1/48 F-21 conversion from Italeri Kfir C1/2 kit

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hello,

I recently purchased an Italeri Kfir C1/C2 kit in 1/48 scale and the IsraCast 1/48 F-21 decal set to build a USMC F-21 agressor. After trying to research the project I noted that the Italeri Kfir kit is lacking in details for several areas. I went out and bought the IsraCast F-21 conversion kit for the Italeri Mirage III beacuse of the corrected cockpit and ejection seat. From looking at the IsraCast coversion kit I cannot tell which areas of the stock Italeri Kfir kit really need to be replaced to create an accurate F-21. Can anyone help with information or guidance on tracking down resources to sort this project out?

Thank you.

2

It’s been a while since I last saw the ESCI (which is the original tooling) Kfir kit.

I think another area which will need attention is the wings, which on the Italeri (ESCI) kit have the “dogtooth” leading edge extensions of the C2. The F-21 was essentially a C1 and should have the straight leading edge with the “slot cut” as per the original Mirage wing. I also seem to recall reading that there was an issue with the cooling air intake at the base of the fin, which was said to be too rounded and is more of an inverted “U” shape when it should be a sharper “V” shape.

3

Hope this comes out OK but here is a pretty close up of a F-21, if not you can copy and paste.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/DN-ST-89-01919.JPEG

Mike

4

I cant direct link to the walkaround. But if you go to the walkarounds menu, then once you are there click on jet aircraft, and finally click on Kfir IAI F21A - C-2, there is a walkaround that should help.

http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/

5

It should be noted that the ATAC operated aircraft shown in the walkaround is based on a C2, whereas the earlier USN/USMC operated F-21A’s were C1’s.

6

Thank you everyone for pointing out the resources for me to check out on the F-21A. I am still wondering if it will be easier (and more importantly, more accurate) for me to obtain an Italeri Mirage III or V kit in 1/48 and perform the full conversion or to just use the Kfir C1/C2 kit and only use the parts most needed from the Isracast conversion kit.

Anyone have thoughts on that? Or has anyone used the Isracast conversion kit for the F-21A and have input they can share about it?

Thanks again for all the help.

7

A Mirage III kit would be easier to obtain, seeing as how the Mirage V are pretty hard to get currently. I wish I could give you more info on the accuracy side, but references are not too common as you have found.