Tamiya 5th Air Force F-16
The aircraft is my interpretation of F-16CJ Block 50 CCIP 92-3895 that serves as the commander's jet for the 5th Air Force based at Misawa AB, Japan. It is the Tamiya kit with Afterburner decal set 48-015 with the Eduard F-16 pre-painted etched cockpit set (FE383). The GE afterburner can is the Aires set with the resin nozzle pieces and a photo etched injector nozzle. The AOA vanes and the pitot are turned metal. The Aces ejection seat is frm the kit and the straps are from the Eduard set. On the ailerons, rudder and stabilators there are static discharge wicks made from the bristles of a toothbrush, attached with superglue and trimmed. There are a number of styles of wicks and I picked a very simple type for this aircraft. Paints are the appropriate colors from Model Master Acryl as called out in the Afterburner decal directions.
The inside of the jet intake was painted using white latex house paint. The intake was assembled, filled, sanded, one end taped over and then filled with the thick paint. After 15 minutes the tape was removed and the paint allowed to run out leaving the seam filled and the inside painted. I first read about this technique online and have used it for several F-16 models.
The Afterburner decals are great and the stenciling from the set were used. The missiles are from the kit as are the markings. The kit meets expectations as one of the best of the F-16 and presented no problems. Afterburner decals were among the best I have ever used and I was disappointed to see them stop production.
Although based in Japan there are a number of photographs of this aircraft. One of the best is on page 134 of Jake Melampy's The Modern Viper Guide. A short search on the Internet will turn up other photos from the aircraft's service history. Note that in the case of this model the weapons are all live rounds.
A great kit and a fun build.
Nice-lookin' Viper...can't go wrong with anything that says Tamiya. 🙂
I agree mostly. My only problem with Tamiya kits are the ejector pin marks that are sometimes very visible. The fit is always among the best.
Wayne. I like it !, well done, all around. The ordnance looks especially nice. Interesting way to fill a seem inside the tube. I've never heard of that. I may have to try it.
I edited the description to show that I had read about the technique on the Internet some years ago. It is my go to for other F-16s and the very similar F-2A. A satin finish is supposed to be the best. Thanks for the note.
Cool F16 Wayne. I built a Tamiya one myself a couple of years ago, quite an impressive kit.
Great job on this one!
Thanks Richard.
A very impressive F 16. I still regard the F 16 as the best looking of all the teen fighters. You did a great job on this one. Well done!
To me the F-16 is the iconic 1990s and 2000s fighter like the F-86 was to the 1950s. In addition there are dozens of marking options because of all the air forces that have flown them.
great looking Viper. I heard about a similar technique from a guy in our modeling club - used white acrylic craft paint, which is fairly think - basically paints it on pretty thick then sets it up so the extra runs out. I've tried it a couple of times and depending on which aircraft/intake, it works pretty well!
A pretty sweet F 16 there Wayne.
Well done mate.
Very nice modelling, Wayne. One thing - is this 1/48? Everyone seems comfortable commenting, but I seemed to recall a 1/32 version and wondered if this was larger scale or if it was taken for granted that this is 1/48. I once built a Tamiya 1/48 50 block (I think) and had trouble with the scoop but that's just me and jets.
The model is 1/48th scale version of the Tamiya F-16 series. The Afterburner decals really help add the detail. One day I will tackle the 1/32 scale kit, the problem is where to put the thing after your done. Thanks for the note.
One off best JET kit ,.
Nice build!
Thanks! I am getting ready to do another one. The Hasegawa F-2A is another of my favorites.
super fine work
Thanks Bob, I really enjoyed building this kit. My favorite markings are on my Hasegawa Dutch F-16 with the Diana the Huntress on the fin. Probably not appropriate for this modeling site with lass in full view. The very detailed cockpit was done by my friend Mike Franklin without any aftermarket before he passed away.
🙂 ... Greetings ... 🙂 :
Very nice build Wayne. Somehow this model although is a much seen model, has a singular visual feel too it. Your choice of underwing armaments really sets it apart, giving this build a very deserving refreshing look. Thanks for sharing the images.
The choice of missiles was to portray the aircraft as a Wild Weasel. The Vietnam era F-105Gs with the anti-air defense role often had the WW tail codes and were part of the 5th Air Force. That mission was transferred to F-4Gs and now the domain of the F-16 CJ.
Wayne,
Sunning model, beautifully done.