The Mig-21 chronicle (2).

Some update on this project. These are the avionics bays next to the cockpit. The only difference with the fin panels detailing is that here I had to build not only the avionics but also the bays. It was not difficult anyway.

I used Verlinden´s Lock On Nº21 and Mig-21 in detail by Wings and Wheels Publications to detail this zone. Terrific books both of them. Maybe I will add some unplugged wires hanging down from the panels...but that would be after painting the fuselage. The frames of the panels need some scratches and weathering but that will be later.

Now I´m trying to fit the Aires cockpit for the Academy kit inside this Eduard model, wish me luck.

Q

The Mig-21 chronicle.

This is the latest fighter that has sneaked into my workbench, Eduard´s 1/48 Mig-21 MF. This aircraft represents the essence of the Cold War Soviet air strategy. A mass production war machine designed to clutter up those ever watching airfields behind the menacing Iron Curtain.
I have chosen a bare metal scheme which best represents my vision of this machine. From the factory right to the battlefield, just enough time to paint the red stars (and plenty of lettering).
The background of the photos is a beautiful digital artwork by Gino Marcomini on Oxygino.com

The Eduard kit is really nice, though I would like a little bigger riveting. Maybe Eduard and Trumpeter should agree a midway position. :)  

I started with the detailing of the tail panels. Styrene pieces, electrical wire, adhesive tape, stretched sprue...you know, the usual stuff:

After the painting I attached the remaining elements and wires. The small decals to imitate signs -and some elements too small to be painted- look really nice (in my humble opinion...). Don´t be shy, click the pic to enlarge: 

And that´s all for now. The next step is the detailing of the avionic bays beside the cockpit. Next week.

Q

GUEST GALLERY: SBD-3 Dauntless 1/32 by TOMÁS DE LA FUENTE.

Another Navy bird. This time the Trumpeter 1/32 Dauntless by Tomás de la Fuente. Tomás is one of those few modellers with the capacity of making models of any country, age or scale and keep the same realistic touch. I admire his way of weathering with subtle but very attractive effects. Notice how Tomás superbly imitated the degraded paint effect, the exhaust staining or the characteristic chipping of the Navy aircrafts. And the detailing and paintjob of the cockpits is equally amazing.
A wonderful piece, no doubt.

Q