This volume of MiG-21 Walk Around continues where the first one left off and covers up to the MiG-21bis SAU (called the SMT by many of us), the last of which was built in 1982. These later model MiG-21s all had a large spine and fin than the earlier versions, as well as a canopy that opens to the left rather than be hinged in front. This volume also covers the MiG-21 UM trainer.

As with all walk around books, this one switches from color to black & white images with succeeding pages, a format that works well and allows smooth integration of period B&W images with color photos and pictures of museum or display aircraft that are all through the book.

The close-up images of lights and vents and scoops and gear wells come mostly from these aircraft that are no longer in service and the quality of the airframe varies from a rusting display plane that has obviously been left to the elements for 15-20 years to those indoors in a nice, temperature controlled environment. Since the MiG-21 is still in use by some services, there are a few contemporary shots, but most have been retired from service by this time.

The very opening pages have drawings showing the different variants so that one can see any differences in the airframe, though really one has to look awfully close to decipher what's changed in some of them. At the beginning of each section on a variant is a three view. As is typical of these books, there are four pages of very nicely done profiles. With so many different air arms flying the MiG-21 it was impossible to cover them all so the author chose to concentrate on European airframes almost exclusively for images, with only a couple of non European aircraft picked in profiles.  I would guess than some enterprising author would be able to do a full book camo and markings book on the MiG-21!

Overall, a really excellent book for fans and modelers alike and one that I can enthusiastically recommend.

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