I
am sure that many of you have this 1/48 ESCI kit in the “probably will never
build” or “maybe will build it when Eduard comes with the new sets”
category. To be honest this particular model was in that category for me as
well. Until a friend of mine and ARC regular visitor Federico Kunz from Mexico
City has approached me with the idea of joining their local modeling club called
“The Seals” for their 1/48 MIGs Group Build that they will present at the
IPMS Mexico. In my case it will be only a picture of the model. One of the
friends built the Mig 27 from ESCI so I decided to tackle the Mig-23MF.
I
had obtained the kit already with a resin correction for the tail fin and the
main landing gear bays. The kit itself is regarded as quite inaccurate, features
raised panel lines that are totally wrong and a pitiful cockpit detail. I have
to say that it is true in almost all aspects, but with the fin correction and
some sanding the model resembles the Mig and that is good enough for me. As for
the kit, I rescribed the panel lines according to the drawings from 4+
publication. The cockpit was grabbed and grafted from 1/48 OEZ MIG-21MF kit. The
cockpits were looking at least remotely similar between the two aircraft, and I
did not feel like getting any other accessories for the kit. The seat is a Pavla
Models resin seat. The fit of the kit is not the worst I have to say, just the
detail is missing. The main landing gear wheels are totally unusable from the
box. I have used sheet plastic to help them look better, but there are resin
replacements available if you feel like getting them. Another option would be to
use Mig-29 wheels as I was told they were the same size between the two
aircraft.
Click on
images below to see larger images
The
paint scheme is a commemorative scheme for the 50th anniversary of
the 1st Fighter Regiment in 1994. Now it is on display in the Czech
Air Force museum in
Prague
, but it is quite weathered now since the aircraft is outside exposed to all the
weather elements. I have tried to depict the aircraft as relatively new, so no
weathering there, just a bit in the gear wells and the panel lines have been
highlighted using “Payne gray” oil paint wash. Painting itself was done by
multiple masking and touch ups by fine brush afterwards. It was quite time
consuming but was worth the effort. Even though, I would like it to look better.
All
in all I am happy with the results, and the MIG 23 is an amazing great looking
aircraft and a great addition to the jet collection. It is a pity that nobody
has made a better model in the 1/48 scale. The only available ones are the old
ESCI – out of production, HOBBYCRAFT – out of production was basically
rescribed ESCI, and now ITALERI – which is ESCI – same model same mold, new
decals.
Well
I hope you like the model, feedback is welcome.
Cheers,
Jarda
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