[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

1/72 PLAAF Mig-21

Not sure which variant it is, appears to be a Mig-21MF or J-7D ?
Perhaps our Mig-21 expert, Skanchan can spread more light on this.

This is a very nice model. Is this the first PLAAF model on our thread? I like its detailing. What make is it - do they carry uncommon models. Congratulations. Good stuff.

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

This is a very nice model. Is this the first PLAAF model on our thread? I like its detailing. What make is it - do they carry uncommon models. Congratulations. Good stuff.

I think it might be the first PLAAF model. Its some Chinese brand bought from Aliexpress. They also have a 3 pack of Mig-17, Mig-19 and Mig-21(actually PLAAF J-5, J-6 and J-7) in 1/72 of the same quality at a very reasonable price if you are interested.

Most of their models are of mainstream aircraft.

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

I think it might be the first PLAAF model. Its some Chinese brand bought from Aliexpress. They also have a 3 pack of Mig-17, Mig-19 and Mig-21(actually PLAAF J-5, J-6 and J-7) in 1/72 of the same quality at a very reasonable price if you are interested.

Most of their models are of mainstream aircraft.

Please could you share the link. Thanks a lot. My interest would be in the MiG-19 version

[skanchan95]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

Tupolev Tu-114, Soviet long range airliner :: 1:500 Herpa

Congratulations. ANother unique Russian beauty in your collection.

Originally Posted by Foxbat

1/72 PLAAF Mig-21

Not sure which variant it is, appears to be a Mig-21MF or J-7D ?
Perhaps our Mig-21 expert, Skanchan can spread more light on this.

Very nice looking J-7III. Congratulations.

If I were you, I would be so tempted to think of scrubbing off Chinese markings and putting IAF markings on it to represent an IAF MiG-21MF.

The J-7III(J-7C/D) was a unlicensed copy of the Russian MiG-21MF and had a very short production run & service with life with the PLAAF. The Chinese had managed to acquire an Arab MiG-21MF in the late early 80s(I think it was an ex-Egyptian one) and managed to clone it in their infamous Aircraft cloning labs.The Russians weren't amused, but couldn't do a thing about it!!!! They couldn't threaten or act against the Egyptians because they at that point of time were supplementing their fleet of mostly Russian built jets with F-4s and French Mirage 5s.

Inspite of a relatively straight cloning job, the Chinese did face a lot of issues duplicating the MiG-21 into a J-7III and that is why the first examples went into squadron service only in the early/mid-90s, at a time when the MiG-21MF had become hopelessly obsolete!!!!

Unlike the early original and three generations of J-7 variants (which were license built and based on and modifications of the the first generation MiG-21F/F-13 airframe), the J-7III was based on the third generation MiG-21MF airframe.

Other than the brake parachute container, there was no way to differentiate between a J-7III & a MiG-21MF externally. The differences were internal. The J-7III had a Chinese built radar, avionics, HUD and a Chinese engine.
Egyptian MiG-21MF:

PLAAF J-7III:


Unlike the other Chinese J-7 variants, for which the Chinese had export rights, the J-7III was built in very small numbers and never exported.

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

This is a very nice model. Is this the first PLAAF model on our thread? I like its detailing. What make is it - do they carry uncommon models. Congratulations. Good stuff.

I think my 1:200 Hogan PLAAF Su-27UBK was the first

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by skanchan95

Very nice looking J-7III. Congratulations.

If I were you, I would be so tempted to think of scrubbing off Chinese markings and putting IAF markings on it to represent an IAF MiG-21MF.


Other than the brake parachute container, there was no way to differentiate between a J-7III & a MiG-21MF externally. The differences were internal. The J-7III had a Chinese built radar, avionics, HUD and a Chinese engine.

Thanks Skanchan for the detailed reply, your knowledge continues to amaze us

Since the model has a brake parachute container my guess for a Mig-21MF was technically right

Since externally it is the same as a IAF Mig-21 I would love to put IAF colours on it, but I guess decals will have to be procured and not sure how to remove the Chinese markings without damaging it.

