Sovietwarplanes

The rumoured 1/72 MiG-3 from Trumpeter is now available in North America, although it is not a kit, it?s a pre-assembled, pre-painted and marked display model. Imported by MRC, the brand name is "Easy Model". The small print on the box says, ?Manufactured by Wasan Mould and Plastic Manufactory?, in Guangdong, China, and gives the Trumpeter web site and e-mail addresses. The version represented is a late MiG-3, marked ?White 5?? (Pokryshkin?s aircraft).

The quality is amazing - much better than the RPM kit. Very fine recessed panel lines, beautiful control surface detail, very delicate radio mast and pitot tube, petite exhaust stacks, underwing racks with 4 tiny (and exquisitely molded) RS-82 rockets, a perfect canopy - I could never build anything close to this with the RPM kit in a million years! The paint job is flawless, and even includes very subtle exhaust stains! The overall length is just about exactly correct to the scale dimension of 4.5 inches, as close as I can measure it.

Make no mistake, this is a beautiful model, but an AMS-type like me can always find something to pick on:
- the canopy doesn't fit exactly right (there's a noticeable gap on one side of the one I bought, and this fit problem was visible on all of the eight or so examples I looked at, although some were centred better than others), but it appears that prying it off and correcting the fit might be possible, with some care (I did manage to get the canopy off without damaging it, but broke the radio mast in the process!)
- the odd panel line was missed; in particular, the separation between the two protective panels immediately behind the exhaust stacks
- gun trough detail on the upper cowling is rather shallow
- the oil cooler housings/scoops are slightly undersized - see the walkaround of the Rusavia MiG-3 elsewhere on this site, or other photographic references
- the cowling cross-section should be slightly concave in the general area of the exhaust stacks ?? again, see the walkaround
- the tips of the prop blades are painted yellow (not a standard VVS practice)
- undercarriage legs finished in silver, not grey
- wheel wells and inner face of u/c doors painted underside blue, not grey; no wheel well detail, although some ?weathering? has been included
- cockpit (not badly detailed for what?s visible through the canopy ? includes seat, joystick, radio gear, but no seatbelts, instrument panel, or sidewall detail) painted a pale grey colour
- wheels lack detail; wheels themselves are silver, not medium green as on all MiG-3?s
Note that these are obviously very minor (and mostly easily correctable) complaints, and I think overall the model is stunning! This would have been a prize-winner at most hobby shows, in the not-so-distant past! (Hmmm ? maybe I could? Naaah!) ;-)

What makes it even more amazing is the price ? only $14 Canadian, at Toronto?s Aviation World! Perhaps Trumpeter hopes to spark interest in young future modelbuilders with these models, and then ?graduate? them into their bigger-scale, more expensive full kits ? not a bad strategy, if true.

Also included with the model is a display stand and a mini-catalogue of current and future releases in the series, including a Yak-3!

John Thompson

H iJohn, :)
thank you for posting.

The first MiG-3 of Easymodel was red 1, distributed in Italy in November or December.
In general, I agree with John about the good general quality of the model, that is very cheap (I payed it 10 Euro).

I would add some small complains to yours:
-the oil cooler intakes should be asymmetrical, but the model represents them as symmetrical;
-the wentral hole for the display stand should be filled;
- it lacks of the position light on the rudder;
- the sliding hood  has its rear structure fully painted green, while there should be a trasparent nail on its back side;
-the model has 4 rockets, while, when installed, they should be 6;
- in some models, there are traces of gluing visible through the canopy;
-looking at their catalogue, the most of the painting schemes are for early version without rockets, while the model represents the late version with rockets;
- the most of the painting schemes proposed show some not fully convincing interpretation, that looks based on the instruction of an old decals sheet.

If left as they are, these models are fair placeholders in a collection; if used as a base for elaborations, one has to consider that fillings and other modifies will require the repainting of the model.
When compared to the RPM kit, this is less accurate, but avoids the bad difficulties with the too wide canopy that doesn't fit at all, and has better exhaust stacks and rockets.
So, it could be taken in consideration as an alternative to RPM, particularly for a thematic collection.

However, I heard a lot about the reduction to 1/72 of Trumpeter's wide 1/32 kit, but there is not trace of this in catalogues. What a pity! :'(

Massimo

Hi Massimo! Between your list and mine, it looks like this could turn into a real modelbuilding project after all. I'm embarrassed that I didn't notice the symmetry error on the oil cooler intakes. Before I found the Easy Model MiG-3 and saw what it looked like, I was hoping only to be able to rob parts from it for the RPM kit, but maybe it will be the other way around. Now I think perhaps I could remove the Easy Model landing gear, correct some of the details on the model itself, repaint it in one of the many optional schemes from the RPM decal sheet, and then replace the landing gear with the RPM parts. Or...? ;-)

It's also interesting to see how the model is assembled from component parts. I wonder if these might someday appear as a kit, but I don't think this is likely, considering how the wings are molded as one solid piece (or so it appears), and likewise the main part of the fuselage looks like a solid molding.

