Chengdu F-7NI Nigerian Air Force

[vince14]

On 9/6/2022 at 10:35 AM, dutik said:

Remaining question:

- What type of ejection seat? Martin Baker (Mk10) or a Chinese one? Still have to check references here.

The Namibian F-7's definitely have MB seats in them - not 100% sure about the Nigerian aircraft, but I think it's more likely than not.

[Alain Gadbois]

8 hours ago, dutik said:

Pics of the real deal here.

 

Thanks to @Martinnfb for providing the link

 

Regards

- dutik

Nice link! Thanks!

[dutik]

Yefim Gordons book says that the export variants got the MB seat, so I am going with the MB Mk.10.

 

Another different detail: Only one gun, located starboard. That's the right side for our landlubbers

The port one was removed during the evolution of the J-7 in favour of 100 litres more fuel. This calls for a scratchbuild cover instead of the kits gun.

 

Well, the kits IP is not bad. Clear part with an acetate film for the back. And it looks like the real deal. Except for these large white knobs at the upper part, which are waaaay to small in the kit. I'll try to add larger ones onto my IP.

 

Not so nice: The "glass plate" of the HUD has an ejector mark right in the middle of the clear part. This needs to be replaced by clear foil, indeed.

 

Images of my progress tomorrow.

Regards

- dutik

[dutik]

First pics of glued styrene:

 

 

 

Aftermarket parts from my stash:

 

 

Also placed today an order for more useful AM stuff:

Master pitot tube (Mig-21SM type) and weighted wheels (mid generation Mig-21) from Armory. That's it so far what is available for the Chengdus. Also a bucket load of paints. Not sure which are the right colours, so I ordered two different tones each of underside blue, sand, brown and green, as well as a bright green for the radome. We shall see which ones will fit best.

 

Regards

- dutik

[Alain Gadbois]

Nice start.

Check the fit of the gun covers/air brakes on the sides of the front fuselage. Careful sanding and adjusting will help a lot. 
Filler will still be needed, most probably.

Alain

[dutik]

Ouch! Just realised how busy are the Chengdus landing gear bays. Time for some serious detailing work

 

Regards

- dutik

[dutik]

 

Improved the front gear bay. There are shallow pipes and other stuff (molding limitations). Simply added some wire on top of every line to achieve a more 3D look. Added a bit of aluminium paint and a wash. The front gear bay is really deep and has only a small opening, so this should be enough for a busy look.

 

Got more AM parts:

 

 

Proper resin wheels and a pitot tube. also a batch of Real color paints to choose from for the paintjob. Now I have a pure green (radome), Russian light blue, a brownish/beige sand color and a camouflage green. Still looking for a proper greenish dark brown. We shall see.

 

Regards

- dutik

[dutik]

Small update:

 

 

Fron wheel well and the multipiece engine glued together. The engine is a bit rough, but it is just intended for the part visible inside the rear.

 

Regards

- dutik

[Marcleon]

This is starting off so well, dutik! Not an easy project but you are handling that extra detailing in a masterful way! I will definitely be following along... Regards, Marc.