1/144 Mig-21 Beta/One Man Group Build

[Texman]

Today, we start a new project. I am doing the beta build(s) for John Glessner's Mig-21 bis/MF. This is a most excellent kit, designed to be a slightly more detailed versions than the FG standard.

As of now, I will be doing 13 versions of John's kit, 2 of Nobi's Mig-21, a CFM/Verlag Mig-21, and a Hobby Model Mig-21 93 that I picked up while I was stationed in Europe. And, I will be leading off with an experiment into the natural metal/panel shading test arena.

First, I printed the kit on RR silver metallic. After I let it dry, I masked the areas that I wanted to stay shiny metal, with a low tack painters tape, that I have mentioned in a couple of other posts. Then, I added the 1/144 decals of the Russian star on the wings. As the decals were drying, I used that time to warm and shake the dullcote that was about to be applied. Note: It would be better to apply the decals after the dullcote, due to the nature of the coating on the RR paper. It took about three tries to get a usable wing.



So, the dullcote has been sprayed, and dried, now I masked off indidual panels that were going to be shaded with different shades to simulate panel variations. Using SNJ silver powder, gray chalk and black chalk, select panels were shaded using a cotton tipped stick (you know which one.



Here is the finished effect, with the masking removed.



Not a perfect effect, but one that does warrant more experimentation down the road.

And, now the cutting and building will begin. So, what we have, is a 17 plane build, some will go on simultaneously, some not, but should prove an exciting time, as this plane is my all time Russian favorite. Many of you will remember some of the other Mig-21s I have already built, and the quality of John's Mig will please modellers of all levels.

Away we go....

[Retired_for_now]

Whoa - I think this qualifies you as the largest fighter production line in the world.

Yogi

[buffalowings]

1/144, I can't even imagine building in 1:100

[dansls1]

This should be interesting to watch!

[cgutzmer]

Most interesting! Looking forward to watching this progression!

If you said it would be better to apply the decals after the dullcoat why didnt you? Just curious :P

Thanks for starting this monster project! Whats your estimated time of completion? 2012? :D

[Texman]

Originally Posted by Retired_for_now

Whoa - I think this qualifies you as the largest fighter production line in the world.

Yogi

Or, the smallest

[Texman]

Originally Posted by cgutzmer

If you said it would be better to apply the decals after the dullcoat why didnt you? Just curious :P

Chris,

Hindsight is 20/20. The thrill of doing something - blinding.

[EricGoedkoop]

You, Sir, are a crazy person.

[APA-168]

Originally Posted by Retired_for_now

Whoa - I think this qualifies you as the largest fighter production line in the world.

Yogi

Well, you know the Mig-21 was the most produced supersonic fighter ever, so it's quite appropriate. :D

Seriously, great work so far, can't wait to see more. This is a really neat project. The Mig-21 just happens to be my favorite Soviet fighter as well.

[kenlwest]

Tex,

I haven't seen this technique used on paper before - should be interesting to see how everything comes out.

Ken