MiG.21UM - 1/48 Trumpeter kit
In the immortal words of Monty Python, “And now for something completely different”.
I'm not much of a MiG-21 fan, but when I saw this special scheme, I had to have it.
This MiG-21UM was a special demonstrator as part of the Czech Air Force's Stress Team of 1997. There are a number of photos of it at various air events and I found two videos of it preforming air demonstrations. I understand it was lost in an accident a few years later.
Trumpeter first released these MiG markings in their 1/32 kit, then later in their 1/48 version. This was the first Trumpeter model I had built and it went together without a problem. (Something I can't say about their A-5, but that's a different story.)
The hardest part was the decaling, especially the wings and tail that are were made to look like plywood.
The scheme is obviously highly comical, but to me, it seems to reflect the perceived efforts of Russia to stay technologically current with sometimes archaic methods -- like a supersonic fighter that is “taped together” and has “plywood wings”.
Enjoy.
Wonderful result, Chuck! And what a wonderful scheme!
Well done!
Thanks, Spiros.
That's a really cool livery, Chuck @charleshorner
It even has bricks at the wheel bays.
You really created a beautiful build.
Thanks, John.
There are little things all over the plane. I didn't mention the bricks in the text, but tried to bring them out in the photos.
Have to give credit to the Czech Air Force for coming up with this scheme and poking fun at the airplane. The Italians and the Czech Republic have had some really interesting, and sometimes comical special paint jobs. Makes our U.S. stuff look pretty mundane.
Very unusual and great work on the decals. Super result.
Thanks, Tom.
Well done, Chuck. Very interesting scheme.
Thanks, Gary.
Fantastic
Thanks, George
So very cool.
Thanks, Bob
That’s hilarious! And very well done. Did the decals come with the kit?
Thanks for the comment, Dan.
Yes the decals are part of the kit and is the only option for this release. Luckily they are very good and went down with no issues.
Yep - definitely different! Really cool build.
Nice work, Chuck! I am a Mig-21 fan and this one really stands out.
Thanks, John
I really hadn't given the Mig-21 much thought until I built this one. I gave me a better appreciation of the design.