1/48 Bulgarian AF Mig-21bis
This is an Eduard "Weekend Edition" kit. It is an extraordinarily detailed model. Lots of parts and sub-assemblies, but they all fit perfectly. It's my first finished kit for 2014. The model was built straight from the box except for the addition of Bulgarian markings from Afterburner Decals outstanding "Fabulous Fishbeds" sheet. It was camouflaged with Humbrol #120 lt. green, #30 dk. green, #98 chocolate(lightened), and #89 blue(lightened) enamels. The shock cone, SOD transponder antenna area on the fin, and the forward part of the ventral fin are painted Modelmaster Willow Green enamel. The cockpit was painted with a 60/40 mix of Floquil NYC Jade and Conrail blue enamels. This was mixed to match the decals that Eduard provide for the side and instrument panels. The " Weekend edition" kit requires you to cut side panels from sheet plastic and add the decals, simple enough. The more expensive Profipack version comes with photo etch panels, seat belts, masks and some other goodies. The only other thing I added was seat belts fashioned from wine bottle foil. I was originally going to arm it with two "Atoll" and two "Aphid" AAMs , but decided I like the clean look with empty rails and a tank on the centerline. If you have any interest in Mig-21s, get one. I liked this one so much, I'm currently working on Angolan bis and Soviet MT versions of this kit.
Good looking Fishbed there John.
A really nice camo pattern as well.
Well done.
Thank you Simon. I had to do this one because there are lots of really clear color photos of this particular machine available online.
Nice clean build. Not a popular subject on these pages but a great effort with a fresh looking camo scheme.
Thanks Mike!
Looks great John. Nice paint work and interesting choice for markings. Congratulations on the first kit of the year. Good luck with the Angolan markings on the kit on the bench.
Thank you Alan!
Very nice! South African Air Force Museum in Pretoria has a captured Angolan Mig 21 in one display hangar. Should be able to get some pics of it on their website?
Thanks James! The captured example in Pretoria is the one I'm modeling. All sorts of great SAAF resources available. I also have an Esci Impala and Esci Mirage F.1 I plan on doing after the crop of Migs.
great looking MiG! thanks for sharing!
Thank you Ramon!
Yep, that's a sweet MiG John. I really like the paint work!
Thanks Gary!
John,
You did a magnificent job on the scheme. The blending of colors is perfect. I really like what you have done here. Great looking model.
Nice looking model, John, you are obviously very busy. You say this is the first one to be finished in 2014, but when did you start it?
Thanks George! I started it on 02 December, finished on 03 January. A kit like this would normally take me about 6 weeks, but the Christmas holiday gave me some extra modeling time this year.
Another winner John ! Now that I see it I believe there is one of these at the Pima Air Museum near Tucson. It has Soviet livery.
Thanks for posting it !
Tom Berichon
Thanks Tom. I'll be on the lookout for that if I ever travel to AZ. If you're ever in DC, Udvar Hazy Center has a Chinese copy of an early Mig-21F-13 known as an F-7. It's displayed in North Vietnamese colors and is parked next to an F-4B.
beautiful scheme and model
Thanks Bob!