1/32 Trumpeter Mig-21MF

Gallery Article by Tom Valaoras on Sept 7 2011

 

The Mig 21 had the longest production run of any jet aircraft (1959-1985). The Romanian Air Force had numerous MF versions updated by the Israeli company Elbit Systems to the Lancer B and C types (110 total). This was found to be far more cost effective than purchasing new F-16s or Eurofighter Typhoons, and they were already familiar with how to fly and maintain the plane. The upgrades were mainly to the weapons systems and to the avionics.

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I built the plane out of the box, but significant detailing of the engine and the tail section interior had to be added using scratch-built plastic pieces and Eduard photoetched metal engine details to best match the photos. Based on excellent photos from the ARC Mig-21 “Lancer” walkaround link by Luc Colin, I was able to modify the cockpit to match the updates from the Israelis, from my spares kit and Eduard cockpit details. Additional antennas were added from scratch. Tamiya and Alclad metalizer paints were used along with Tiger Wings Decals. 

The main reference was Mig-21MF/UM in detail by Frantisek Koran et al., which in my opinion is an absolute must if superdetailing is a desired effect with the Trumpeter 1:32 scale model.

Thanks for the interest! 

Tom Valaoras

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Photos and text © by Tom Valaoras