AFV 1/48 F-5E Tiger II – Brazilian Air Force
Hello!
Here's my recent project: an AFV F-5E Tiger II in 1/48 scale. This little jet fighter has quite a history with the Brazilian Air Force, which received its first deliveries in 1975. They were initially deployed to Santa Cruz AB and Canoas AB. After a long hiatus, they underwent a modernization program over the past 10 years or so, after which they were designated as F-5M. Today, some are stationed at Anapolis AB as well. The Swedish Gripen E will eventually replace them all during the next decade. As of today, I believe there are already half a dozen Grippens in service at Anapolis AB.
Now, about the kit. This is my first AFV model, and I have to say I'm not that impressed. Yes, it has some good details, but most of the parts meant for tight spots had to be well sanded and/or cut. The instructions sheet could be more precise regarding colors and stencil locations, which are, by the way, almost non-existent. But overall, if you take good care with dry fitting, the final result is fine.
I've added Reskit resin AIM-9B Sidewinders because the kit only included AIM-9L, which are not the correct ones for the Brazilian Air Force's early Tigers. I also used Eduard canopy masks and Quinta 3D decals for the cockpit. Since the kit only has Moroccan and Chilean versions, I used FCM decals for the Brazilian version. They're okay as long as you can prevent them from silvering, which can be managed carefully with decal setters and softeners.
Weathering was kept on the light side, even tough this air superiority gray scheme can show dirt easily.
That's it. Hope you enjoy it.
Cheers!
That is a fine looking F-5E build George! Lovely paint finish and weathering. Appreciate the build comments as well (I would like to pick up one of these kits eventually. It sound a lot like the 1/48th Kinetic F-5A/B kits) - Cheers
Thank you!
That looks really well done! Thanks for sharing
Rod
Thank you!
she's a beauty! The paintwork and weathering are really nice - makes the monochromatic scheme stand out! Well done.
Thank you!
Excellent job and fantastic result out of the challenging AFV kit, George!
Awesome painting and weathering!
Thank you!
A wonderful F5, George @george72
It's elegant lines are nicely visible in this Brazilian scheme.
You kept the weathering to a perfect level.
Thank you!
Looks to me like talent and tenacity triumphed over plastic here.
Thank you!
Outstanding result. I hope to build an F-5 some time in the future, and will be looking at yours for inspiration.
Thank you!
Well done, George (@george72). The paint scheme came out very well, and thanks for the info on the kit. I have this one in the stash.
Thank you!
Glad to see you showed the AFV kit who's boss!
Very nice looking Tiger, George. One of my favorite looking aircraft.
Thank you!
Beautiful build despite the difficulties, love the subject you chose. Great job!
Thank you!
Lovely model George
Thank you!