Vallejo Model Air Set: Soviet/Russian MiG-21 “Fishbed” Colors (8 Colors, Ref. 71.607)
This paint set brings together 8 carefully selected Model Air colors for Soviet and Russian “Fishbed” aircraft, covering finishes used from the 1950s through the 1990s. Developed by Vallejo as Ref. 71.607, this set helps modelers recreate the distinctive camouflage and underside color areas seen across standard Soviet service aircraft and export schemes.
Whether you are building an early service aircraft or a later desert or green camouflage subject, Vallejo 71.607 gives you a practical mix of browns, sands, greens, and faded underside blues. The set also includes aircraft profiles and application guidance, which adds value beyond the bottles themselves.
The MiG-21 served with over 50 air forces across three decades. Common export schemes include Indian AF three-tone camouflage, Vietnamese VPAF green, and Czech AF grey. The 8 colors in this set cover the standard Soviet VVS palette and form a solid base for many export operator schemes with minor additions.
Why Use the Vallejo “Fishbed” Paint Set?
- Historically Focused Selection: Curated around Soviet and Russian “Fishbed” camouflage and underside colors used on operational aircraft from the Cold War era through the 1990s.
- Airbrush-Ready Model Air Formula: Smooth-flowing acrylic colors suitable for camouflage work, soft transitions, and layered finishes.
- Useful 8-Color Range: Includes key browns, sands, greens, and light blue-grey tones used across multiple Soviet and export camouflage schemes.
- Reference Material Included: Comes with aircraft profiles and application guidance to help with scheme selection.
Included Colors & Technical Specifications
This set contains 8 bottles of Model Air (17 ml each) in the following colors:
Product Code: 71.607 | Vallejo Air War set reference
| Ref. Number | Color Name | Suggested Additional Use |
| 71.032 | Golden Brown | Warm brown disruptive camouflage, dust-toned shading, and weathered earth panels on other post-war aircraft |
| 71.046 | Pale Blue Grey | Light grey-blue undersides, faded lower surfaces, and cool transitional tones on other Soviet jets |
| 71.081 | Ochre | Ochre-leaning camouflage patches, sun-faded brown areas, and warm sand modulation |
| 71.137 | US Light Green | Lighter green camouflage zones, faded field-applied greens, and upper-surface variation |
| 71.143 | UK Light Stone | Sand-heavy aircraft schemes, desert vehicles, and pale sun-bleached camouflage sections |
| 71.244 | Sand Beige | Beige camouflage patches, dusty transitions, and warm light-earth finishes on other aircraft or AFV subjects |
| 71.332 | Underside Blue “Faded” | Weathered blue undersides, oxidized lower surfaces, and faded blue-grey blending work |
| 71.347 | Russian AF Dark Green | Dark upper-surface camouflage, green disruptive patterns, and deeper contrast areas on other Soviet aircraft |
How to Paint MiG-21 Fishbed Camouflage Schemes
- Surface Preparation: Prime the model first to help the lighter colors cover more evenly and improve adhesion.
- Base Colors: Start with the underside shades before building the upper camouflage.
- Camouflage Work: Apply the green, sand, and brown tones in thin coats and build the pattern gradually.
- Cleanup: Clean the airbrush promptly after use with water or a suitable acrylic cleaner.
Pro Tips for Cold War Jet Detailing
- Scale Effect: In smaller scales, lighten the camouflage tones slightly if you want a softer finish.
- Weathering Use: 71.332 Underside Blue “Faded” works well for worn lower surfaces and faded Soviet-style undersides.
- Set Expansion: The listed individual colors make it easier to replace specific bottles later or expand into related Soviet aircraft projects.