Regards;

John

Hi John, :)

should I do a kitbashing, I would consider to use the canopy, exhausts  and the rockets of this model on the RPM kit, that is more accurate as a base. But I don't like kitbashing, it's expensive, and it could emerge that the pieces are in some way of difficult adaptation.
I think that the Easy Kit model could turn into a decent replica even without kitbashing, only it ends to be "Easy". The works on oil coolers and guns recesses look to be the less pleasant ones, and I hope that the canopy will be removable to clean it from inside. However I am strongly suspecting that I'll let it as it is, maybe with minor works.

Your observation about its scomposition is interesting. I wonder how they could build an empty fuselage. And note that the supercharger intakes on wings are recessed.

Massimo

Hi, :)
I've received an interesting email from Ilya Grinberg about the elaboration of the Easy Models kit. Here it is, with his permission:

Lots of good ideas from Ilya - thank you! I tore the EM MiG-3 completely apart right after I got it (not only prying parts off, but also sawing and scribing through with a P-Cutter), looking for ways to combine it with the RPM kit, but I did not come up with any easy answers. Yes, the point about the "eyebrows" over the exhaust area is right, and this is one of the annoyances about the RPM kit. Yuri's walkaround photos are a very valuable resource! Also, the nose of the RPM kit needs to be shortened by at least the 1.5 mm that Ilya mentions. This is somewhat difficult, but it can be done by choosing the cut location carefully, and then doing some blending of the reassembled fuselage.

Another possibility for the cockpit if you go ahead with modifications to the EM is obviously the new Goffy MiG-3 resin set. This set also includes landing gear legs, doors, and wheels. The legs are extremely thin (scale thickness) - one of mine was actually broken before I got it.

Totally off topic - I love these great VVS GPW kit subjects - rarely (if ever) do I buy anything else. I wish the rest of the modelbuilding world would wake up to this!!!? Maybe then we would have good, accurate new kits in 1/72 scale of such types as the I-153, Yak-1b, and the La-5 series! ;)

John Thompson

Hi, :)
the price of Goffy resin set could be much better justified for elaborating this kit that is very poor of cockpit details.
To tell the truth, some space should remain between the tubes structure and the fuselage skinning, and Goffy set can't reproduce this. However it would be a great improvement all the same.
Only, I saw in photos of Goffy kit that the spaces behind radio boxes are full of resin, probably due to ruptures of the silicon mould.
Besides, the full radio equipment looks rare on MiG-3, probably the most of them had only the cylindrical dynamotor on the right side, at least to see the photos from outside.
At the end: perhaps it's better to leave the original radio deck or scratchbuild it.
Massimo

Hi, :)
Some notes from Ilya that is elaborating the model:


Massimo

It seems that HobbyBoss is marketing the same kits in disassembled condition.

I just purchased above mentioned kit (Hobby Boss) and as Hobby Boss is a kind of a branch of Trupmeter, it is really disassembled "source" of those painted Trumpeter kits. But it seems the kit was improved a bit. Now it has six rockets and I believe it has correct asymmetrical oil coolers as well. Still missing are landing flaps and that line on the panel behind exhausts. There are more smaller mistakes (missing rear opening of the cooler under fuselage, missing navigation light at the rudder) but this can be repaired easily. Comparing to the RPM kit I consider the Hobby Boss better in shapes (shorter fuselage, correct canopy) and especially in quality of the kit itself. Huge drawback is almost none detail in the cockpit as the fuselage is molded in one piece. But with Goffy resin set or Part photoetch it should be no problem for skilled modeler to correct this as well.
I will submit pictures of the kit in the moment it will be finished, I estimate 2-3 weeks (but this can change, of course :-)

Hi, :)
this is very interesting. Thank you for information.
I suppose that they had 6 rockets in the mould since the building of the mold, but it's too difficult to assemble quickly the central one for quick-built EasyModel planes.
I hope to see  your work soon.
By the way, are there decals included? What is the price of the model kit?

