The MiG-17 was a further improved design of the very successful MiG-15 (which saw a lot of combat in the Korean War). It came to late for the Korean War, but was subsequently built in large numbers (more than 6,000) and served in more than 15 air arms. Their finest hour came in the Vietnam War, when they formed the backbone of the Air Force of the North Vietnamese Army.

The PF-version was equipped with the Izumrud radar system, and became the first all-weather, jet-powered night fighter of the Warsaw Pact Forces. Armed with one 37mm and two 23mm guns, plus optionally with two AA-1 Alkali air-to-air missiles, the Mig-17 had an impressive firepower.

I took some decals from the SuperScale sheet 48-420.

With the help of Eduard's PE-set (no. 48-010), I was able to built a decent cockpit - at least. There are also some items in this set to improve the wheels and the engine exhaust.

I have airbrushed the whole kit in two shades of Testors Metallizers and then polished some panels. But after sealing (with Testors own stuff), all the polishing and shading was even again. But then I learnt, that most MiG-17 has been painted with a silver lacquer for weather protection. So I left the paint job done.

Jagdgeschwader 9 /
Luftstreitkräfte der Nationalen Volksarmee der DDR

based at Peenemünde AB, East Germany
ca. December 1961