Thanks Guys!
I can see the end coming! Tonight I did some minimal paint chipping with silver paint and a very fine brush, and painted the navigation lights. Then after snapping an axle and having to repair it with wire, I glued on the landing gear.
Still a lot of small bits to go, but I should finish in two or three more short sessions at the work bench.
Here it is, finished at last. Hope you like it. I'll post the finished thread in the next couple of days. The last few pics are my whole VVS collection.
Sure came out very nice! Makes me wanna finish my MiG too. Just a few loose ends to tie up here. Also, gotta luv that nice lineup of Russian birds. I especially like the Yak and LaGG right there. I don't mind too much about the 'Rata' though, but that's personal taste. From a historical point of view it should be up there with the others.