Iraqi Fishbed

[Gary Brantley]

Inspired by the outbreak of Desert Storm, or Gulf War One, I built this MiG-21MF in Iraqi markings and camouflage. So, it's been languishing in the display cabinet since way back then, with no airport pictures taken.
I took care of that little issue last week when the Fishbed went to Rockdale for a photo-shoot.

It is the ESCI 1/48 kit that was originally released by OEZ. Man, I can't believe I left that "bump" behind the cockpit on the upper fuselage. The kit had three different top fuselage inserts for three versions of the fighter. I'd like to think that I have the skills now to avoid that awful step, but I guess I was satisfied to leave it back in '92. I also note in the pics that the front LG was somewhat loose and is crooked in some shots too. Grrrrr. Oh well, she's posed in all her flaws and defects here.

The dark paint was Pactra, long gone now, the other colors are Humbrol and MM, sprayed with my Paasche H. Decals are aftermarket and represent an aircraft in the Iran-Iraq War of the '80s. Thanks again everyone for taking a look at my Mig-21! Gary























And, the slide show if interested:
http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Texgunne ... 20MiG-21MF

[CallSignOWL]

nicely done!

[Gary Brantley]

nicely done!

Well thank you Ms. Owl! I consider that high praise indeed.
I appreciate the reply! (thumbs up! in lieu of the appropriate emoticon! )
Gary

[Gary Brantley]

Tex! So good to see you here sir. Love this Fishbed. Lovely build as usual

Hey Jimmy! Thanks for the welcome dude, it's good to be among such excellent company.
Thanks also for the great comments, that really means a lot to me. Hat's off to ya!
Gary

[BorgR3mc0]

Nice one Tex. the hump does not detract from the overall build, I like the paintwork.

[Gary Brantley]

Nice one Tex. the hump does not detract from the overall build, I like the paintwork.

Thanks Borg! I appreciate that a lot! Yes, I think the paintwork is the best part of this one.

Heh, heh, "Hump? What hump?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXzsdtaySY4 (Guess I'm not smart enough to embed the video. )

[VanceCrozier]

Ahhhh, she looks good at the airfield sir! That is some excellent paintwork! Well done, and never apologize for anything with a 1992 vintage. Pretty sure anything of mine from that far back is long gone.

[LyleW]

nice one, Gary. How big is your tarmac mat?

[Gary Brantley]

Thanks Vance! I think the planes look more natural in an airport setting. And I find that my pics always look better in natural light too. I'm not much of a photographer, but digital photography at the airport allows one to take so many pictures in hopes of getting a few with the right look...lighting, position, perspective, backdrop, etc.

I appreciate your paintwork comment too. I think paint jobs have usually been the best thing about my models. And, ironically, I have two stalled builds that are just about ready to paint, lol. I have a brand new Sotar airbrush to try out too, and a full bottle of gas. Now, all I need is a good kick in the butt.

Thanks again Vance!


"nice one, Gary. How big is your tarmac mat?"

Lyle, the tarmac is painted on a piece of 1/8" Masonite that measures, ah just a sec. brb.
19.5" x 41.5". I have two 1x2 stiffeners running lengthwise underneath.

You, know I've been thinking for quite a while that I need a similar base that replicates an earthen "ramp" and runway. That would look much better, and more realistic for so many models. I need some landscaping advice.