cjm mig 15

[xcell]

Hello all, has anybody built this model before please? it's the century jets model mig 15.
Thank's
kev

[JET FX]

Yeah, Iam a bit of a Mig 15 fanatic and have two of the CJM versions yet to fly either though, one is still in its box the other is primed ready for surface detailing and final paint. I also have the Fiber Classics (Comp ARF) 15 as well, been flying that one for last three years... one of the nicest flying scale jets I have yet flowen.

Cheers- Marty

[xcell]

Hi Marty, that looks so nice in the air! Did you have many problems with the CJM kit and what is the finish etc like of the bare model as i comes out of box please?
Which kit have you found you like better out of Fiberclassics or CJM?

Cheers
kev

[JET FX]

Gday Kev, Yes shes a keeper, youve gotta love this Russian sweet heart, just such a rugged looking design eh! and so much interesting history written on these cold war birds ....Problems building the CJM well not really, just lots of building and sanding. The CJM Mig has been around for quite a few years now and I bought both of mine well before the Fiber Classics (now CARF) versions were introduced. Firstly let me say that the CJM Mig-15 is also great flyer and has a very good scale outline, but there is a 'lot' of work required to build and finish this one and its very time consuming in comparison to the CARF version. Glass work is not bad on the CJM but totally lacks any surface detail and is not upto the same quality as the CARF, also the CJM is a little smaller in size also. The huge advantage with the CARF version is the moulded surface detail which is simply as good as it gets no ifs no buts....
The build issues with the CARF are minor and you would find little to concern you if you have built a few scale and jet models, and what issues you run into are easily resolved by asking on the various R/C forums as theres quite a few flying now, biggest drama is rigging the outer gear doors to get the scale angles correct. I would recommend the CARF over the CJM hands down thats unless you really prefer the whole building process of course, the big advantage to me was that I could spend a lot more time on paint and detailing which I love the most...

Iam currently flying my Fiber Classics Mig with a Wren Super Sport and it is just about the nicest flying scale jet I have ever flown. It does not need anymore power, I would strongly recommend using no more than 20-22 lb thrust engines in either the CJM or CARF versions no more is needed...
some more detail pics of the Fiber Classics detailing.

[xcell]

Hi Marty,

WOW! i love the effect of the paint areas now that some is rubbing off and the model colour is coming through, i take it that is the original silver?

I have been looking at the comp-arf model and have a quote from them, as you say the model looks so much more complete and the detail is just amazing really.

Bruce at CJM has been great with a few pic's etc but i have seen nothing really from him of the detail (mostly cockpit pic's) of the body, he even offered to save me a few pounds on the order and at the moment the $ is weak against the pound so is a good buy but i am not into too much preping of the model e.g rubbing down then filling and starting again so it looks like the comp-arf could just win it then for me.

I was thinking along the lines of a jetcat p80 to power the comp-arf but may now look at the wren and see little nearer the time.

As you say the mig 15 has that something about it that gets your attention and i have bought a few books now on it to try and get more info about the aircraft so i can do a proper job on the finishing detail etc.

You have a very nice model mate and hope you have many more hours flying with it!

Cheers
kev

[JET FX]

Kev, re- silver showing through, not quite... what I did was to wet rub the glass back to even out the surface somewhat, then sprayed a few light coats of 2 pack auto aluminium colour tinted primer, then Humbrol enamels airbrushed for the camo. Once dry I buff the entire model with super fine steel wool to bring out silver underneath only in high ware areas around wing walk and service panels mainly. Hope the photos below explain the process themselves....
I also spent some time on the hatch, wing and tail joins to improve overall fit as I really hate bad fitting hatches etc. Not to say they are bad as is but Iam just pretty fussy. Iam yet to own a model that does not need some gap work to satisfy me.
The Wren SS is a great combo for this model especially if you are flying from sealed strips. My personal choice for grass fields would likely be the Jet Central JF-100 which will have a kero start system available very soon. Iam not big fan of Jet Cats myself due primarily to slow spool up/down times, excessive apparent residual thrust when landing and the service intervals costs 'long term' requirements primarily compared to the Artes and Wren designs, plus Wren and Artes (Jet Central) are more economical with fuel consumption. Another good turbine option for the Mig maybe the new Graupner G-80 also with kero start if your a Jet Cat fan this one was designed by Dieter Kramer one of the 'original' Jet Cat designers I believe and engineering quality ergonomics and finish looks nicer to me than JC, its of similar size and spec as Wrens SS apparently with similar thrust AND also has a proven kero start system also.
Bottom line though if I were you and with Wren being so local for you, service etc.... AND not to mention Sara's yummy cakes, the Wren option would be just to hard to resist for me

Cheers- Marty

[xcell]

Marty, thank's again for those pic's, you have done a great job finishing the model just wish i lived in oz so i could see it fly!

I am again in two minds as i have been talking with a member of my new flying club who has the cjm mig 15 kit unmade and has offered me it for a good price, will need retracts etc but what i save on import duties will help cover the costs.
I have really more than enough time to build it at my pace and for me in uk not long now for winter months so it will be good practice for me to put my building skills into operation, lol!

Your pic's and advice has helped no end, thank's, as for turbine a wren does seem the better choice!

Take care mate
kev