MiG-23 MF ML Correct Tail Fin
Aires has come out with a nice upgrade for the Trumpeter MiG-23 MF / ML kits with their Correct Tail Fin set. This set is specific to early MF / ML variants that did not have the leading edge extension (LEX) added to the front of the ventral fin. There are two parts in all, cast in a durable resin material. The Aires parts provide improved ventral fin detail especially for the pivot point that is exposed when the ventral fin is folded (landing gear extended) There are no supplied instructions; you simply swap out the kit provided plastic parts with the new Aires replacements. I’ve included photos of both the Trumpeter and the Aires ventral fin inserted in the Trumpeter fuselage.
Aires has molded the stabilizer and elevator perfectly in light tan resin with no apparent bubbles. The Aires stabilizer and elevator are supplied on a single resin sprue with thin resin attachments to the parts that should minimize any cleanup.
Although most paints will adhere to resin alone, I would recommend that you wash the parts to remove any remaining mold release and prime them first. They will need to be installed with your favorite CA (super glue) or epoxy, as the normal plastic glues or solvents will not react with the resin.
I used a photoetch saw to remove the front ventral fin and the folding ventral fin from the resin sprue. Both parts cleaned up well with a scalpel blade quickly. Total prep time for the ventral fin was under five minutes. The Aires folding ventral fin replaces the two halves originally provided in the Trumpeter kit (B1 & B2) while the Aires front ventral fin is a straight replacement for the Trumpeter front fin (E3). The Aires front ventral fin no longer has the same mounting set up as the Trumpeter part has so it can be added on after the fuselage is glued together to prevent damage. The Aires parts also have improved detail for the ventral fin folding mechanism over the Trumpeter parts. Make sure you check your references to be sure your MiG-23 does not have the ventral fin LEX and be sure to fold the ventral fin to the starboard side (unless you are displaying landing gear up).
This product is an excellent way to enhance your MiG-23 MF / ML and well worth the time and cost. This product is highly recommended due to the superior appearance of the Aires parts, ease of installation, and attention to detail.
Thanks to Aires and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this set.
Reviewer Bio
Frank Landrus
Frank retired from the Ophthalmic industry with over thirty-six years of Research and Development experience. Frank's first model kit was a 1959 Hawk 1/72 US Marines Vought AU-1 Corsair and has been building models for over sixty years. Frank's first encounter with IPMS was attending a North Central Texas ScaleFest show in 1984. Frank soon became more involved in Make-N-Take activities and became the IPMS Western Coordinator for Make-N-Takes [West of the Mississippi River]. Make-N-Takes quickly became a local model contest and airshow staple reaching a high of reaching over 1,300 children before the COVID shutdown. Frank has volunteered to assist in contest judging since 1985 and is currently the Nationals Head Figure Judge until he is dead or they find someone better.
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