JHM Builds His First MiG-21

[John Howling Mouse]

To see all the troubles I had with this kit (starting 3 years ago), go here: http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,5793.msg74718.html#msg74718

(some of the images have been relocated but I'll restore them later).

I am finally DONE!  Was done a few weeks ago, actually, but the weather was either too bright/sunny or it was snowing (in April!) or raining.  Today, I finally got the overcast but rain-free weather I needed.

While no modifications (other than the markings, which will be explained in my forthcoming backstory) were made, I'd have to say this is my best model to date.  The pics don't really show the variations between the panels, etc. but they're pretty believable in person.  Considering how often I nearly gave up on the PSR for this kit, I'm very satisfied with the way it turned out and hope you'll all like it, too.















And, as usual, the humble backdrop:

[nev]

wow, that's reallllllll nice! 

[Allan]

Well done, Baz.

There's something gloriously beautiful about the MIG 21. I think it's all due to those tiny wings.

Allan in Canberra

[Aircav]

Great bit of modelling and beautiful painting 

[Patrick H]

Looks splendid. wonderfull build and paintjob

[Sisko]

Great build mate.

Awesome stuff. What kit was it?

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

Looks just about perfect to me..... although I would have painted the fin-tip aerial and fowrward part of the ventral fin in that bluey/green tone..... but hey, what do I know !

Great work, Barry.

Ian

[Ed S]

Looks good, JHM.  You can't tell from the finished model that you had any problems at all with it.

Ed

[comrade harps]

Nice job on the natural metal finish.

I like the way that the early Fishbeds look all slender and cute, but by those middle aged versions it looked more beefy and deadly, which you've captured nicely, esp with the biggish rocket pods.

Waiting to here to story behind the black square below the red star.

Well done.

[Brian da Basher]

Nice MiG Mr Howling Mouse! I'm particularly impressed by the different shades of metal. I don't know how you pulled it off, but it's very realistic. I also like those very interesting markings and am looking forward to reading your backstory.

I'm still not over the shock of you not putting maple leafs on it.

Brian da Basher

[noxioux]

Fantastic build, man.  The Fishbed is another one of my all-time favorites.  The only opportunity I've had to stand close to one was at the museum just outside Omaha, where you can practically walk up and give it a big hug.  I was also shocked to see how small it was in real life.  This one is first-class.

[sotoolslinger]

Really pretty JHOWLINGM  Your humble backdrop looks like the start of a nice shooting range

[John Howling Mouse]

Thanks, everyone.  Yeah, this was one of those kits where you wonder which one of you will survive the experience. 

This was the Academy 1:48 kit.  A really nice kit but the Putty-Sand-Repeat nearly killed me due to its many tight crevices and overall sharp-pointy bits on the kit!  I think Leigh (?) pointed out that he had none of the troubles I did with filling gaps. 

This little model just begs to be built again: wheels up and in flight with a CMK Warsaw Pact pilot in the 'pit for doing sorties round the homestead.

Ian: I did consider doing a "proper" paintjob for the colored panels but I thought that would take away from the overall sleekness of the nmf, IMHO.   

[BlackOps]

A beautiful build, I can see this baby just cruising along the boarders taunting it's neighbors

[Supertom]

Aw man that looks like the real thing sitting on the tarmac!

I hate you.