MiG-25RB
First look at ICM 1/48 MiG-25RB by Mike Chilestone
T
he MiG-25RB, codenamed
Foxbat-B (like all MiG-25
photo-reconnaissance/
ELINT variants), was a developed
version of the MiG-25R. It featured
improved reconnaissance systems
and introduced an offensive
capability, being able to carry up to
8x500 kg bombs. The MiG-25RBT
was a further development with
improved ELINT systems; this
variant was kitted in 1/48 by ICM
in 2016, later also being released
by Revell. Now ICM have followed
up with the earlier RB version.
The kit comes in what seems to
be ICM’s trademark style – a robust
box with a plain wrap-around lid,
covered by a further lid that carries
the box art. This is a ground-level
picture of a Foxbat-B that perfectly
captures the size and the sheer
brute power of this aircraft.
Contained in this box are nine grey sprues (of which two are
identical), plus a further one in
clear. The plastic appears to be
the same as the earlier RBT kit,
with the addition of a new sprue
(C1) containing an alternative nose
and other parts, and a further
two identical sprues (H) with
the bomb load and the racks tocarry it. There are also a number
of parts (such as the large fuel
tank) shown as not for use.
The parts have a mix of
finely done recessed and raised
detail. The airframe appears to
be broken down in such a way
that other variants – perhaps a
standard interceptor or even the
unique-looking trainer – could
be issued with the addition of
other suitable parts. This may
make for a more complex build,
but only time will tell. If other
variants do appear, Foxbat fans
will no doubt be pleased.
All the sprues are in the
same large bag, with the clear
parts in a separate bag. These
look to be crystal-clear, with
well-defined framing detail.
Completing the package are
a glossy instruction book and
two decal sheets, one of whichcontains the data stencilling.
The larger stencils are legible,
although as I don’t read Cyrillic
I couldn’t say how accurate they
are! The other sheet provides the
markings for four aircraft, all
in a similar overall light grey:- Bort no. blue 57, 154th
Independent Air Detachment,
Soviet AF, Cairo, May 1974. - Bort no. blue 55, Soviet
AF, late 1970s. - Independent Air Detachment,
UAR, 1971-72. - Iraqi AF, 1980.
CONCLUSION
This kit promises a rewarding
build, which should end up as an
impressively sized model in this
scale. I’m looking forward to getting
on with it for a future issue of Scale
Aviation Modeller International.56 • NOVEMBER 2017 • SCALE AVIATION MODELLER INTERNATIONAL
FIRST LOOK!
052-57-FirstLooks-1117.indd 56 16/10/2017 15:32