Unboxing and review of ICM’s 1/72 scale model MiG-29, released as the “Ghost of Kyiv” set – reference 72140.
This kit from Ukrainian based manufacturer ICM is a re-boxing of the 2008 tooling MiG-29, but with new decals enabling modellers to create the “Ghost of Kyiv” – the plane fabled Ukrainian pilot who shot down numerous Russian jets over the skies of Kyiv in the opening stages of the Ukrainian/Russian war.
As well as the kit I also purchased the Ukrainian Air Force paint set, though the digital camouflage is provided as decals – though two companies do produce aftermarket paint masks for those wishing to paint it!
The box art is striking, though it must me pointed out that the kit does not contain a pilot figure – a little odd given the title of the kit. In hindsight perhaps ICM could have provided a figure (or two – one sitting, and perhaps one standing for inclusion on a diorama base).
On opening the box it was immediately obvious that it wasn’t going to be a high number of parts, with the sprues all in a single bag.
The instructions were simple with the build spread over just a couple of pages, and giving the options for three different versions. But on inspecting the decal sheet there are three sets of numbers from 0 to 9 (in three different styles) so the builder can create their own number, and will be a useful addition to the spares box.
The larger decal sheet for the digital camouflage is well printed and the decals appear thin. They shouldn’t cause too much issue, though because of their size care will be need to avoid tearing; and decals solutions will be required to ensure they conform to the curves, lumps, bumps and recessed panel lines.
The main kit is spread over three sprues. The main fuselage is built from two parts (top and bottom), sandwiching the cockpit tub. The wings are each one piece (not top and bottom layers). This reduces the part count, but on inspection there is plenty of fine recessed details, as well as some particularly fine riveting on the inside of the gear doors.
The fine detail also continues onto the third sprue which is the weapons and fuel tanks, though many of these are marked as not required on the instructions. However, again they will be useful additions for the spares box. Pylons are also moulded onto the tanks (again reducing the part count) but the engraved detail is again very fine.
In summary I must admit the kit did seem overly simple (not quite toy like) compared to other 1/72 scale kits from other manufacturers so would be a good kit for someone getting into modelling and wanting to progress up from the “1/72 Spitfire” to a subject matter a little more complex. But the amount and finesse of the detail does ensure this is a kit that can be built and appreciated by advanced modellers too.
I intend to make this my next build, so will see how the kit goes together over the coming weeks.