Massimo

Sorry for not responding sooner. I already started he kit, but now I have not so much time for the hobby. I finished riveting, added something to the cockpit, opened all intakes, rescribed the surface here and there, added clear landing light and so on.
Concerning your questions - yes, there are decals for two machines. White 5 in (green upper surfaces) and that famous white mig with red arrow and writings "za partiu bolsevikov" in front of fuselage stars. On the sheet the decals look fantastic, but I afraid, that the red arrow will be too narrow to be placed around exhausts. We will see.
And the price - can it be called "price"? I bought the kit for less than 5 Euro. I will probably buy one more (if I succeed to buy it, as those migs dissappeared from shops very quickly) and try a little bit more detailing using Part PE and some parts (heh, perhaps seat and control stick ;D ) from RPM kit.

Hi, :)
I hope to see the kit here too.
I wonder if the owners of shops are happy to sell so cheap kits. Probably no.
I hope to see photos of your work, maybe while building.
Massimo

It's better to sell 10 cheap kits than one or none expensive kits :-) And I think, that it works exactly this way, as also real "masters" modelers in our country bought and already finished couple of these kits :-)

Now let's have a look at the model itself.

parts layout and boxing:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44479)

Instructions:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44480)

Camouflage schemes:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44481)

Decals:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44482)

After 20 minutes of "work" - just test fitting. No glue was used, only canopy and head rest doesn't hold on the place

(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44526)

(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44527)

(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44528)

And couple of details

Lovely wheel wells and legs:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44530)

Strange line around aileron. To me it looks like remnant of previous wrong shaped aileron:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44531)

Details on the fuselage are not so crisp:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44532)

Dihedral of tail is not so good. And as the fit is very tight, some sanding will be required:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44533)

Yes, the cockpit is very, very simple. No side walls details at all. At least the head rest and space behind seat are fine:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44534)

But the lack of instrument pannel and no space for legs - that's very bad:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44535)

Hi, :)
thank you for posting these images. The kit is better than I thought. The landing gear in particular. One more canopy can be utilized for a RPM model.
I have two large decals sheet for MiG-3, I could make a whole collection, if I can convive with the poor cockpit.
Who knows how they managed to produce an one-piece empty fuselage?
Massimo

hi Massimo


Could you please inform of what producer are those sheets of decal for Mig-3? I suppose in 1/72, isn't?

BR Audrius

hi Honza!
thank you for shearing those images of lovely Mig-3!! Indeed it looks much, much better than I supposed before just reading others' oppinions.
Some scratchbuilding and I will be one of the best Mig-3 models in the market!!!

Please share your pictures after you finnish building this kit.

BR Audrius

As you can see on the first picture - fuselage is not in sprue, but is stand alone. From dividing lines I am almost sure, that it was not normal form consisting of upper and lower part, but it consisted of four parts. Upper, lower and two side parts.

And the cockpit - with a minimal upgrade it will look fine, I believe - I added instrument panel, side instrument panels, basic framing and seat belts and if you don't open the canopy completely, it will look fine enough.

And yes, I will share more pictures from build as well as of final product. But don't know how long it will take me to finish it - too much travelling awaits me in following days.

I took some pictures of actual progress. And no, the whole work was not done today only, it took me about two weeks to get so far.

Riveting is "must" for me:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44699)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44700)

This reflector satisfied me quite well. Perfectly clear epoxy. Those bubbles are not visible in reality:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44701)

The stuffing of the seat had to be deepen. Results are not perfect, but definitely acceptable. As well as sparse details added to the cockpit.
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44702)

10 points for those, who will find out, where I took instrument panel from  ;D
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=44703)

Hi Audrius, :)
I've two decals sheets from HAD , an Hungarian firm. I have received them from John, that received them for review. I have to do this. Please see http://www.had.hu.
They are illustrated with my profiles and look fine.
Hi Honza, :)
my compliments for your good model. The rivets are exceptional.
I would suggest to make some thickness on the pieces covering the bolts just behind the sliding hood.
Please, note that the long plates behind the exhaust stacks are asymmetrical: there is the small hatch on its upper profile only on the left side. It covers the cap for starting fuel. Please check if it's symmetrical on the model.
Massimo

Thank you.
The first point - just to be sure - do you mean a small "U" shaped panel which is visible on the last picture on its very lower part in the middle? If so, thank for comment, it will be no problem to correct it.
Second point - ah, here we go. I didn't notice this. Both plates are the same with hatch on its upper side. Or better to say - not complete hatch, only a small "bump" on the outline of the whole panel. Again - easy to correct this, but thank you for remark.
Other mistakes I noticed:
1) only 2 exhaust pipes, the third in the front, partially hidden, needs to be added
2) no scribing representing back opening for main cooler under the fuselage. And as the existing scribing and light are on wrong positions, you have to fill the scribing, sand down the light and create correct ones. I will skip this correction for this model, as it will be not visible in the shelf. But I will do it for next MiG.

