MJK Models

For my GWCC 2026 entry, I will be building a Nieuport XVII representing an aircraft operated by Soviet forces during the turbulent years following World War I and the Polish-Soviet war 1919-1921. While the Nieuport XVII is best known for its service with the Allied air forces during the Great War, many surviving aircraft continued flying long after the conflict ended. Some found their way into the hands of the newly formed Soviet air units, where they served during a period of dramatic political and military transformation. This project aims to tell the story of one of these aircraft and the pilots who flew them under the Red Star. By combining historical research with detailed scale modeling, I hope to capture a lesser-known chapter of aviation history, where obsolete yet capable fighters continued to play a role in shaping the future of military aviation. The build will focus on: Historically accurate Soviet markings and insignia Detailed cockpit and rotary engine construction Realistic fabric, wood, and metal finishes Authentic rigging and structural details Weathering that reflects operational service during the Russian Civil War period My goal is to create a model that not only showcases the elegant design of the Nieuport XVII but also highlights its continued service beyond the First World War. Through this project, I hope to shed light on an often-overlooked period in aviation history and honor the pilots who flew these fragile machines during times of great uncertainty and change. Welcome to the journey, and thank you for following the build of this Soviet Nieuport XVII as part of the "Wings of the Great War" project for GWCC 2026.