SPA Modeler

Hi all,

started to build Eduards Mig-21bis 1:48 (http://www.eduard.com/store/Eduard/Plas ... -1-48.html) as my Christmas project.. Will be nothing fancy, most an out of the box project with some additional AM pieces (wheels).

First question of course... and I guess some of you probably know as you have built also Mig-21's... How much weight to squeeze into the nose cone?
I added 10 gram of lead, but not really sure if that is enough... There is still space behind the cone, in front, but would be great if this 10 gram would be enough..

Any recommendations ?

I googled but could only find/read everywhere the same story: "Eduard don't state how much is needed " etc etc...

- Kari

Hey Kari, when I built mine I added around 15 grams but that was because I used a resin exhaust nozzle, and they do add alot of extra weight to the tail. I'd say 10 g should be enough without a resin exhaust. Hope you post more pictures of the Mig!

Thanks Nathant! I'll go with the 10 grams as no heavy resin nozzles behind.

And just for your info, I am using your excellent Cuban "668" as my inspiration source in this build-
You have made such a beautiful bird !

- Kari

I have the recce version in my stash and I'm curious what you'll do with this wonderful kit.

I always try to use the minimum amount required to prevent over-stressing the gear.

The best method I've seen is to tape together/dry-fit the major components together with and then tape a container/small box to the nose...place the aircraft on its dry-fitted struts and add weight to the container until it tips up onto its nose gear...add a little more that equals the weight of the box to that amount and you're good...

Thanks Manny,

that was a good advice taping main parts together!
Next in line, when the time is right... then Trumpeters 1:48 Mig-15 Uti Midget will go through that process! :-)

- Kari

mostrich wrote:I have the recce version in my stash and I'm curious what you'll do with this wonderful kit.

Thanks Mostrich, will share some pics of the Mig-21 when I am a little bit further in the project..

But indeed, it's truly a great kit! With my limited experience, this is by far one of the best made kits I have !

- Kari

As far as I remember on Heidi´s build there was no additional weight needed. She did not use the resin engine because you won´t see anything of this aftermarket part on the finished build.

Thomas_M wrote:As far as I remember on Heidi´s build there was no additional weight needed. She did not use the resin engine because you won´t see anything of this aftermarket part on the finished build.

Really ? Then the discussion if 10 gram is enough is definitely closed! :-)

Thanks Thomas!

- Kari

KSaarni wrote:

Thomas_M wrote:As far as I remember on Heidi´s build there was no additional weight needed. She did not use the resin engine because you won´t see anything of this aftermarket part on the finished build.

Really ? Then the discussion if 10 gram is enough is definitely closed! :-)

Thanks Thomas!

- Kari

I would test it just to be sure...in my experience even delta-wings need some nose weight...