Updated on April 21, 2023

 

This image was thought to show a winter camouflaged MiG-3 without any visible number. Its interest is mainly in the rarity of early type MiG-3s still serviceable in winter 1941/42 to receive the winter finish. A closer examination of the fin, increasing the contrast, seems to show what could be a number of two digits; the first one is certainly 2, while the second one is more ambiguous but can be read as 6. The numbers have very low contrast with the irreglar winter white, but have a lighter white contour; it is not clear if this white contour was made accurately with enamels or is the result of contouring the existing numbers with winter white by brush. The white area around the spinner seems a defect of the photo, because the spinner itself doesn't seem accurately painted nor glossy.   early type, probably without slats; equipped with radio, at least the mast and receiver; white winter painting with MK-7 distemper by brush; possibly light blue 26 with white contour on the fin; AII light blue undersurfaces, appearing even lighter than the winter white uppersurfaces due to snow reflexes.

Disclaimer

This work collects also a lot of photos and drawings from many sources, not always identified and mentioned.
If someone has some rights on the images here reproduced, please email to me and I shall provide to remove or to credit them.
While the historical photos are of public domain (except where otherwise stated), my color profiles and coloured photos are copyrighted.
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Massimo Tessitori