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George Schembri
56 articles

F-20 Tigershark

June 19, 2020 · in Aviation · · 18 · 2.1K

Got another one under my belt recently, I completed this kit a few weeks ago. Kept it simple and straightforward as it was the first time I spraying with Vallejo Air Paints – following the kit instructions for paint identification and FS #'s.

I was lucky with the decals – they did have some yellowing and needed to be convinced to be separated from the sheet. A few times I had to slip a blade under a few of the decals as they were suborn to fully separate. All decals adhered well with the help of using Micro Set/Sol solutions. Some black decal trim was used on the missiles and the rear tail fin section to ensure a straight sharp lines.

Reader reactions:
7  Awesome

6 additional images. Click to enlarge.


18 responses

  1. Nice! I have this same kit, though I stole the centerline tank for my Malaysian TigerEye. Came out looking nice.

    • Thanks Greg. The Vallejo Paints took out any guessing from the colour selection and the paint went down very well.
      The Malaysian camouflage scheme must have been a bit more complicated than this demo scheme.

  2. Great job, George.
    Always have been a fan of this a model.
    You made this one look like real.

  3. Nice build of a great vintage kit. When I was in college in the 1980’s I was hoping that the F-20 would go into production. But alas. . .

    • Thanks Jim, I think the kit still stands up well with good surface detail.
      Googling its history, sources say the F-5G/F-20 was supposed to be sold to Taiwan but was blocked in '77 and then again in '82.

  4. The Tigershark was one of the best looking that never was.

    Quite a nice model of it.

  5. Nicely done! Always liked this plane, I think originally it was to be designated the F-5G.

    • Thanks Robert.
      Yeah, I've read that in the early 80's Northrop requested the new designation due o the engine and avionics improvements and to help compete against the F-16 for export sales.

  6. Looks good George.

  7. Great job, George, on this model of the sleekest/sexiest a/c ever, IMHO.

  8. Agree with the above gents, George.
    This is an excellent work of a very beloved plane.
    A definite "thumbs up" and a great motivation for me to build one!

  9. A great looking build George!

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