The MiG-21 is
one of the best known fighters of the Cold War having seen action in
almost every conflict in the last 50 years. It is also makes a popular
modelling subject due to its prolific service with not just the Soviet
armed forces, but with dozens of foreign air arms.
I set out to
make a MiG-21 in service with one of its biggest operators, the Indian Air
Force and decided to make a model of the MiG-21MF, one of the several
variants the IAF operated. The IAF, fresh from a border conflict with
Pakistan was looking at expanding its MiG-21 fleet with the
third-generation 'M' models with domestic production switching over from
the 'FL' to the new variant. The third generation was distinctly different
from its predecessors for having modifications to the fuselage spine, a
new ejection seat, blown flaps and several other features. As production
of the 'M's took some time to get underway, the IAF obtained around 80
examples of the slightly different MiG-21MF off the shelf from the Soviet
Union.
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The
aircraft I have depicted served with the No.108 sqn. of the IAF in the early
nineties and appears, like several other '21s in IAF, to have been used in air
combat training as indicated by its bright colors. The kit used is the beautiful
Fujimi 1/72 MiG-21MF 'Jay Fighter' with some spare IAF decals. Couple of
significant bits I modified were the KM-1 ejection seat and the spine, both
being aftermarket parts. I think the spine is especially needed on this kit as
it only builds a Bis out of the box. It was painted with Alclad White Alum and
Testors enamel for the white and red stripes. Weathering was done with a micro
point pen and oil wash with burnt umber.
Overall, the kit was
a fun build and I am pleased with how it turned out. Thanks for looking!
Ratish Nair
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