Hi Honza, :)
yes, the u-shaped panel.
I would suggest to fill the recesses between the structures of the ailerons, rudder and elevators. Although scenic, they are not visible on the real thing.
I would suggest some correction to the spinner, that has a too rounded shape. The part in front of the prop should be nearly conical.

Massimo

Hi Honza, :)
a question: the nose and the rear fuselage are full of plastic of empty?
Massimo

Hi Massimo,

added some thickness to those u-shaped panels, panels behind exhausts corrected (was not so easy as the kit is allready assembled)
Other two comments - well, that rib structure of ailerons and so on is soooo lovely. I will sand it down a bit, but not remove. It is somewhat visible on some pictures, so I will preffer a little bit scenic look at this point.
And the spinner - unfortunatelay already assembled, riveted and polished. I will try to correct the shape a bit, but probably not completely. But good remark for next MiG. BTW, shape of RPM is better here, unfortunately diameter is a little bit smaller. And one more comment - before I assembled the spinner I checked it against some drawings and didn't notice the difference although on the drawings are correct shapes. The problem is, that in reality the difference of the curve is impossible to notice as it is very, very small. Until you look on shape in general - then it is obvious.
I also noticed, that ailerons were in fact two separated pieces. Interesting. I red some discussion here already, but thought, that you were talking about landing flaps.
Although not visible very well, the first picture with part layout and instructions answer your last question a bit. Nose is hollow (but walls are incredibly thick) as there is a separate piece which has to be glued from bottom. But the rear fuselage is from joint to wing full of plastic.

Does anyone know which on-line hobby shops now have the Hobby Boss MiG-3 kit in stock? I'd like to order one or two myself. Thanks in advance!

John Thompson

hello John,
first please try to check their site at:  http://www.hobbyboss.com/80229.htm

Or directly to one of the shops:

http://www.modelsforsale.com


As well I wonder if anyone has hold in ones hands the model of Yak-3 from same producer?

(http://www.modelsforsale.com/listphotos/HBB80255.jpg)

BR Audrius

Hi Honza, :)
thank you for your informations.
all the rear fuselage full of plastic? I wonder what technological methods they have to avoid deformations during cooling.
An important thing: don't forget the flaps inside the main air intake. Two horizontal, two vertical. The horizontal ones deflect the airflow upwards.

Hi Audrius, hi John, :)
the kits are not available here at present time. It will be interesting to know if the Yak-3 can give an acceptable alternative to the Hasegawa kit that don't worth its price of 20 Euros.

Massimo

I saw that yak as well, didn't check it properly, but from first glance MiG looked better. But I wanted the MiG anyway, so I may be wrong. If I will see another Jak, I will check it more properly.
No progress with my MiG meanwhile and probably for whole next week as well. I will be in Italy that time :-) (hi, Massimo  ;)

In Italy? Really? Where? :)
The weather is turning to sunny today. I wish you a good weather during your travel.
Massimo

I did a bit of checking - so far, on-line shops I've dealt with before (Modelimex, HobbyTerra, Jadar, NKR) don't seem to have the Hobby Boss MiG-3 or Yak-3 in stock. However, a British shop that my search engine provided

http://www.modelhobbies.co.uk/shop/

has a full list of these kits, including both the MiG and the Yak, and the individual kit pages say "In Stock". I haven't personally bought anything from Model Hobbies before, and I haven't e-mailed them to confirm that they really do have the kits.

John Thompson

Kind of duty trip to Latina. Weather was pretty nice, what didn't help a lot as I was most of the time somewhere inside 9and in latina itself there was not a lot to see). But at least I succeeded to save about 5 hours to look around Roma a bit. And now I hope I will save some hours for the MiG as well  ;D

According to the yak i didn't succeed to find one, but I've found very brief comment of one of the fellow modellers:
"From the distance it will ressemble the real thing.
Production errors: depressions on both upper and lower surfaces of the wings in the place of wheel wells. Some more depresions on wheel well covers on the opposite side of the ribs.
Errors according the real airplane:
1) flat sides of fuselage behind the canopy (if I understood it right) - on the kit has the bottom/side fuselage joint 90 degrees angle
2) wrong ribs on the rudder - 90 degrees angle to the axis of rudder rotation instead of parallel to airplane axis
3) wrong shape of the cooler - too sharp corners instead of bit more round
4) wrong pannel lines on the bottom of the wing - on the kit are cople of lines which were not present on real aircraft
Good things:
1) accurate canopy, although only in one piece
2) interesting markings

