OEZ 1/48 MiG 21 SMB
Posted: September 13th, 2017, 3:47 am
I recently took some time to photograph some of my older models that I had not photographed properly before. This one was completed about 10 years ago.
At the time the OEZ kit was originally released in the late 80s it was the best rendition and from behind the Iron Curtain, so they ought to know! It was to be expected that there would be some 'real modelling' required and the kit acquired a 'difficult' reputation, but it wasn't too bad. Location of many parts was vague, so you have to consult your references. The cockpit parts were chunky and required much fettling to fit, and filler was required in ejector pin marks, etc. But OEZ offered different canopies and spines for 3 versions. The kit later appeared in the Esci range.
I chose to build the large-spine SMB (not SMT, says Bill Gunston) from the original OEZ boxing.
I added some refinements to the cockpit and the open canopy, including a resin seat. It was all a very tight fit!
The fine stencilling came from the original decal sheet, but I can't remember where the major decals came from.
I kitbashed the missiles to represent two different versions of the Atoll, and I was quite pleased with my effort to replace the front fins and mount them in an 'unloaded' state (they straighten up in the airflow).
I don't have a range of authentic Soviet colours, so I did the best I could to make a close match from my Xtracolour enamels
Is that a hot ship or what?
I am a bit of a MiG-21 fan, but this is the only survivor on my display shelves. (I now have one of the excellent Eduard versions, and a couple of 1/72 versions in the stash to tempt me).
Thanks for looking,
David
At the time the OEZ kit was originally released in the late 80s it was the best rendition and from behind the Iron Curtain, so they ought to know! It was to be expected that there would be some 'real modelling' required and the kit acquired a 'difficult' reputation, but it wasn't too bad. Location of many parts was vague, so you have to consult your references. The cockpit parts were chunky and required much fettling to fit, and filler was required in ejector pin marks, etc. But OEZ offered different canopies and spines for 3 versions. The kit later appeared in the Esci range.
I chose to build the large-spine SMB (not SMT, says Bill Gunston) from the original OEZ boxing.
I added some refinements to the cockpit and the open canopy, including a resin seat. It was all a very tight fit!
The fine stencilling came from the original decal sheet, but I can't remember where the major decals came from.
I kitbashed the missiles to represent two different versions of the Atoll, and I was quite pleased with my effort to replace the front fins and mount them in an 'unloaded' state (they straighten up in the airflow).
I don't have a range of authentic Soviet colours, so I did the best I could to make a close match from my Xtracolour enamels
Is that a hot ship or what?
I am a bit of a MiG-21 fan, but this is the only survivor on my display shelves. (I now have one of the excellent Eduard versions, and a couple of 1/72 versions in the stash to tempt me).
Thanks for looking,
David