[skanchan95]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Since externally it is the same as a IAF Mig-21 I would love to put IAF colours on it, but I guess decals will have to be procured and not sure how to remove the Chinese markings without damaging it.

Use your old and pretty good aircraft kit modelling skills or catch hold of a some good painter to blank out the PLAAF markings.

IAF Roundel, Finflash, Squadron badge and an MiG-21MF serial number decals can be custom made at some car sticker cutting shop, provided you give them the images and sizes you want them in.

[V.Narayan]

As always Sandesh bowls us over with his deep knowledge of aircraft types. Hats off to you brother.

Foxbat, I would say stay with the PLAAF markings. China is a competitor and a wise enemy who deserves our respect. The MiG-21 or J-7 looks like a very fine catch.

[V.Narayan]

Antonov An-22 Antei :: Soviet Heavy Lifter :: 1:500 scale, Herpa
Length ~4.5 inches; Wingspan ~5 inches

Bought it to help build the Antonov collection. Sadly it isn't made in the 1:400 scale which would have been better. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

[skanchan95]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

Antonov An-22 Antei :: Soviet Heavy Lifter :: 1:500 scale, Herpa
Length ~4.5 inches; Wingspan ~5 inches

Bought it to help build the Antonov collection. Sadly it isn't made in the 1:400 scale which would have been better. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Another great addition to your collection sir. Congratulations.

Would have loved to see the other two Antonovs in your collection - the Ruslan and the Mriya along side the Antei. If these big Antonov models were made in 1/200 scale, these round take quite a bit of display space. I guess it is a blessing in disguise that you got them in the smaller 1/400 and 1/500 scale .

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by skanchan95

Would have loved to see the other two Antonovs in your collection - the Ruslan and the Mriya along side the Antei. If these big Antonov models were made in 1/200 scale, these round take quite a bit of display space. I guess it is a blessing in disguise that you got them in the smaller 1/400 and 1/500 scale .

Can I ever refuse :-)


Note how the Mriya and Antei have a similar tail configuration. And both carry anti-flutter masses on the tail. In the Antei it is at the top tip of both tails and in the Mriya at the point where the tail rudders meet the horizontal stabilizers. The Ruslan has that one huge super strong tail to keep the aft fuselage from snaking in flight


The three some again showing off their shoulders.



Antei forever. Three of its fellow models are out for an airing.

[skanchan95]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

The three some again showing off their shoulders.

Thank you for taking the time to click all three Antonov giants together - three of the largest aircraft ever built. They look great together.

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

Antonov An-22 Antei :: Soviet Heavy Lifter :: 1:500 scale, Herpa

Bought it to help build the Antonov collection. Sadly it isn't made in the 1:400 scale which would have been better. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Narayan you are on a roll with your Herpa Russian fleet

After buying some 1:400 models out of compulsion I now agree the size and detailing is pretty good for large aircraft like the 747 and doesn't occupy too much shelf space. However for 1:200 remains the target if space permits.

Can you tell us where are your procuring these Herpa models from?

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Narayan you are on a roll with your Herpa Russian fleet

After buying some 1:400 models out of compulsion I now agree the size and detailing is pretty good for large aircraft like the 747 and doesn't occupy too much shelf space. However for 1:200 remains the target if space permits.

Can you tell us where are your procuring these Herpa models from?

https://www.aircraftmodelstore.co.uk/ That's where I am shopping these days.

I concur that for the biiiiiggg aircrafts the 1:400 scale isn't too bad especially given the paucity of space. I like going for models (what ever the scale that are in and around 5 inches to 9 inches in length.

The Grach cometh <bugle>

[Jeroen]

Anything aviation related and thousands of models:

https://www.aviationmegastore.com/

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

https://www.aircraftmodelstore.co.uk/ That's where I am shopping these days.

Thanks Narayan, I think I had mentioned the same store to source the Tu-134 "Crusty".

Originally Posted by Jeroen

Anything aviation related and thousands of models:

https://www.aviationmegastore.com/

Thanks Jeroen, I had often visited that store online however their shipping charges are quite high + 44% customs duty on top.