Hope it helps a bit

Hi Honza, :)
welcome back.
The description of the Yak doesn't look so bad. It would be interesting to have a comparison to the Hasegawa kit to see if the shape is the same.
Massimo

I got a note from Model Hobbies yesterday which says that my order for the Hobby Boss kits has been shipped, so it appears that this on-line shop *does* have stock of these kits, or can get them from a distributor very quickly. My order was for one each of the Hobby Boss MiG-3, Yak-3, and P-40B. I'll post a comment on the Yak-3 when I receive it.

John Thompson

is that P-40B also in VVS colors ?

[/color]

Hi, :)
I've bought an already-built P-40B from Easy Model, I think it's similar. I hope that they added the doors of the main landing gear.
Perhaps one can use it as a cheap source of parts to kitbash a P-40 E, I fear that the existing models are scarcely accurate. I saw the EasyModel P-40E too, but, at my eye, it has some of the shape errors of the Academy, as the too tall canopy and the too rounded spinner.
Massimo

No, not according to the box art, but it *could* be...  ;)

John Thompson

Well, I saved couple of hours for modelling, so here is some progress.

First I have to say, that I had to strip off first painting of the cockpit - it was very bad (well, this was first time I was trying to paint cockpit on assembled kit and it simply didn't came off well). The second trial is better, but still far from being perfect. We will se after wash, drybrush and some additional details. Note also added thickness behind canopy.

(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=47287)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=47288)

Flaps in the main intake added:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=47289)

Missing exhaust pipe added:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=47290)

Missing navigation light on the rudder added as well:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=47291)

Here we have original shape of the propeller hub:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=47292)

Here after some shape corrections. Far from being perfect, but at least somewhat better:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=47293)

How to conclude today's update... Thanks you guys for all the help and comments, but, well, where's that "easy assembly" kit?  ;D

Hi Honza, :)
great photos of a great model. Here, in Italy, it's not yet available.
How did you strip off the first coat of paint inside the cockpit?
Don't forget the waste shells slot on the left side of the cooler cowling. I think that you can cut  it now by a shaped cutter blade, made narrow (1.5 mm I think) and rectangular by an abrasive disk.
Massimo

hello Honza
it's looks damn nice!!  :o
Keep going man and post us following pictures as you advance with the model! Getting very nice!

BR Audrius

Yesterday I received my order for Hobby Boss kits from Model Hobbies in the U.K., so it seems they are a dependable source for these kits. What I received was one each of the MiG-3, Yak-3, and P-40B/C.

I'll post a more detailed review of the Yak-3 as a new thread when I get time, but as a summary - if you're waiting for the ultimate 1/72 Yak-3 kit, this is NOT it. Overall, the kit is possibly worse than the existing Hasegawa, VES, and Heller/Smer kits. The P-40B/C, however, is extremely good, though not without a few flaws - about the same level of accuracy as the MiG-3. I'll include the P-40 if I get the Yak-3 post completed.

John Thompson

Hi John, :)
About Yak-3: worse than Hasegawa is excusable, if it costs one fourth. Worse than Heller is a bad thing for shape errors. If you compare the Hasegawa and Heller kits, you see an extreme difference in shape and sections.
I am very interested to know more on this.
Massimo :)

Hello
For striping down the cockpit colour I used Purisol from Agama. Put some drops of it into the cockpit, took old brush with firm hair and shuffle a bit. Purisol dissolves all the paint, but it is hard to get it out of the cockpit. So I drained the cockpit with a napkin, again applied Purisol, drained out...until there was almost no remnants of that dark black brown mixture...
According the comment - this time I have no idea what do you mean...

Jan

Hi Honza, :)
here is the slot, or recess. It is visible on some drawings too (where it looks rectangular), and on the images of the plane exposed at MAKS 2005 too.
Massimo

(http://mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/mig3/reb6.jpg)

Hi again,

well, some progress

Cockpit washed, drybrushed and airburshed with matt varnish.

The front part of canopy had very bad fit - there remained huge gaps along its sides. I filled them with Gunze Epoxy filler. The filler is only in the gaps - just to notice, how huge the gaps were:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=48305)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=48306)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=48307)


There were some gaps after gluing inner wheel wells covers in place. They were filled with epoxy putty as well:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=48308)


And finally I replaced original plates around exhaust with new ones made from piece of plastic sheet:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=48309)


Oh, yes, the slot is also there but didn't take picture of it. But - it was not so easy to make it as it looked like. It would be far better to do it before gluing that cooler  ;D Thank for pointing out, anyway  :)

Nice progress Honza, please keep going and informing us!  ;D

Have you selected the color profile for your kit?

