21st Century MiG-15 upgrade project

by Ed Okun

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When "21st Century Toys" announced the production of 3 versions of the MiG-15, I could hardly believe the price !!  Approx. $50.00 US  for a massive chunk of fairly accurate pre-assembled styrene.  The display model has been issued in 3 color schemes: Russian, Chinese and North Korean.  The Russian and N. Korean versions in a natural aluminum (painted with wonderful accuracy and quality) and the Chinese version in the "Tiger Striped" green, tan and black.  For the money, I don't think I have ever got a better deal on an airplane model.

Click on images below to see larger images

  

I purchased the Russian version, and decided to clean it up abit and change the markings as well.  First thing I noticed was that the intake ring should be moved about 5 degrees counter-cl\ockwise to accurately position the gun camera. I then took some plastic party cups and cut pieces from the sides to sooth out the intake interior and hide mold-marks.  Some glue and filler on the bigger seams, and SNJ paint over areas where I removed the pre-painted Russian markings.

I decided not to go too crazy on super detailing, but it would possible to do a real show stopper with this one.  The photos attached give an idea just how massive the model is.  The MiG-17 is in 32nd scale.  The Dachshund is 1-1 scale.  Now that I have sanded away all the original markings and repainted it in a bare metal scheme, I will make some custom decals, probably for an Egyptian airforce bird of the 1960s.

When I have reached that point, I will post another,  more in-depth article.

"HAPPY MODELING" !!

Ed 

Photos and text © by Ed Okun