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 :
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Used the Neomega
cockpit set ? very nice
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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
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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.
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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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