence opportunity. For a brief time, the west had a close-up look at the mystical Mach 3 fighter only to realize it wasn't mystical at all, rather sound Russian engineering.
Of course it wasn't long after the event that Hasegawa released the first (more or less) accurate MiG-25P kit in 1/72 scale. When they arrived on US soil, we descended upon the Squadron Shop in Rockville, MD and grabbed several copies each. The kit wasn't the best-fitting model Hasegawa had produced, but they were the first to market of this unique subject with decals of Balenko's aircraft.
Fast forward to present day and Hasegawa is issuing the MiG-25 in a limited edition box and upon opening the kit, I was surprised to see this wasn't that old historic kit with new decals. This is the ICM 1/72 MiG-25PD with Japanese instructions and new decals. The kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on three parts trees plus one small tree of clear parts.
Among the features and options in this kit:
- Simple construction
- Nice surface details
- Usable cockpit w/decals for instrument panel and side consoles
- Positionable canopy
- Positionable stabilators
- Positionable landing gear (nose gear door is molded closed and must be separated to pose the gear down)
Among the external stores options:
- 2 x R-40R radar-guided (AA-6 Acrid)
- 2 x R-40T IR-guilded (AA-6 Acrid)
- 4 x R-60 (AA-8 Aphid)
- 2 x APU-60-2 twin-rail launchers for the outboard pylons
- 1 x centerline fuel tank
Markings are provided for two examples:
- MiG-25PD, Bort 72, Russian AF
- MiG-25PD, Bort 20, Soviet AF
This looks like a nice kit and from what I understand, the kit builds up with no problems. While I can see why Hasegawa brought the ICM kit into the Japanese market, it is a little awkward over here given that the ICM kit is also available at a lower price point.
My sincere thanks to Hasegawa USA for this review sample!