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Airfix has released images of the first test shots of their 1/72 scale Mikoyan Gurevich MiG 17 ‘Fresco’

”Having already shown images from the MiG scan data and computer design files produced in support of this new project, Workbench readers have become familiar with the various stages in the production of any new Airfix kit over the years and will have been looking forward to seeing the next major stage in this particular project – inspecting pictures of the first test frames. The first time plastic is shot through a new model tooling block must be a time of great excitement for the Airfix team, if tempered with just a little trepidation. Until they can thoroughly inspect the resultant component frames from the new tool, they cannot check if all the features they planned to be incorporated into any new model have been represented correctly - they will also need to check that the new kit is a logical and pleasurable build for most modellers, at the same time. What is certain, the team will now be facing another extremely busy period of checking and report writing following arrival of the test frames, as they will need to assess every aspect of the new model tooling, usually making a series of modification recommendations at this stage, whilst at the same time thinking about build guidance information for inclusion in the instruction booklet. In a welcome break away from their computer screens, this stage will also allow them the opportunity to indulge their passion for the hobby, as the test frame components all need to be constructed and checked, another essential stage in this fascinating process.
The following series of images are the latest Workbench exclusives and you are seeing them before anyone else outside of the Airfix development team. They feature the first test frames from the new 1/72nd scale Mikoyan Gurevich MiG 17 ‘Fresco’ tooling and serve to reassure us all that this latest new tooling project is advancing nicely towards its scheduled release date – please remember that these are still very much at the development stage and still represent a relatively early stage in this process. We show these images knowing that our readers are now more than comfortable with the various production stages in the life of a new model tooling, accepting that these early test frames allow the Airfix design team to continue their work in ensuring a new model can soon grace the workstations and display cabinets of modellers.
As the latest image exclusive for Workbench readers, these test frame images represent the first time plastic has been injected through the new 1/72nd scale MiG 17 tool and represent a significant stage in the development of this new kit all over the world. These slightly angled views of the component frames give modellers a much clearer indication of what they can look forward to on their workbenches in the months to come.
The test frames above serve to underline the relatively simple, yet extremely distinctive design of the MiG 17 Fresco jet fighter, an aircraft type which is destined to receive much more enthusiast attention following the release of this new kit. Indeed, perhaps the most interesting aspect of the MiG 17 from the modeller’s perspective will be the myriad of attractive scheme options which were applied to an aircraft which went on to serve with around 25 different air arms across the world, nations as diverse as Albania and Uganda. Indeed, several examples of this aircraft were even used by the US Air Force, to provide their pilots with dissimilar air combat training, following the end of the Vietnam War, a programme which proved invaluable in preparing US pilots for modern air combat.

Our new 1/72nd scale MiG 17 Fresco A03091 is currently scheduled for a November release and we very much look forward to bringing you further project updates as we approach this date.”
Airfix

A03091 - Mikoyan Gurevich MiG 17 ‘Fresco’ – 1/72

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