1/48 MiG-21
For my second build of 2024 I chose this MiG-21 kit. The model is the 1988 OEZ kit made in Czechoslovakia.
By today's standards it is a basic & primitive kit, but when it first came out it was considered by many to be the best MiG-21 kit available.
I had built one of these kits in about 1990 and recalled being pleased with the results , so 34 years later I thought I'd build another.
It's a pretty simple kit to build, not a lot of parts like some of today's super detailed kits but enough to build a nice model from. It has engraved panel lines and rivets. A variety of underwing stores to choose from : missiles, rockets, bombs, gun pods, drop tanks. Parts for three different versions of the aircraft. I'm not an expert on MiGs, but I think this looks accurate.
I had an unemployed Luftwaffe pilot figure in with some spare parts. He fit in the seat pretty well, so he is now at the controls of this MiG.
Somehow I lost one of the nose wheel halves . Fortunately I had a spare tire/wheel assembly from a 1/72 diecast P-47. The Thunderbolt is displayed on a stand in the wheels up configuration, so I kept the optional down landing gear, which proved to be a good idea, as it was a perfect fit. Although not identical to the original, it was close enough. Sort of like a Lend-Lease type of action.
The decal sheet has markings for aircraft from Finland, Czechoslovakia, and the USSR. For being so old, the decals look great.
On this airplane I tried something new. I used watercolor paints to try to simulate the heat stains on the exhaust nozzle area.
For being the first attempt at this, I think it turned out well.
I used Tamiya paints and my trusty Paashe airbrush to paint this model. It is my interpretation of an early to mid 1980s Russian camouflage pattern. I believe they started painting them like this for use in Afghanistan.
After looking at several photos of them online, I think no two of these were painted exactly alike.
The MiG-21 is my favorite Soviet jet fighter and I'm glad to have this one to display with the few other Russian aircraft I have in my collection.
Looks really great, Jay! I love OEZ kits and even more so when I see them built, especially in such a great manner!
Thank you , Spiros @fiveten !
It’s a good kit, but the plastic is sure thick. I’d like to get their SU-25 kit.
Very nice looking MiG
Thank George , I appreciate the compliment!
It looks far from basic and primitive, Jay @ssgt
You did a great job on this oldie.
Hello John @johnb , thank you for the compliment! It’s not a bad kit considering its age . I was impressed the decals still were good despite their age.
Jay @ssgt, your Mig looks great! Just like a real big bad & fast mig21. I like the three color cameo in particular.
Thank you, Felix @fxrob ! 🙂
Your MiG-21 looks great Jay @ssgt! Nice job on the build and the overall finish, it looks like the real thing. And nice job on the model presentation.
Thank you, Bob @v1pro ! I appreciate your compliments.
I was hoping it would turn out well. It was a good chance to practice with my airbrush.
Great work on this Jay! Hopefully, we'll see it at the show in April...?!
You never know, Greg @gkittinger , I just might put it in the show…
I was impressed by the many excellent entries at the show this past April. Maybe by then I’ll have something really good to exhibit there .