Trumpter 1/48 MiG-23 MF Flogger B question

[Space Tiger Hobbes]

Can I build a Soviet jet with the Trumpter 1/48 Mig-23MF Flogger B "Hellfighter" boxing? It only has Czech markings. And does anyone make Soviet decals for it? Thanks.

[planeboy]

The Soviets did fly the Mig-23M, of which the MF is a derivative (export version). While the MF's sold to client states were downgraded, the Warsaw Pact countries recieved planes almost identical to the M. Since this plane represents a Polish aircraft, it should be fine as an example of a Soviet M.

As far as the decals, the markings in that boxing include the Cryllic stencils, so you would really just need to source the red stars, bort numbers and any specific squadron markings, although these were pretty rare in the '70's. Depending on your level of required accuracy, you could use the kit provided bort numbers as well and just replace the Polish checkerboard with Soviet stars.

I have this plane 90% finished right now (standard 3-tone green Polish fighter)and i can say the kit and the decals are quite nice. Fun build. Although i ended up reinforcing the joints of the main landing gear with inserted brass rod. Enjoy the build.

[Modelmkr]

Linden Hill decal sheet 48028 has MiG-23M markings for USSR.

Marc B.

[RedStar]

To make a PROPER MiG-23M you'll potentially need to change two things:

1) The main canopy for the MiG-23M didn't always have the center frame that the MiG-23MF did. Trumpeter changed the canopy from the MiG-23M to MiG-23MF kit, so depending on the subject you build this part will either need to be swapped, or the frame sanded and removed. The aircraft in the picture below appears to be a later build MiG-23MF, and does have the frame, so there's a starting point.

2) The rudder hinge for the MiG-23M didn't have the dampers that hte MiG-23MF (and later variants) used. It is a much simpler hinge. They did NOT do this correctly in the MiG-23M kit, and therefore, in either case (M or MF kit) it would need to be corrected.

Here are a couple of linked images that show MiG-23Ms:

I tried to find a closer picture of the tail and hinge, but none came up quickly. But both here shows the difference.

All that said, you're going to be 95% there with the MiG-23MF kit - there are scant few folks that will know the difference, aside from the Russian/Soviet specialists here, you build that kit, put some nice Linden Hill decals on it, and few will call you on it.

Have fun with the project ABOVE ALL!

HTH

Edited July 25, 2013 by RedStar

[Space Tiger Hobbes]

Thanks very much, folks. Squadron's got'em for $29, and I can't turn that down. I found the canopy reference in my In Action and I can't tell what the rudder hinge difference is, so I'm good. Looks like it's got a great ordnance selection.

[RedStar]

When you get the kit, look at the rudder there are two piston/cylinders one above and one below the actual hinge. These are the dampers. The MiG-23M did not have these - that's the difference you're looking for.

It would be relatively easy to fix with a little filler - but as I noted previously, it's all about enjoying the project, and that is a good deal on the kit!

[Floggerman]

Looks like it's got a great ordnance selection.

but keep in mind that the R-24 delivered with the kits are nonsense for both M and MF!

If you want to build a MF you should look at the front part of the bottom tail fin, this is correct for M but not for MF (in both kits the same).

All in all the M kit is not a M and the MF is not a MF...but a mixture of all (including the front gear from ML)

Actually I build the 2nd, a conversion to UB (first was a BN), for sure it's not a bad kit, depending on your skills and expectations.

[Space Tiger Hobbes]

Super info. Thanks, guys. The hinge sounds easy. The gear sounds like something that might be remedied by some aftermarket gear at some point. The fin extension if it's not there is just some plastic sheet. BTW, no MiG-23M decals from Victory that I could find. I'm sure there will be plenty around at some point. From what I'm reading, the B variant was the most numerous and most important in the time period it appeared?

Edited July 27, 2013 by Space Tiger Hobbes

[RedStar]

If you're doing an M - the ventral fin is correct, it must be corrected to do a proper MF. So to your original stated purpose, I don't think it's an issue for you (thus the reason I didn't mention it).

For decals, Linden Hill will be your source. While their Flogger sheets are only released in 1:32 thus far for the kits big brother, if you review their site, the M/MF sheet is already in planning, and should be arriving in the next batch...

Check:

http://lindenhillimports.com/lindenhilldecals.htm

48028 should fit the bill for you, you can see the subjects that will be, at a minimum, included on

http://lindenhillimports.com/lhd32009.htm

It includes three Soviet subjects, including two camo birds and one gray bird. So that decal, a rudder hinge fix and the MF kit will net you a reasonable Soviet MiG-23M... Just be wary of the missiles as noted by Floggerman above, as there are a number of spurious inclusions in the kit.

If you want to doll it up, there are a number of aftermarket sets from both Aires and Eduard's Brassin line. If the 1:48 items fit as well as their 1:32 counter parts, then they're well worth using if they're in your budget and you like details...

HTH

[Floggerman]

If you want to doll it up, there are a number of aftermarket sets from both Aires and Eduard's Brassin line. If the 1:48 items fit as well as their 1:32 counter parts, then they're well worth using if they're in your budget and you like details...

If you want to equip it with R-23 missiles (very typically) I'd advise the Brassin. They are excellent as usual and contain also the correct APU-23 rails (kit rails are complete wrong). Also Eduard splitter plates are a "must-have", they are easy to install and very convincing (BTW: also in 32 scale - better than Zacto's, sorry Chris :rolleyes:/> )The Aires wheel wells are a dream also in 48!

Edited July 27, 2013 by Floggerman

[Space Tiger Hobbes]

Thanks again! Great info. If it's not a U.S. subject, my knowledge goes downhill pretty fast.Couldn't pass up an important subject like this... and it's a hot looking jet anyway.