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Fly Past Rush
18 articles

Western Cold-War Minimalism: Kinetic 1/48th CF-5A

July 25, 2024 · in Aviation · · 14 · 191

This 1/48th scale F-5A Freedom Fighter release from Kinetic in 2012 (and later F-5B release) was a nice addition to the scale, as the type was underrepresented to date. Although not a quick build, with careful fitting and patience in places, an excellent model can be produced.

For this build, I selected the RCAF 434 "Bluenose" Squadron markings complete with The Bluenose Schooner emblem on the tail, but it was a difficult choice with so many nice schemes.

You can see more in-depth detail of this build with additional photos at: https://www.flypastrush.com/post/kinetic1-48cf-5a

Thanks for looking & good luck on your next build.

Reader reactions:
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3 additional images. Click to enlarge.


14 responses

  1. Profile Photo
    said on July 25, 2024

    Great looking F-5!

  2. I remember seeing a three-plane flight demo team from this squadron at the 1977 Abbotsford B.C. airshow.

    Nice work on this.

    • Thanks Tom,

      I also picked up a couple of CF-5B models when I came across them at a hobby show. Now I just have to slate those builds to go beside this single-seater.

  3. Excellent job and superb result!

    • Thanks again Spiros.

      I have to get back to working on that Mosquito build! Haven't been doing much model making lately as there are too much other summer happenings.

  4. Really nice build, @flypastrush
    You have chosen a great scheme for this elegant aircraft.

  5. Very nice build. The Kinetic is a much easier kit to build than the Classic Airframes one, but you are right it takes a while though.

  6. Thanks Dan,

    Yes agreed, once you know where the pitfalls of the Kinetic kit are you can deal with them fairy easily. I have a couple of more of these I want to build as well (2-seater versions)

  7. Very nice! Camo is reminiscent of the Aegean Ghost scheme from the Helenic AF. The F-5 wore so many fascinating liveries over its long life span with so many users.

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