1/48 Tamiya F-16c Fighting Falcon
My 4 months journey with this kit is almost over. I decided to publish pictures despite Sidewinders not beeing finished yet, still waiting for ordered magnets.
Words are not needed to decribe this Tamiya's kit. Real pleasure to build. I finally learned how to properly wash the panel lines. Since I had extra Maverics from another kit I decided to attach weapons to pylons with magnets instead of glueing them. Actually whole payload is removable. I could not get my hands on LAU-117 laucher so payload is not really accurate but still looks nice.
Moving on to my next project...
25 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Jordyn Collier said on October 21, 2019
I really like this plane in particular. It's one that I've admired since I first saw one around age 5. You made a great representation of the real thing. Good job.
Boris Grgić said on October 21, 2019
Never had a chance to see F-16 for real, but I was also at age of 5 when movie Iron Eagle came out. It was my favourite airplane ever since.
Jordyn Collier said on October 21, 2019
Yeah. I went to an airshow and saw a few of them. They sure look good flying.
Michel Verschuere said on October 21, 2019
The Belgian Air Force still flies them, to be replaced by the F-35 in the coming years. I remember the first ones arrived in the mid-seventies, when I was born. Amazing to see that these machines, made by General Dynamics in the DFW (TX) area stay somehow up-to-date after numerous updates, software changes and Mid-Life-Updates (MLUs) so that, today they are still able to scramble, intercepting Russian intruders above the Baltic Sea. See this article...
https://www.businessinsider.com/the-belgian-air-force-intercepted-russian-nuclear-capable-jets-2019-9?r=US&IR=T
Very nice build!
Boris Grgić said on October 22, 2019
I'm amazed how people talk about F-16s as something obsolite. I live in Croatia and Croatian Air Force is just thinking about replacing squadron of ancient MiG-21s with used F-16s (Duch F-16s or Israeli Baraks) XD.
Pedro L. Rocha said on October 21, 2019
Yep, my favourite modern jet and the one I’m most familiar with since I have friends who actually flew them operationally here in Portugal.
The model looks spot on, and the magnets idea is very well thought. Just how tiny are those you ordered to attach the sidewinders? Also a personal view, extended the good work with the washes to the landing gear, particularly the forward one that looks to pristine from here, those areas take a lot of dust from rolling tires and brakes. Well done!
Boris Grgić said on October 22, 2019
I used 1x0,5mm magnets. You're right, front landing gear is not finished yet, still need to paint steel part of the gear and apply wash, but I probably won't be able to enter my mancave for next couple of weeks so I decided to make a photoshoot now.
George R Blair Jr said on October 21, 2019
Really nice, Boris. I can see why it took some time to complete.
Tom Cleaver said on October 21, 2019
It's looking really good, but I think you need to go back and consult the decal sheet, because you have a couple important items yet to apply.
Boris Grgić said on October 22, 2019
I'm not realy sure what you mean, all decals from the sheet have been applied. Air force insignias look very pale though, but are there.
Robert Royes said on October 21, 2019
Beautifully done! Love the wheel well detail. It's still a cool looking and capable aircraft.
Stéphane Bredel said on October 22, 2019
Nice job, Boris. I wish to have the time one day to build this bird from Tamiya.
Just one thing: I am not sure, but I see a center seam line on the canopy due to injection process. This is something which is not so hard to erase, for instance with a brand new #11 blade, smooth micro mesh, and Tamiya polish. You can find some tutorials there and there on internet 😉
Boris Grgić said on October 22, 2019
Yes, there is a seam line. Never tried to handle clear parts before so I'll wait for cheaper kit to experiment first. Also missing lots of materials (polish) since I don't have model store my hometown (probably in whole coutry) and there is always something of higher priority to order from abroad.
Andrew H said on October 22, 2019
Just received the later variant kit in the mail yesterday. [Not] coincidentally I have magnets in the mail too. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, your build looks great!
Boris Grgić said on October 22, 2019
It's fun, especially if you have spare weapons you can use. Njoy the kit.
Greg Kittinger said on October 22, 2019
Looks great! Love the wash and weathering, and the toothbrush strands for static wicks was a great idea!
My daughter and her family live in Zagreb - you anywhere close?
Boris Grgić said on October 22, 2019
Saw this trick on one of modeling forums. Use a tooth brush and you'll never have to worry about breaking pitot tubes or antennas. I'm on Adriatic coast some 2,5h drive from Zagreb, small town called Zadar.
Simon Whitney said on October 22, 2019
Lovely build Boris, I have the 1/32 scale kit by Tamiya in the stash, which hopefully I will start at Xmas time.
I can understand your reluctance to clear the seam from the clear parts, there is a nice one on both supplied canopies .