BR Audrius

Good question in right time - last hour and half I was scanning colour profiles on this site. I wanted white one, but preferably worn white painted over green. The one I like the most is black 36 http://mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/mig3/black36.html.(BTW,  one picture is missing there :-[) Gray panel on nose, green on side, black band on rudder, red star on spinner. Lovely. But I am not sure, if this one was originally green repainted with white as it doesn't seem to be as worn as other white MiGs on the picture. But I will take assumption that yes and I will make it a bit more worn (let's say one more month of extensive use  ;D)

But I have still some questions according (not only) colours:

1) white overall, but - wheel wells, legs, inner sides of wheel wells covers - white or blue? On the profile is rear wheel leg blue...so i think the answer should be "blue". But it probably depends on if the aircraft was painted white from the factory, or white was applied in the field over green/blue camo. I vote for second possibility.

2) colour of rockets and rocket launchers (or how to call that construction on which were rockets attached)

3) detail of rockets and rocket launcher - at least how the cables were attached

4) wheel disks - green?

5) hypothetic question - green panel more probably only on one side, as it was probably changed because the original white was damaged. I doubt that both panels were damaged at the same time and I have no other idea why to put there green panels other than replacing damaged ones.

Thanks in advance for any comments  :)

One more general note about white overall aircraft

White overall were only those aircraft which were painted white in factory? Or there exist also some originally green/blue repainted to white overall in the field? because it doesn't make so much sense to overpaint light blue undersurfaces with white. And if so, I am almost sure, the demarkation line between green/blue will at least a bit show up through the white overpaint.

Why I am pointing this out - if I want to make that black 36 which is white overall, I probably should not represent green underlay showing up through the white overpaint. And that was the thing I wanted to do. Anyway - any idea about base colour used in factory under the white paint?

It's also possible, that I will have to find another colour profile...

Hi Honza, :)
you're doing an excellent work. Please keep in mind that two lines on the windshield are not frames, but junctions of clear panels, and shouldn't be painted.
I strongly suggest to make not worn white on 36. There is no evidence that white paint wore off on MiG-3s, I think that they were repainted with temperate schemes on spring. Defects of white are likely due to negligent painting of the white coat.
I agree when you think that the panel could have been on one side only.
About the distinction between factory-painted and field-painted planes, it's hypothetical. All what we know is on the photos.
I suppose that landing gear and inner face of doors is light blue, and wheels were green.
Massimo

Hi Massimo

bad news today. The wind shield is already covered with paint. Well, the paint can be removed, but not traces of razor blade along framing. The true is that I am not checking every detail as it is not model for competitions, but I cannot believe that I overlooked so many things. Well, this mistake will remain and may be perhaps corrected on next MiG (if I will build any more  ;D)

According the paint wearing - I took this MiG  http://mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/mig3/red85.html from the same photo as reference or better to say - as an idea how it can possibly look like. Actually - this MiG shows probably blue undersides overpainted with white.

But...OK, I will go on with black 36 and just will try to make the coat a bit uneven and messed up just to look a bit realistic and not like a toy  ;)

Thanks again for all the comments, with these may my third or fourth MiG became quite accurate  :D

Well, last pictures I took are before painting:

As my progress was getting little bit faster, I had to slow myself down again a bit - the needle used for highlighting the bigger rivets slided down...
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=48527)

Some basic detail added to the wheel wells:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=48528)

Original pitot tube suffered from bad molding, so I better made a new one:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=48529)

The bombs were also not molded correctly - upper part was moved a bit to the lower side, so there were some step on both sides. It took me about two hours to get them to this point and it is still far from being perfect (the small wings on rear part have wrong shape and are too thick) But I can live with that.
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=48530)

Hi Honza, :)
I suggest to remove paint all the same. Some matt traces on the windshield are compatible with the junction, probably glued, of clear panels.
Your camera is able to take extraordinary details. Or, are you using a microscope?
Massimo

Well, the problem is, that there is framing so traces are along both sides - what will definitely look strange.

