Trumpeter 1/32 MiG-3

[DougN]

As promised, here are a few snaps of my finished MiG-3.  As those who followed my build thread saw, this was a nice, pleasant build with only some minor "modeling skills" required to improve a few areas.  And, for those who prefer, it turns out there are some aftermarket sets now available to provide replacement control surfaces and prop blades, which can make things even easier.

 

For this build I tried to replicate "Red 02" seen in a photo taken in March 1942 on the occasion of the 120 IAP, responsible for Moscow air defense, being "promoted" to the 12th Guards.  Analysis of this aircraft by some authors indicates that the wings were a close match color-wise to the red on the fuselage markings.  It is also clear in the photo that the outer wings do not have the leading edge slats, making it seem these were replacements from an earlier aircraft or from spares.  This has led some to surmise that the outer wings were actually green.  However, other winter scheme MiG-3's also have additional red markings applied, and it would not seem unrealistic that the 120 IAP would have painted the replacement outer wings of one of their MiG-3's red to celebrate their "promotion" to becoming a Guards unit.  And since red looks much better than green on this scheme, it convinced me to err on the side of red.

 

The model was painted with Mr Color paints, with the exception of the underside A II Light Blue, which was from White Ensign.  As the photo of the actual aircraft shows some "crud" around the join between the engine cowls and the fuselage, I used some burnt umber oil paint to try to capture that look.  The rest of the aircraft appears to be quite clean, suggesting that perhaps it had been "cleaned" up a bit for the photo-op.

 

On to the photos!

 

The real thing:

 

 

My effort:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall, I am pleased with the build, and the end result is a colorful addition to my display case "museum" that really stands out.  Now if I can ever source a new windscreen (see build thread for details), I will build a summer scheme with my second MiG-3 kit.

 

Thanks for looking!

Doug

[JeroenPeters]

Hi Doug,

I love it! Especially the cowling sheen. Very nice.

Hope you'll find a new windscreen....

 

Thnx for sharing these! Lovely...

[benjaminsummerfield]

Great scheme, you've pulled it off really well. Subtly weathered too, white can be a challenge to get right.

 

The Russians certainly knew how to finish an aircraft.

[Mikester]

Gorgeous, Doug!

[Grant]

That's outstanding Doug - my favourite scheme without a doubt too! Congratulation on a fabulous build.

[wackyracer]

Great job Doug very impressed.

[RalphSarc]

Love the bold paint scheme you chose for this kit. The white looks really great and I also like the engine cowling. What blue is on the bottom?

Did you make it to the model show?

[tomv1987]

Great job on the scheme! Sweet!

[repeater]

Looks fantastic Doug. Congrats on a great finish.

[DougN]

Thanks for the kind comments everyone!  I really appreciate it

Doug

[florin13]

Nice Mig. I like it.

 

Florin

[JonathanReed]

Very nicely done!  

[Paulster]

Real eye catcher with the different colors.