Subject: Re: Submission for January 26, India Republic Day
From: "Submissions for ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "Ratish" <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 02:25:16 -0800

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

Steve Bamford
ARC Air - Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.arcair.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: Ratish 
  To: submissions 
  Sent: Wednesday, January 08, 2014 6:59 PM
  Subject: Submission for January 26, India Republic Day

  Gallery Article Template

  "1/72 Fujimi MiG-21MF" 

  by "Ratish"

  Please include your ARC Discussion Forum Name with your submission 
  --------------------

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 01.jpg here 

  The MiG-21 is one of the best known fighters of the Cold War having seen action in almost every conflict in the last 50 years. It is also makes a popular modelling subject due to its prolific service with not just the Soviet armed forces, but with dozens of foreign air arms. 

  I set out to make a MiG-21 in service with one of its biggest operators, the Indian Air Force and decided to make a model of the MiG-21MF, one of the several variants the IAF operated. The IAF, fresh from a border conflict with Pakistan was looking at expanding its MiG-21 fleet with the third-generation 'M' models with domestic production switching over from the 'FL' to the new variant. The third generation was distinctly different from its predecessors for having modifications to the fuselage spine, a new ejection seat, blown flaps and several other features. As production of the 'M's took some time to get underway, the IAF obtained around 80 examples of the slightly different MiG-21MF off the shelf from the Soviet Union.

        Steve Bamford 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 Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 04.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 04.jpg Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 05.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 05.jpg Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 06.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 06.jpg 

  The aircraft I have depicted served with the No.108 sqn. of the IAF in the early nineties and appears, like several other '21s in IAF, to have been used in air combat training as indicated by its bright colors. The kit used is the beautiful Fujimi 1/72 MiG-21MF 'Jay Fighter' with some spare IAF decals. Couple of significant bits I modified were the KM-1 ejection seat and the spine, both being aftermarket parts. I think the spine is especially needed on this kit as it only builds a Bis out of the box. It was painted with Alclad White Alum and Testors enamel for the white and red stripes. Weathering was done with a micro point pen and oil wash with burnt umber.

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 02.jpg here 

  Overall, the kit was a fun build and I am pleased with how it turned out. Thanks for looking!

  "Ratish Nair"

  Photos and text © by "Ratish Nair"