Can you build a MiG-21PFM from the Zvezda MiG-21bis?

[Procopius]

Zvezda released a 1/72 MiG-21PFM about a decade ago, and it  seems more or less impossible to find in this country, whereas the -21bis is still somewhat available. I recall there being some unused parts when I built my MiG-21bis a few years back, and I was wondering: OOB, can a MiG-21PFM (or any other MiG variant) be built from the Zvezda MiG-21bis? I know the RV one is out, and I have one, but it looks a tiny bit weird to me and I want a fallback option. 

[Giorgio N]

Unfortunately it's not possible with the parts included in the kit: some of the unused parts in the bis box are indeed from the PFM sprues but the two kits have different fuselage halves. The bis does have a separate spine, however the PFM does not and the spine is moulded with the fuselage.

It may be possible to add a separate PFM spine to the bis fuselage but there would still be a few modifcations needed, for example in the tail.

Unfortunately it's not possible with the parts included in the kit: some of the unused parts in the bis box are indeed from the PFM sprues but the two kits have different fuselage halves. The bis does have a separate spine, however the PFM does not and the spine is moulded with the fuselage.

It may be possible to add a separate PFM spine to the bis fuselage but there would still be a few modifcations needed, for example in the tail.

[Procopius]

Alas! Thank you, though, Giorgio, that's exactly what I needed to know.

[Navy Bird]

5 hours ago, Procopius said:

Zvezda released a 1/72 MiG-21PFM about a decade ago, and it  seems more or less impossible to find in this country, whereas the -21bis is still somewhat available. I recall there being some unused parts when I built my MiG-21bis a few years back, and I was wondering: OOB, can a MiG-21PFM (or any other MiG variant) be built from the Zvezda MiG-21bis? I know the RV one is out, and I have one, but it looks a tiny bit weird to me and I want a fallback option. 

 

Is the "weird" part of your RV MiG-21 the nose intake? 

 

Cheers,

Bill

[Procopius]

3 hours ago, Navy Bird said:

 

Is the "weird" part of your RV MiG-21 the nose intake? 

 

 

Yep, exactly, Bill! I've seen Laurent's fix for it, but was hoping there was an easier way.

[niki]

18 hours ago, Procopius said:

Yep, exactly, Bill! I've seen Laurent's fix for it, but was hoping there was an easier way.

 

Someone on a German forum suggested a couple of years ago that the intake issue on the RV Fishbeds could be addressed in a simpler way, by omitting the separate intake ring (which, apparently, adds to the actual, proper overall length anyway) altogether. You would thus end up with a much bigger/ wider opening in the nose, which you would just have to tidy up a bit.

 

The definitive joy killer for me in the R.V. MiG-21 boxes is the front part of the canopy with its totally disproportionate frames. Perhaps they could be sanded down, masked fresh and painted for a better look...!?

 

Cheers,

Niki

 

Edited September 17, 2016 by niki

[Procopius]

Very interesting, Niki! I may try that, as it sounds like a very easy solution.

[zkalos]

The whole RV is way off ! Too fat the whole fuselage by 1-2 mmm, because this made from old Fujimi kits. The canopy total wrong in shape too and the horizontal stabilizer not correct in shape. I totally dissapointed and sell RV quickly. The best bis in 1/72 is the Zvezda. The real bis (and Zvezda too) has  a drooping "barrel" nose, not just shorted nose ring in real life. Therefore You can't make correct PFM from it if You care the PFM's correct shape. The spin wrong too for the PFM. Too much works needed for the conversion I think. But not impassible.

 

Edited September 18, 2016 by zkalos