Zvesda MiG-31 model in 1/72 scale

The Mikoyan MiG-31, NATO code name "Foxhound" was a development of the famous MiG-25 Foxbat. It has a two man crew and is capable of reaching speeds in excess of MACH 2.
It flew for the first time in 1975, and about 250 Mig-31's were delivered to the Russian AF. As per year 2012, about 100 remain in service, receiving upgrades. 
 

The Zvezda company of Russia  has issued this nice kit in 1/72 scale (January 2001). It costs about 10 USD in Western Europe which is real value for money.

It is far better than the old Revell 1/72 attempt to make a MiG-31; this older model of the eighties was very inaccurate as not a lot of info was available at that time. 

The new Zvezda kit, no 7229, has fine details, with good details. It is clear that the mould makers had excellent access to information about the "real thing". 

When neatly build, it results a model about 31.7 cm long and 18.8 cm span. Accuracy is good, within a few millimeters according to data found in the reference mentioned below.

A lot of parts are provided. The only drawback of this kit is it's complex arrangements of parts. You will need to study carefully the fit, remove thin flash sometimes and check the fit. However, when taking care to prepare each part, the fit will be very good with nice touches and eye for details.

The overall impression is excellent, looking as a Foxhound all the way.

The kit comes with good missiles and rather surprisingly even a "stand".

- The sprue attachments to the parts are a bit thick, so use a saw to remove the parts.
- The dominant wing fences are a bit thick, and can be replaced with thin card.
- The cockpit may also benefit from further detailing as the canopies can be set in the open position.

Decals are provided for the Le Bourget aircraft of 1991 with blue scheme and a Russian AF aircraft "Red 31". 
 

The model has been assembled and painted in light grey. I used Humbrol HU127 grey with HU 140 (FS36351) for the dark grey de-electric panels.

On to the MiG-31 Page 2...

Good source in the Internet: 
- http://www.lindenhillimports.com/mig-31.htm