And camera - I bougt Olympus C-770 UltraZoom about 1 year ago. Ability of the camera to take good details was one of the most important things while choosing the type. Although it is only 4 megapixel, i am very happy with it. From next picture you can see, that it is good for normal pictures as well  :) (it is from Spain, last year)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/files/zapad01_138.jpg)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/files/zapad02_323.jpg)

Well, back to the MiG. After airbrushing whole kit with Gunze surfacer I found out, that I forgot to remove rear wheel well doors and create leather cover instead. Well, even the kit was allready prepared for painting, I had to correct this:

(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=48916)


Today is holiday (halloween), so in the morning I covered model in layer of surfacer again. Everything was OK, so I started intensive painting session. In the evening is all painting (including details like wheels and so on) finished. Or perhaps I will airbrush red stars as well, but I am not sure if I want to cut all those masks. One red star needs to be sprayed anyway - that one on the spinner. So we will see.

(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=48917)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=48918)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=48919)

BTW, I assume, that on the upper surfaces were no stars - only lower surfaces, fuselage and rudder.

Very very good! :o
Massimo

Again small progress

I cut masks for all stars from rest of the masking sheet. I preferred to use this instead of Tamiya tape as it was easier to cut it. On other hand - the adhere of this material is much worse than Tamiya tape. Anyway at the end I was quite pleased with the result.
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=49235)

To mask this took me more than 30 minutes.
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=49236)

When removing masks I damaged paint job.
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=49237)

After reparation:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=49238)

This time I took picture on white background to show irregular paint cover which was not noticeable on last pictures:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=49239)

And here we have 7th star :-)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=49240)

Hello again,
only to raise a question again:

I am still wondering about colour of those rockets. I haven't find any reference to these rockets on internet as well as in literature I have home. The best picture is on this site (http://mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/mig3/spring42.html but...doesn't help a lot. As a reference I took katyusha rockets - it looks like these were bare metal (or silver) with rear part (stabilizers) black. But rockets for MiG had very different shape. Is it possible, they were black overall with perhaps metal head and perhaps white (yellow?, red?) tip?
Still also wondering about that wire leading to the end of launchers (or rockets directly) In about five different sources are the same drawings showing that wire from the side, but no from upper/lower/front/rear side, so I have no idea if there are three wires or one. In case of three wires - leading from one spot in wing? Any ideas welcomed, thank you :-)

BTW, I have to stop the build for another 3 weeks, as I will be on a duty trip...and anyway waiting for clear decal sheet to print out the black number :-)

Hi Honza, :)
your model is great! A marvel!
About rockets: unfortunately I have few to add to what you already know. Only, there is a small article of EP on Hobbyvista site about RS-82 rockets. They should be very similar, if not identical.
I suppose that the wire comes out from a central hole, and then divides into three for each rocket following the triple support, but I have not any image of it.
Massimo

Hi Massimo,

thank you for praise and help again - I found the article touching those rockets - it's very helpful

Jan

Well, the kit is finished. It took little longer than I expected, but the result is quite satisfying. Actually at the last round of Czech modelling league during last weekend I took with this kit first place in so called "standard kit" category.

The gunsight is made from scratch:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=55819)

And couple of pictures of finished kit:
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=55820)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=55821)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=55822)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=55823)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=55825)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=55826)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=55827)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=55828)

I know, that there are still couple of errors, but...the result as whole is OK  ;)

Great! It looks nearly a model in bigger scale! :o
Can I use text and some images to insert this model in the MiG-3 page, please?
Massimo :)

I'm stuck for words - this is a masterpiece! Brilliant work, Mr Jezl! The image of the gunsight is amazing - how do you do it?! Yes, please can we have some kind of an article for Massimo's MiG-3 pages? I've been printing and saving your images and comments as the thread progressed, but having it all organized off the forum would be an excellent resource. Not that I could ever build something like this myself, but it's very inspiring to see it. The award you received was well deserved, and the Czechs must be the world's best modelbuilders!

John Thompson

Hello,

first of all thanks for compliments. ::) Second, thank for your great help - without that help this kit would never be what it is today.

Now to the article - getting little complicated here. Of course, all what is already published here can be used without problems including pictures. But today contacted me editor of one Czech modelling magazine to write an article about this build. So until this article will be published, I will probably not write anything else on internet (but to be honest - there is not a lot to be added to the stuff already written here ;)
On the other hand - can I use all those hints which were given to me here, Massimo (and others)? Of course, if yes, I will mention the name as well this web page (the link will be there anyway, because this webpage was in fact the first impulse to MiG-3 and not being Hobby Boss out there, I would build RPM instead anyway ;D)

