1/48 GWH Ukrainian MiG-29 9-13 #57

You'll have to work at it, but if you want the best Mig-29 in 1/48 scale, the Great Wall Hobby kit is what you want. It does suffer slightly from over-engineering, like miniscule air data probes that are handed, and you will have to use filler on the lower engine shrouds no matter what you do. If you can overcome those speed-bumps the build isn't unworkable and you'll get a pleasing result.

Markings are for MiG-29 9-13 #57, which sports a huge digital Ukranian trident on the spine. I love the way digital camo looks, so this was a natural choice. The masks are from DNModel, and these are good masks, made of thin film with gentle adhesive. When you stick them down, they stay down and do not float on a thick layer of glue; when you want them to come up, they pull up without leaving any residue.

I tried and failed to use the multi-part masks for the national insignia, so I sourced appropriate surrogates from the spares box. I do not yet possess the aptitude to properly align multiple levels of circular paint masks, and decals are so much easier. Once I get the appropriate bort numbers, I'll stick them on, but until then I'm calling this one done.

16 additional images. Click to enlarge.