Another great entry, my friend @ij001! Nice progress already! Yes, I believe the drop tanks were practically compulsory, in order to give the bird some much needed extra range.

Update:
Lots of sub-assemblies together and painted. Ready to bring the fuselage halves together.

6 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Very nice progress, Ian @ij001
The interior and ejection seat look great.
Happy New Year.

Thanks folks, so here's where I'm up to right now:

The 'build' is pretty much complete, all the sub assemblies that can be built-up and painted/weathered have been, including the undercarriage components. After I primed it yesterday (Thu) morning with two thin coats of Tamiya grey aerosol, found that there was no extra filling/rubbing down needed so next will be some very basic pre-shading, but not for a while...

...off on (Summer) hols on Sunday so the MiG will be left for two weeks. More when we get back, all the best from NZ, and big thanks for the support.

2 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Looks great so far, my friend @ij001! Have a great holiday!

Back from the Gold Coast last weekend, managed to get some bench-time last night and early this morning - it's way too warm to be in the garage between 1100-1800.

Lots of pre-shading then basic tones followed with post-shading. Beginning to get that 'left out under a hot sun' look that I'm shooting for. Would love to get some feedback, what do you folks think so far ?

Cheers

Ian.

6 attached images. Click to enlarge.

To me the fading effect on the paint does look perfect, Ian @ij001