Mig-21 Lancer A/C from 20+ years ago - retrofit log

1
August 4, 2025
This is the starting point — a basic kit built over 20 years ago. It’s incomplete, missing its canopy, and only partially painted with enamels using a simple brush. The unpainted plastic has yellowed with age, showing the passage of time. But in the spirit of the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold to highlight its history, not hide it — I see value in restoring this piece. Sometimes, what’s rebuilt carries more meaning than something brand new.
2
August 4, 2025
After over two decades, the old enamel coat is gone — carefully stripped with IPA to reveal the bare plastic underneath. The yellowing is still visible, a reminder of its age, but that’s part of the story. Like in kintsugi, this isn’t about erasing the past — it’s about building on it. Now it's a clean slate, ready for a second life.
3
August 4, 2025
Next step: the new instrument panel is in place. I ordered it directly from Italeri — slightly oversized for this older kit version, but with a bit of careful sanding and dry fitting, it settled in nicely. A small but satisfying upgrade that already brings new life to the cockpit. Progress may be slow, but it’s steady.
4
August 4, 2025
Primer coat is down — not just to prepare for paint, but to reveal surface flaws that need attention. Small imperfections, seams, and scratches are much easier to spot now. Next step: sanding and smoothing everything out before moving on.
5
August 6, 2025
Top colors down. I’m glad that the pre-shading is still visible.
6
August 6, 2025
7
August 7, 2025
Painted the underside of my MiG-21 Lancer C (Romanian Air Force) using my new Harder & Steenbeck Infinity with a 0.2 mm needle.
8
August 7, 2025
Used Tamiya X-14 Sky Blue thinned with Mr. Leveling Thinner (MLT). Very happy with the control and smooth finish.
9
August 8, 2025
Romanian Air Force decals are on!
10
August 8, 2025
The decals were very old and tricky to work with, but I’m happy they’re in place and it’s starting to look a lot more like the real LanceR.
11
August 8, 2025
12
September 11, 2025
I finally found a canopy that fits the Hobby Park kit, front side is from the Italeri kit which I had to sand a little bit, back side is Edward. There is also a bit of wash on the model that I will remove soon.
13
October 20, 2025
Back to this bad boy waiting his turn. Aluminium strip on the front, burnt iron engine and replacement canopy parts mounted.
14
October 21, 2025
15
October 22, 2025
Project completed. Now please look at the first picture to see where we started and where we’ve arrived 🙂 thanks
16
October 22, 2025
17
October 22, 2025
18
October 22, 2025
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October 22, 2025
20
October 22, 2025
21
October 22, 2025
22
October 22, 2025

Comments

38 4 August, 16:12

Moreno Baruffini
Really an interesting project! Will you scratch build the pods and the antennas of the Lancer version or you wil go for a obb model?

1 5 August, 15:06

Chilly Billy
Awesome view and mindset on the project. I've been toying with redoing a Panzer II I built after a 20+ year hiatus from modeling. This may have just settled the issue.

1 5 August, 19:42

Cristian A Author
Thanks a lot guys!

@Moreno: Most of the antennas should be present as this has been a "LanceR" kit from the start, but since a lot of the kit parts have taken a beating after 20+ years, I doubt all of them are still complete. I'll add what I can based on the reference photos, and I'll also be using a targeting pod from one of my Israeli Air Force kits if I find a spare one since the same company (Elbit systems) has designed both.

@Billy: really glad to hear I helped inspire you to revisit your Panzer II build — that's awesome! Looking forward to seeing what you do with it. Don't expect the build to be perfect, but give it some well deserved attention and the result will show an improvement and give you great satisfaction.

2 5 August, 20:25

Moreno Baruffini
Great progress mate!

1 9 August, 14:00

Cristian A Author
Thanks Moreno! I found a canopy that fits better, will post some more progress on this soon.

1 19 August, 21:25

Moreno Baruffini
Bravo! Mission accomplished! 👍🏻

22 October, 20:11

Cristian A Author
Thanks Moreno, still room for some Israeli weapons. Will be added as soon as I get some 👍

1 22 October, 20:55