Originally released in 1990 this 1/48th Hobbycraft MiG-17F kit was one of the few productions of this MiG type, in this scale, for a couple of decades (the other being Smer). Basic and relatively inexpensive it provided a kit or starting point for those seeking a MiG-17 in our collection.
Notable Kit Features:
Basic construction with few parts
Cockpit tub has raised detail on consoles and instrument panel
Engraved panel lines
Pylons and bombs / tanks included
Reasonably priced
Build Inspiration:
While I had a large number of USAF / USN aircraft from the Vietnam conflict, I didn't have much in the way of NVAF representation in my collection. The single-seat MiG-17 was heavily armed and highly manoeuvrable, posing a formidable adversary for the intruding aircraft.
Heads-Up Report:
Very basic instructions
Cockpit detail could be added although it won't be very visible
Panel lines are a bit wide
Intake is shallow with no trunking or backplate
Gear wells seem shallow with little detail
Exhaust is just a round tube
All control surfaces are molded neutral
Nose guns are basic plastic rod
No separate speed brakes or flaps
Canopy glass is heavy
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Added pilot to cockpit
Replaced kit guns with hypodermic needles
Finishing:
I finished this 1/48th Hobbycraft MiG-17F in NVAF markings. The underside of the wings were reported to be natural metal while the upper sides and fuselage were a blend of camouflage greens. The colour tones were my best guestimate. At the time I was still using oil-based enamels. The pattern was close to what I was trying to achieve however, definitely
could have been improved upon.
The After-Build Report:
The 1/48th Hobbycraft MiG-17F is still a decent basic / budget build if that suits your requirements. With the arrival of the 1/48th Hobbyboss MiG-17 kit in 2008, which brought much more detail, including a nicely appointed engine, plus the recent addition of the highly detailed AMMO MiG-17 series, model makers now have a few options for their Fresco build.
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers
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