Trumpeter 1/48 MiG-21MF information request

[Tyxxx 22]

I have started the Trumpeter Fishbed, hopefully a quick out of the box build apart from a new seat. However, having started the cockpit it has become obvious it doesn't resemble early or late examples. A quick search for a replacement hasn't thrown up any for the Trumpeter release, I assume because the kit is reasonably new. Has any of my fellow members tried to fit an Academy or Eduard example and if so how did you get on. It may be a case of leaving it until specific releases arrive on the market.

Thank you for your assistance guys and gals!

Andy

[matteo44 67]

Hi Andy...

Sorry but I don't know reply at your question...

In my personal opinion, maybe, is better wait the new releases for the specific kit...  

[Troy Smith 2,122]

Hi Andy

 

Quote

However, having started the cockpit it has become obvious it doesn't resemble early or late examples. 

 

Most likely because it's not a very accurate kit.....

see here

http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?/topic/289063-trumpeters-48th-scale-mig-21mf/&page=2#comment-2762657

 

this is the Mig-21F-13

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234996005-trumpeter-148-mig-21f-13/

the F-13 and the UM kits would be useful, as Eduard have not done them.   I got an F-13 cheap, and compared to an Eduard PF (most of the main airframe is the same)  the Trumpeter kits is 'off' in so many details

 

Given external errors, internal errors would be no surprise. (there are some on the F-13)

 

IMHO you may as well just build it 'as is' ,  Trumpeter kits are usually good kits,  well engineered, good fit, just frequently inaccurate ...  If you want an accurate MiG-21MF,  the Eduard kit can be got cheap

eg

http://www.mjwmodels.co.uk/edk84128-148-mikoyan-mig-21mfn-fishbed-j-weekend-4246-p.asp

or keep an eye of Creative Models weekly specials, or BIN on ebay

 

Sorry if this seems negative,  just Trumpeter/Hobbyboss are now infamous for botching so many subjects it's always worth doing some research.

Actually, this goes for any kit, it's very rare you won't find a balanced review from someone who knows what they are talking about (you will also get 'The Parrots' who will say they will never buy a Trumpyboss kit whatever ..)

When Trumpeter get the correct info, they do make accurate kits....   in the case of the MiG-21 there is not excuse, as they have plenty in China

 

HTH

 

[Tyxxx 22]

Cheers for the replies gents. I was given the kit so no financial hit with this one. I was looking at a quick from the box build but been 1/48th and my OCD kicking in the cockpit started to annoy me! I may suck it up and go with the box offerings although I have replaced the seat so that may have to do. I have never built a 1/48 scale kit and needed the practice before getting stuck into Tamiya's F-14! Go with it I think.

[Troy Smith 2,122]

if you didn't buy it, and given the problems I suggest bypassing OCD and enjoy the practice,  as I said, Trumpeter kits are if nothing else usually decent kits.

 

One thing that might be worth investigating is if a spare Eduard canopy would fit, as that Eduard sprue has 3 main canopies 

see

http://www.hyperscale.com/2011/reviews/kits/eduard8231reviewjh_1.htm

3 very similar canopies,  somebody will have the right type spare, or even the wrong one would still be better.

If you know any fellow modellers who have done an Eduard MiG-21,  no idea if an eduard spare would fit,  but if it does it's a simple upgrade

 

Or, If you have added a new seat, build it open canopy which might hide the  bulge and not worry.  

 

cheers

T