Italeri 1/72 MiG-29
by [b]Anand Sharma[/b]
My first tryst with this kit was two years ago, when a chance buy from a model shop resulted in a brush painted, shabby Fulcrum in Russian colours. It was promptly presented to a grateful friend, and I did not mind the loss. I was heavily into propellers and ships that time. Jets with their bog standard intakes and exhausts seemed boring and repetitive. Over the years, and two republic day flypasts later, the passion was re kindled again. So, off to the model store for yet another ubiquitous Mig 29 kit.
The Italieri kit is perhaps the cheapest in the market, in 72 scale that is. The overall plane when I built it the first time seemed well proportioned, and since I wanted to build the model in the flying position I did not concern myself over the sparse cockpit details provided. The problem was decals. Printing them myself on decal paper did not prove to be a satisfying experience when I did an earlier Il 76 Gajraj, and cutting edge does a series on Fulcrum decals that includes a set for the 21st“archers” squadron ACM aircraft. That settled it, since the bharat rakshak site does have a fair photographic detail on that particular aircraft. I added a basic set of Eduard photo etch, and a resin pilot figure that I was planning to use for an Ajeet kit. We were ready to go!
The kit itself is simplicity personified. The Spartan cockpit was spruced up with the Eduard photo etch, aided by details garnered from…………………………. Fitting the fuselage halves, wings and engines were not a problem. However, the seams and joints need hours of milliput and sanding to get the contours straight, specially the top half of the fuselage with the lower. When it was all over, the model received a coat of Halford grey primer in readiness for the painting. Also, I drilled a hole at the bottom at an angle to receive the support for the base.
Looking up the Cutting edge reference sheet, the light, medium and dark greys were airbrushed using Tamiya acrylics. (Personally speaking I have never been able to get the right “light grey” yet using Tamiyas, but since I am familiar with their airbrushing qualities, I stick to them anyway). The stabilisers were airbrushed blue, and after a coat of satin varnish, the decals went in.
Since the roundels were a separate orange and white and a separate green, it was a bit of a bother trying to chase them in the dish. But thankfully, the stars on the fins seemed to settle fine.
Next, I decided to highlight the panel lining with some wash. Alas, trying to wipe out the excess accidentally went through the paint itself, leaving ugly patches where the primer started to show. So, back to masking, painting, varnishing. This time, the weathering was sparser, and more hesitant.
Being at a loss to create the best model stand, I glued together a set of coasters I bought at a department store, drilled a hole at an angle to match the support road, and glue the rod and the base together. The hole in the model fitted well without the need for glue, and I discovered I could change the angle of attack of the plane itself.
My next plan was to add filler to the base, sand and paint it, adding the “Archers” squadron emblem. But, with the Fulcrum done, I am ashamed to admit that sloth took over. I filed the idea to spruce up the base, and picked up the TV remote to return to my alter ego, the couch potato. The next month, we moved house, and all the lovely external photo etch details fell off during transfer (Hmph!!! Why bother???)
However, the story does not end here. I am planning to model the jets used by both sides: India and Pakistan in the last few decades. Searching eagerly over eBay, hannants and the other sites I have finally started to gather a collection of IAF and PAF decals, which will hopefully translate into a sizable collection of models I shall be able to share with you.
Time now to head back to the “hangar” where an IAF Mig 21MF is being built side by side with a PAF Mig 19 Farmer. Stay tuned!!
Date: 01/17/2007
Owner: Webmaster
Size: 5 items
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