Iraqi MiG-21MF “Fishbed”
Inspired by the outbreak of Desert Storm, or Gulf War One, I built this MiG-21MF in Iraqi markings and camouflage. So, it's been languishing in the display cabinet since way back then, with no airport pictures taken. Even though it's more than 20 years old now, I had never really taken "proper" pics of it. I took care of that little issue last August when the Fishbed went to the Coffield Regional Airport in Rockdale,Texas for a photo-shoot.
It is the ESCI 1/48 kit that was originally released by OEZ. The kit had two different top fuselage inserts for three versions of the fighter. I'd like to think that I have the skills now to avoid that awful step behind the cockpit, but I guess I was satisfied to leave it back in '92. The Fishbed was built along with a Philippines Air Force Northrop F-5A "Freedom Fighter" as a sort of "export fighter" theme project. Both were popular planes enabling Third World countries a high-performance jet, representing both East and West blocs. I also note in the pics that the front LG was somewhat loose and is crooked in some shots too. Grrrrr. Oh well, she's posed in all her flaws and defects here.
The dark paint was Pactra enamel, long gone now, the other colors are Humbrol and ModelMaster enamels, sprayed with my Paasche H. Decals are aftermarket and represent an aircraft in the Iran-Iraq War of the '80s. If you squint a bit, and tilt your head just right, it does look sort of like a MiG-21. 🙂
Thanks again everyone for taking a look at my Mig-21!
Gary
7 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on November 17, 2014
A most impressive build and expertly photographed. A nice job all around, sir.
California Steve said on November 17, 2014
Very nice Gary! Great photos Thanks for taken the time .
California Steve
Tom Cleaver said on November 17, 2014
Nice work on another "cranky" kit.
Morne Meyer said on November 17, 2014
Great looking Mig. Nice photos! Well done.
Rob Pollock said on November 18, 2014
Beautiful work, Gary.
Bernd Müller said on November 18, 2014
Great work and perfect presented, looking really sharp.A proof that older kits can be done into a good looking result
Richard Mcstay said on November 18, 2014
Nice build Gary. I like the photography!
Simon Whitney said on November 18, 2014
Great Fishbed Gary, as the above comments, great pics too.
Well done Gary.
bob mack said on November 18, 2014
beautiful paint work
Gary Brantley said on November 18, 2014
Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments! It means a lot to me as the group of fantastic modelers here are some of the best around. To hear your comments about my modest efforts, well, it gives me great satisfaction. I am truly humbled by them. Thanks again everyone!
Gary
George Williams said on November 18, 2014
It might be an old model, but it has held up well in your superb photographs.
Gary Brantley said on November 18, 2014
Thank you sir, you are too kind (but don't stop, lol!) Many thanks, Gary
olivier.rive said on November 19, 2014
Really nice job for this old kit !
and great pics !
Gary Brantley said on November 19, 2014
Thanks a lot! That's so very kind of you to say.:)
Gary
Ramon R. Lomeli said on November 20, 2014
nice fishbed Gary! i also like your photography - very nice compositions!
Gary Brantley said on November 20, 2014
Thank you Ramon. I appreciate that!
Rick Wilkes said on November 20, 2014
Great job Gary, you made a really sweet looking Mig-21, and I didn't even close one eye to see it... 😉
Gary Brantley said on November 20, 2014
Rick, thanks so much! Heh heh, no squinting eh? I must've done something right then.:) I appreciate that!
millo lucian said on November 22, 2014
Absolute beauty.
Gary Brantley said on November 22, 2014
I appreciate your comments Millo! It really means a lot coming from a master modeler such as yourself! Many thanks, grazie molto!
Gary