Well, the question about gunsight. As I don't plan to go into such details in the article, here is the answer:
1) Base of the gunsight is from square profile from evergreen. I cut the needle (used by doctors for vaccination-I have various diameters) cleaned and sanded its edges to be sharp. With this I pressed circle into the profile. Then I cut the profile of.
2) Long rod from stretched sprue was glued under the body
3) Side circle is cut of stretched sprue of circular diameter. It took me about three trials to get circle good enough. Again glued on the body
4) In the centre of the circle I glued small rod cut of the stretched sprue. On its end I put small drop of thick humbrol enamel colour.
5) The square thing in front of gunsight (will be painted brown) is cut of evergreen profile again.
And that's it  ;)

Jan

Hi, :)
Honza, all things that you've already written here should be more than sufficient. When I'll update the MiG-3 page, I can use this for two subpages: review of Hobbyboss and report on your own model.
Do you need any image from the site to improve your article?
Massimo

Hi again,

thank you very much. If it will be possible to use some pictures, it will be more than fantastic - to say the truth i didn't expected this offer  ::) I just started preparing what to put into the article and what not, so I am not sure at the moment, what would be helpful. Perhaps photo of camouflage and details showing some changes on the kit. Will let you know and ask later. Once more - thank you a lot

Jan

You're welcome. :)
Massimo

Honzo beautiful MiG !!
Massimo nice co - operation  :D

Ev?en

Really! :)
Massimo

Well done. It doesn't look like 1/72 scale!

Hi all!

If you don't mine, I will add couple of pictures too...? :) Just working on this little gem, adding few items from the Part etched set, plus some scratchbuilding. I'm going to model this plane http://mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/mig3/white54.html . I very appreciate that book by Massimo, it is very helpful!? 8)

Bye for now,
Libor

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/Modeland/Mig-3/02.jpg)
(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/Modeland/Mig-3/01.jpg)
(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/Modeland/Mig-3/03.jpg)

As usual, Libor, your modelbuilding astounds me! On the other hand, I might never try to build another model again...  ;)

John

Hi, :)
great model! I hope to see it completed soon!
I would suggest to make the headrest thinner on its back.
When/if i'll build this model, I think to delete the headrest and the back cushion, and to make an armoured backrest with thin plasticard on which to insert the head cushion of the kit.
Massimo

Hi Massimo,

Yes, you are right, the headrest is pretty thick. I will follow they way you've suggested at my next Mig-3 kits, this one has the cockpit already painted and I'm lazy to rework it.
Over the weekend I plan to spray the camo, just thinking whether to use the sand or light grey color...

Hey John? :)

comm on, don't blame me on? ;D (LOL)! Actually, this one is 'almost' perfect job for you - excellent references available, no cutting or filling needed, just add here and there few pieces of plastic and that's all, don't you think?? 8)

 :D Yes, just that, and building the world's tiniest superdetailed gun sight! Ah, you crazy guys!!!  ;)

John

Hi all,

Here are couple pics of the finished kit.

Cheers,
Libor

(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=73313)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=73314)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=73315)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=73317)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=73318)
(http://modelforum.upce.cz/forum/download.php?id=73316)

Very nice looking build Libor!
Kit looks like it has a fair amount of detail inside and out.
Are the inboard gear door assemblies scratch built? If so, very nice.
Thanks for posting some pictures, I'm almost done Eduard's La-7 and should have some photos to share soon too  ;D

Hi Libor, :)
an excellent model. Can I add it to the MiG-3 page?
Massimo

Hi Jet,

Thanks for your kind comments!  :) The inboard gear doors details are partially scratchbuilt and partially I utilized Part photo-etched set.

Hi Massimo,

Thanks, yes, please add it to the MiG-3 page, I would be very delighted!

Bye for now,
Libor

My, my, my ... today I've got the "Hobby Boss" kit !
Wish me luck, enough time and patience ... ;D

Hi Libor, :)
I'm building a small page on your model. Unfortunately the first photos of your model while being built are not yet available on this forum. Could you send them to me or repost them, please?
Massimo

I've been told by Model Hobbies that they still have approximately *50* of these kits in stock, or available from their supplier:
http://www.modelhobbies.co.uk/shop/hobby-boss-mikoyangurevich-mig3-easy-assembly-80229-p-4997.html

I'm hoping by posting this news that everyone on the forum will buy them all, and I won't have to live with the temptation of buying more - I think the five I've already got should be enough, already... ;)

(I *am* building one, though!)

John

Two more HobbyBoss 1/72 MiG-3 builds:

(1) From the Czech Republic:
http://www.modelforum.cz/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=19089

(2) From the Russian scalemodels.ru Red Stars-2 group build, still in progress:
http://scalemodels.ru/modules/forum/viewtopic_t_29412_start_0.html

John