Subject: Re: 1/32 Trumpeter Chinese F-7MG
From: "Submissions for ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "Stuart" <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:03:09 -0800

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks again for sending it in.

Steve Bamford
Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com

Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Stuart 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2008 1:15 AM
  Subject: 1/32 Trumpeter Chinese F-7MG

    
  "1/32 Trumpeter Chinese F-7MG" 

  by "Stuart Chappell"
  --------------------

        Stuart Chappell will insert full sized version of photo 01.jpg here  

  Here is my first contribution to ARC aTrumpeter Chinese F-7MG in 1/32 scale.  The F-7 resembles the Russian Mig-21 in many aspects and was first produced by Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Corporation (CAC) and introduced into the Chinese airforce in the early 1990's.   It had redesigned wings and upgraded avionics.

  The quality of this kit is very good with finely engraved panel lines and many options for the modeller. You have the option of building the engine and rear tail assembly separately which can then be placed on an included engine dolly for display . As with all Trumpeter kits you have a large variety of stores to place under the wings, I opted for 2 x 250Kg bombs and 2 rocket pods with a 490 L tank under the centre fueslage.

  The under carriage is casted from metal and does require some care when fitting to the kit, the fueslage halfs and wings fitted nicely together and only required a very small ammount of putty and sanding. The cockpit was detailed and had metal buckles for the seat.

  The only issue I had was the requirement for a larger weight in the nose, the instructions specify the the nose cone is 15g and is sufficient the hold the plane down "WRONG", I had to add some extra washers in the wheel well because the plane kept on tipping back which produced a lot of swearing. 

  I decided to paint the aircraft in an Iraqi scheme using Testors enamels Dark Tan and Sand. I wanted to give the aircraft a weathered  worn paint look so after applying the top coat of Dark Tan and allowing it to dry, I used 800 Grit wet & dry sandpaper and rubbed the paint along the wing which produced a sand blasted look. I finished off with a flat black wash and pastels. 

  The decals were from Eagle Strike (#32032 Mig Fighters of the World).

  I am not aware that this aircraft was in the Iraqi airforce, I decided to go with this scheme to try something different and also I was not game enough to try the all over metal finish.  Hope you enjoy.

  Stuart

  Click on images below to see larger images

         Stuart Chappell will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 02.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 02.jpg   Stuart Chappell will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 03.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 03.jpg  

  Photos and text © by "Stuart Chappell"