INTERMEDIATE BUILD
Airfix’s lovely MiG-17F returns as the Polish licence-produced LIM-5 variant, and Mike Williams examines how the basic styrene can be improved.
As one of the most successful post-war Soviet jet fighter designs, Mikoyan-Gurevich’s MiG-17 was coveted by other Warsaw Pact nations, who were keen to upgrade their fighter forces with the latest type.
Poland was granted a licence to build the aircraft in 1955 and, over the following five years, approximately 477 aircraft were produced for both the Polish Air Force use and export sales, notably to neighbouring East Germany. Built by PZL (Państwowe Zakłady Lotnicze – State Aviation Works), they were designated LIM-5, which translates loosely as ‘License-built aircraft No.5’.
Above: The sides of Airfix’s ejection seat were thinned gently, to improve its appearance... a medium-grade sanding stick being ideal for this.
Above and below: The integrally moulded leg restraints were carefully pared away from the lower seat, using a brand-new scalpel blade, and PE replacements were attached.
Different take
This kit is, of course, a reissue of Airfix’s MiG-17F Fresco, with the addition of underwing rocket pods and alternative markings pertinent to license-b…
