Eduard 1/72 MiG-15 bis N. Korea
From an Eduard double kit (Czech decals, but both will end up N. Korean). First time building an Eduard kit. I have to say there is some incredible engineering, some over-engineering, and some frustrations, all in the same box!
The cockpit and intake sections have to all be assembled without the benefit of being able to test fit with the fuselage halves until it is too late, which caused me great challenges, as the fit was not correct to allow the fuselage to close or for the interior sections of the intake to meet properly to the nose cap. LOTS of filing and sanding and no way to solve the nose-cap fit. Now that I understand how it is supposed to fit I hope to do better on the second kit, but I'll take a break before I attempt it. I used all the PE detail in the cockpit, but was probably a waste as it is barely visible through the canopy, since I always build the canopy closed.
I thought about riveting...for about 1 sec...then decided to just allow the riveting that was already there to carry the day. Thus the only "extra" work I applied was drilling out the guns. I did try a different technique to weather the NMF. I used Ammo panel line wash - brushed it on a section at a time and then stippled it with a sponge. It was hard to get any real variability from the process, but it did give it a nice "dirty" metal patina. I did do hairspray chipping on the wing walks, and the red areas on the nose and tail.
Other than the horrible fit gaff (just don't look up the nose!), I'm pleased with how it turned out. I took it to a show this weekend, and got dinged for the fact that the canopy doesn't sit flush on the fuselage at the rear - I didn't notice that when I was getting it glued down. I can only suspect that was my fault, as it is a nicely engineered kit.
Greg, you have done an excellent job on your MiG-15. It looks great all over, super nice details in the cockpit!
I have built this kit and from your experience and description managed to do the same things. I ended up having a small gap between the nose intake and the fuselage halfs. I filled that gap and made a new engraved line. The polite word for this kit is "Fiddley". I figure if you build two or three of these kits you will come up with some better hacks and shortcuts with experience. Greg (@gkittinger), over coming your frustrations and using your gifts and talents have paid dividends. It a sharp lookin Mig-15.
Really nice Greg despite the problems
Nice work on this, Greg. The fit of the rear of the canopy on real ones isn’t all that snug either. Excellent pilot, btw.
It looks great, Greg!
Nice work Greg. Nice idea for the weathering. What paint did you use for the metallics? And, yeah, Eduard kits are an experience.
@bapowellphys - Vellajo on the metals
That’s a menacing looking Mig. I like the stippled effect. You overcame the assembly challenges very well. Lastly, I did not notice the canopy/fuselage gap until reading the article more carefully.
Excellent result and superb tackling of the kit's idiosyncrasies, Greg!
Well done!
You tackled this kit beautifully, Greg @gkittinger
I really like how it turned out, especially the dirty effect on the metal looks very good.
Nicely done Greg, (@gkittinger) the canopy looks fine to me !
Amazing build, Greg @gkittinger. She looks great inflight and the weathered metal finish is very nice!
Well done, Greg.
Very nice Mig-15, Greg. Looks great.
Great job, Greg...once again. The "dirty metal" looks really nice. I love Eduard kits. They are about all I build now. I know that the over-engineering can be a pain at times, but to me that is part of modeling and is worth it for the superb detail they bring to the table. Looks like you got dinged at the contest by a "standard issue IPMS rivet counter judge". The first thing they do is look for ANY error, no matter how small, they can use to disqualify an entry...then they might look at the model. IPMS judging "philosophy" is why I stopped entering contests a couple of years ago. Once again WELL DONE!
@trod348 - I wasn't really complaining about being "dinged," but I know what you mean by "rivet counter judges." To the defense of judges (and club contest resources - especially small clubs), I know they have to find ways to discriminate between builds, even in GSB shows. It doesn't really bother me, as I build for myself - not judges. Our club's philosophy is that shows are not contests, but celebrations of the recent work of our modeler friends. By changing to GSB, and the exhibitor format (where you can connect the builds to the modelers - and have conversations!), we feel like we are moving further in that "celebration" direction! Part of this is also providing feedback - both positive and opportunities for improvement, to help modelers improve. This is one reason we decided to limit "Judged" models to 5 for GSB grading, with the rest of their models still eligible for other awards. This then leaves the judges more time to be able to actually leave feedback for each judged entry. I definitely prefer to know what caught their attention (even if I missed it), which reminds me of things to look for in future builds, just to improve the quality of my work.
I am coming to the Grapevine show this weekend. Will you be there, even if just to look for something to add to the stash? Would love to connect again.
Thanks for the reply and info. I may stop by the show. If I do, I will be sure to look you up. That said, I don't plan right now to bring anything. My building has been slow.
Nice Mig, Greg (@gkittinger). The cockpit looks particularly good. I have had the same experiences with Eduard kits as you did. I quit building models for contests a couple of decades ago and I enjoy building a lot more now.
@gblair - I think that is the secret - NOT building for contests (or defining local shows as "contests"), but building for yourself and seeing shows as celebrations and learning experiences! I learn something new, pick up a new technique, and find ways to improve my building skill at just about every show (not to mention adding to the stash...one of the other pleasures of this hobby!) 🙂
That is a good way to look at it, Greg (@gkittinger). I still go to the shows and ogle the nicely-built models, and especially add to the stash. At my age, I am not really sure why I am still adding to the stash, although I do plan to build all of them. :o)
Despite all the problems, a beautifully built model. The details are amazing.