SkyPainter303's Hobby Boss 1/72 MiG-3

[SkyPainter303]

Because I was thoroughly disgusted with the Zvezda MiG-3, I decided to throw in the towel and buy the much nicer and modern Hobby Boss kit.


Box top






Instructions


Sprues


Decals


Zvezda decals I plan to use in combination with the Hobby Boss decals to make the black and green camouflaged aircraft.

[SkyPainter303]

First off, I painted the cockpit with Model Master enamels using the call outs on the Revell instruction sheet. The Hobby Boss instructions gave no color instructions for the cockpit.


Next up, I added a burnt umber oil wash and a coat of Model Master lusterless (flat) clear laquer


It was then time to attach the wing. As you can see, there was a fitment and shape problem. Along with a small amount of flash, there was an odd step. The lower wing had a slight bulge.


Using my hobby knife, I scraped the plastic into the proper shape. I followed that up with a sanding stick.


With the wing attached, I noticed a slight gap at at each wing root. I filled the gaps with Testors Clear Parts Cement and Window Maker.

[SkyPainter303]

I added the two side intakes and the radiator intake on the bottom


I installed the horizontal stabilizers. The instructions, had these two pieces numbered incorrectly. As numbered, the tabs would not fit into the slots on the fuselage. Flipped around, they fit fine.


I did not like the way the underside aft of the radiator intake ended abruptly. To make it more closely match the drawings on the instructions, I added some Tamiya Basic Gray Putty.


I sanded the putty into a smooth shape


To fill in some pits and imperfections, I brushed on some Tamiya Surface Primer. Next up, I'll sand this primer with some fine grit sandpaper.

[SkyPainter303]

I have a short update today. Later this afternoon I may have another.

Still using Revell instructions color call outs, I sprayed the propeller Model Master equivalent to Anthracite grey - Schwarzgrau RLM 66. I decided to go with the overall green camouflage option. Using information from the website, Modeling the VVS, I chose Model Master Green FS34258 representing a newly painted aircraft in AII Green. This is the color I sprayed the spinner. I like to have moving propellers, so I painted these parts ahead of time. That way I can insert the propshaft stop in the fuselage. I'll mask these parts when I do the overall painting.

[SkyPainter303]

The assembled prop is now attached to the fuselage via the shaft and shaft-stop.


I then glued on the lower fairing. The prop does turn, but not freely.

Tonight I worked on the canopy I masked it with Tamiya masking tape. The fit of the canopy on the fuselage is quite bad. The canopy itself is made of nice, thin plastic, there is just not enough room for proper fit over the seatback/headrest. I haven't seen such bad fit since I attempted the 1/48 scale Revellogram P-61 Black Widow. I'll post a photo update tomorrow once the glue has dried.

[SkyPainter303]

I got the canopy attached using Testors Clear Parts cement. It is a solid connection, but you can see the huge gap. After this photo was taken, I filled the gap with Tamiya Liquid Surface Primer. It isn't perfect, but it is presentable.




My attempt at pre-shading.

[TheTroyster]

I like how you masked off the Propeller - that's a great idea.

[SkyPainter303]

I like how you masked off the Propeller - that's a great idea.

Thanks. This method as worked for me in the past.

[SkyPainter303]

I painted the underside with Testors Gloss Light Blue 1108. According to http://www.paint4models.com, this is the equivalent of Mr. Color 20; the color Hobby Boss calls for.


I also sprayed the landing gear and landing gear doors.


To facilitate painting the tires, I cut some wheel masks using my vinyl cutter/plotter.

[SkyPainter303]

Masked off the surfaces that are to remain blue.


Airbrushed the green upper surfaces.

[SkyPainter303]

A small update this morning. More to follow soon.


Unmasked


Assembling the landing gear

[SkyPainter303]

Landing gear attached


Exhaust painted and attached.

[SkyPainter303]

I airbrushed on a coat of Model Master Clear Over Coat which is a clear, gloss, enamel. I then applied the decals and sprayed on another clear coat.

Next up will be a Ultimate Dark Dirt wash, and an airbrushed exhaust stain. I also need to paint and mount the rockets, attach the antenna mast and pitot tube. After that will be the final Testors Dullcote lacquer.

[SkyPainter303]

I applied the dirt wash.

[Schoof]

Just under 2 weeks left.... time flies when having fun