ICM Ghost of Kyiv MiG 29 Scale Model Build - Part 2 - Getting the fuselage halves together

Part 2 of my build of ICM's 1/72 scale model MiG-29, released as the "Ghost of Kyiv" set - reference 72140.
You can purchase the kit through Amazon: amzn.to/3pvaj1j
You can also buy the paint set on Amazon: amzn.to/3c3pYBP
In this part it's creating the main structure of the MiG-29, and getting it to look neat.
I've heard of quite a few people complain about this kit because of the fit quality of the pieces, therefore I was wary of that when approaching the build. I deliberately took my time with the air intakes, and applied the same thought process to the build; meaning plenty of test fitting and building in sections.
It it tempting with a kit to check the parts fit, slap on some glue and maybe put on a few clamps; then expect the kit to need little more than a small wipe of filler and a quick sand. With a more methodical approach I put the two halves together in stages; firstly the rear section (which didn't have any locating pins!) and left it for an hour or so whilst I had lunch. Once happy that the clamps had held it securely in position and the glue had dried I worked on the front half. This process seems to work well - and gave a better result that if I'd tried to do it all in one go.
Giving the mating surfaces a good sand to get as flat and smooth as possible helped the wings go on, but there were issues with the tail-planes as the locating tabs were much larger than the holes for them to go it. The end result was gaps, but nothing a little filler wouldn't sort out.
For gluing I selected Revell Contacta for these parts over Tamiya Extra Thin. This glue is more "sticky" and has greater bite, and using the applicator helps control the amount of glue used - limiting how much would need cleaning up afterwards. Once dried some Extra Thin was brushed over the join to strengthen it.
Once the glues had fully cured I used Squadron Green Putty as the main filler - and this was diluted into a paste with Mr Hobby Self-Levelling Thinners. This filler is a little tougher than the water based Perfect Plastic Putty, which I used as a finishing filler to give a final smooth surface. Both fillers can be worked into the gaps, excess wiped away and sanded smooth once dry.
See more information and images of this build at: robsmodels.co....

[@RobsModels]

Again, sorry about the reverb/echo when something bangs on the desk (or when I'm getting some Tamiya Extra Thin on the brush!)

[@stregasplasticcartel812]

Just subscribed. Look forward to having a sit down and watching through your videos. Keep up the awesome work 👍👍

[@StevenSeabass]

Looking great so far! Are there going to be parts for painting etc as I am looking to build this next and have got a lot of info from your previous 2 parts. Thanks

[@RobsModels]

Yes!! In the process of painting it at the moment - but more complicated than I thought as I using paint masks. (And I must admit it’s pretty daunting so I’ve been putting it off!!!)

[@EdgeR2]

what's your current impression of the kit?

[@RobsModels]

It's a bit of an odd one. On one hand it has some really good and fine detail which has been crisply moulded, but on the other hand there has been some crazy fit issues.
The model is currently in primer stage and I'm pleased with how it is looking - though plenty of patience building it and repetitive uses of filler and sanding is needed to avoid gaps.