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
|