There are two viable kits for the MiG-31 in 1/72--one by Zvezda and the other by ICM. Rather than truly choose, I used a little of both. However, I must admit, the vast majority came from Zvezda. While the ICM kit has delicate engraved panel lines, especially compared to the somewhat exaggerated lines on its competitor; I preferred the shape and assembly of the Zvezda example. Revell also made a comically toy-like kit that I cannot recommend (though I actually built it back in the '80s).

In addition to the two kits, I also purchased Part PE both interior and exterior, Equipage wheels/tires, PVD Pitot tube, True Details K-36 ejection seats, and Begemot decals. The Equipage, PVD, and Begemot items were sourced with Linden Hill Imports.

With the resin seats, PE, and some painting, the cockpit turned out far better than justified by the closed canopy. I also detailed the nose gear bay and then assembled the forward fuselage.

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Most of my work took place in the main fuselage. I removed the kit main gear bay parts and scratch-built my own with styrene. I also added brake lines and hydraulics for the doors and the gear. I made air intakes using parts stolen from an Academy 1/72 F-15. Styrene sheet and putty bridged the gap between the F-15 parts and the opening. To fit the upper fuselage and wings over the intakes, I glued the wings (which are joined by a large, thick styrene spar) to the upper fuselage and re-enforced the joint with superglue. Then I removed the spar to provide the necessary clearance.

For the exhausts, I used the ICM nozzles. They accurately reflect the production MiG-31. I scratchbuilt the flame holders for the inner nozzle detail by first making a master. Then I poured resin copies and added them in the nozzles. 

The AA-8 'Aaphid' missiles and twin launchers are from the Dragon air-to-air weapons set. The AA-9 'Amos' missiles came with the Zvezda kit, but received tremendous improvement via the Part PE. The kit was airbrushed with Tamiya acrylics. 

The kit makes an interesting comparison with the MiG-25 RBSh that I built.

Tom Berres

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