This is the Fujimi 1:72 scale kit of the MiG-21MF, known as the балала́йка (balalaika).
In 1973 the Bangladesh Air Force had one squadron of eight MiG-19MF fighter aircraft plus two trainers which made up the bulk of their figter capability.
A total of 10 645 aircraft were built in the USSR. They were produced in three factories: AZ 30/MMZ Znamya Truda in Moscow (3203 aircraft); GAZ 21 in Gorky (5765 aircraft); and TAZ 31 in Tblisi (1678 aircraft). First flown in 1955 and entering service in 1959, it remains in service in over 15 countries. The most notable use of the type was in the destruction of parts of the USAF and US Navy during their attacks on Viet Nam where PAVN pilots using the MiG-21 could be confident of a kill when meeting the F-4 Phantom. Used by the USSR and exported to over 55 countries, the MiG-21 is the most-produced supersonic jet aircraft of all time.
The kit was built OOB in four days for the IPMS Ottawa Thanksgiving Lightning Build event. Metallic body paint is Vallejo acrylic, with Tamiya for interiors. I hand cut masks for the canopy, and dropped the flaps. Decals, while extensive, were not of great quality, and the roundels were in poor shape. Tiny markings were in very good condition.
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| Bangladesh Air Force, MiG-19MF, circa 1973 |
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| Bangladesh Air Force, MiG-19MF, circa 1973 |
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| Bangladesh Air Force, MiG-19MF, circa 1973 |
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Bangladesh Air Force, MiG-19MF, circa 1973
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| MiG-19MF #201 in the Bangladesh Air Force Musem |
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MiG-21MF in the GAZ 21 Zavod/factory in Gorky,
which just so happens to be in my spare bathroom |
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MiG-21MF in the GAZ 21 Zavod/factory in Gorky,
which just so happens to be in my spare bathroom |
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MiG-21MF in the GAZ 21 Zavod/factory in Gorky,
which just so happens to be in my spare bathroom |
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MiG-21MF in the GAZ 21 Zavod/factory in Gorky,
which just so happens to be in my spare bathroom |
