1/48 Academy Mig-21MF

by Malcolm Reid

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This is a really nice little kit with good surface detail. Air to air missiles (AA-2) were provided but I decided to install a full complement of rocket pods instead and paint in the Russian three tone green and tan tactical fighter scheme.
The cockpit detail in the kit is a bit sparse. On the plus side, the three air brakes can be left open and the flaps can be dropped. I did a couple of extra things :

  • Used the Neomega cockpit set ? very nice 

  • Opened auxiliary intake doors on sides of forward fuselage ? these usually flap open when aircraft is at rest as I guess they are spring loaded 

  • Replaced strakes beneath the intake doors ? kit parts are too thick

  • Added extra detail to the undercarriage bays and main landing gear legs

  • Added extra detail to the two forward airbrake housings

  • Made moulds and resin copies of rocket pods from a friend's Academy MiG-21PF kit.

  • Kit "odd rod" IFF antennae were cut away and replaced with thinner rods

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The model was finished using Xtra Colour gloss enamels and weathered with pastels. Oil streaks were applied to the underside using a wash of white spirit and oils. The first kit decals I applied (onto the Xtra Colour gloss paint surface) silvered. I tried Microsol with no joy. I then managed to eliminate the silvering by applying very small quantities of Tamiya Extra Thin cement in the effected areas. Warning - this is an extreme measure as too much cement can "craze" the underlying paint and make the decal colours run. This was before I discovered the joys of Future as a decal agent.

All in all a nice little kit and a pleasant model building experience ?  Now where's the MiG-23/27 in 48th scale ???
Malcolm

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Photos and text © by Malcolm Reid