Iraqi/Yugoslav Mig 23 ML Zvezda 1/72 Quick build

[Supercuber]

Just started this Zvezda 1/72 Mig 23, as a quick build for a IPMS Serbia-Overseas Section SMW 2013. display.

Hope will finish it , pack it and mail it on time to be seen at SMW.

Well, that's the Zvezda pack,

with some extra decals and Ne-Omega KM-1 resin ejection seat.

[Supercuber]

Despite this Mig 23 ML carries Yugoslav AF markings , its in fact one of 8 Iraqi Mig 23 ML's undergoing service and upgrade in ZMAJ-Zagreb(Croatia) overhauling facility, in late 1980s. They had YAF markings during test flights and ferry flight from Zagreb to Belgrade only. They were never used in YAF, and were grounded. Due the Gulf war , and later the Balkan's conflicts, overhauling was never completed and 8 Mig 23s together with 9 MiG-21bis with RSBN-5S system were stored, some complete, at open storage, some crated.

Mig 23ML are 23-19 variant. It's rare modification of 23 for middle east countries with airframe of MiG-23ML and some MiG-23MLD's avionics.

Photos courtesy of Mr. Milan Micevski,

Edited October 24, 2013 by Supercuber

[Col.]

This promises to be interesting. Quite a few options on the small decal sheet there as well.

[Supercuber]

I think that Lift Here decal sheets 1/72 (E-72LH) and 1/48 (C-48LH) for Yugoslav MIG's, including this Mig 23 ML are long time out of stock, but possibly could be find at LindenHill decals or at EBAY.

I have just this small sheet for some Mig 21's, and YU AF roundells and state flag fits the Mig 23 markings and paint scheme.

[Supercuber]

Some parts cleaning and dry fitting ,

Lead weight glued in radome cone,

and sealed with white glue,

[Supercuber]

Ejection seat KM-1 ( Ne-Omega) , removed from casting block,

Cockpit detailing, OOB mostly,

Edited October 24, 2013 by Supercuber

[Supercuber]

Paint and markings scheme,

[Supercuber]

Let's gluing,

And there is a problem, wing root strake plug ( triangular part), does not fit for ML version ( kit is MLD), its too small,

To correct this, styrene sheets parts used,

Edited October 24, 2013 by Supercuber

[Supercuber]

And now, sanding,

Sanded styrene wing root strakes , sealed with supreglue, polished,

and primed with ALCLAD Microfiller,

[Supercuber]

Few final touches with sand paper,

and canopy glued and filled with Micro Kristal Klear

Some pylons and antennas glued, canopy masked and Mig is ready for coat of primer paint, but, that will wait till tomorrow,

Edited October 24, 2013 by Supercuber

[Col.]

You are certainly keeping a fast pace on this one.

[Supercuber]

DAY TWO,

Today's progress, airbrushing, masking, airbrushing...

Canopy green, first,

Just a bit of pre-shading,

Mox of Revell/Humbrol/PrecisionPaints

Edited October 26, 2013 by Supercuber

[Supercuber]

DAY THREE,

And now, decalling, with lot of Future/Pronto used,

And after some drybrushing, and shading-spraying with diluted gray and black paint, 3 day's project is finished,

More photos here:

Will be displayed at SMW 2013 , IPMS Serbia-Overseas Section display.

[exdraken]

nice subject and model!

[Supercuber]

Thanx for the comment.