Let's pop the lid and see what is in the box. Building several 72nd Hase kits, this will be my first F-16 in this scale from Hasegawa. I have a Fujimi F-16 under my belt and just looking at the Hase plastic is a bit better. I have built a Hasegawa 48th scale F-16C and an Italeri F-16C. This project will be a fresh new attempt for this model, having one more in the stash.
Popping the lid reveals parts still in their bags, ( this was a kit bought from Ebay a few years ago).
The usual instruction sheet, easy to follow fold out affair. A pic of the completed model, next page has the parts map, and the suggested paints to use to build it. paint codes are from Gunze.
Step one starts in the cockpit as the parts show to assemble and attach parts into the tub. The sequence of assembly is similar as you proceed to the next step till the end of the project.
The paint scheme for 3 USAF F-16C's in their standard scheme applied in that time period.
The decals include squadron flashes,codes,stencils as well as badges.
The seller was nice to have an Eduards zoom set and a Pavla resin seat thrown into the kit as well a nice touch.
Now to the plastic. Crisp fine engraved panel lines that Hasegawa was know for when these kits were popped in the late 70's, yes the late 70's though this kit was produced in a series of F-16's in the mid 80's. Not as parts intensive like the larger fighters in the series such as the excellent F-14's and F-15's for example. But they were fun to build and not so over engineered back in the day. The only drawback some complained the use of decals for the instruments which is fine 72nd scale. Not so in 48th. Sprue A is the upper fuselage half, which has very nice engraved panel lines.
Sprue B, contains the lower fuselage half, cockpit tub, intake scoop, main wheels, interior components.
The main gear bay has some basic details, lacking any electrical conduits, plumbing, etc. The main wheels are ok resin wheels would be an improvement. The intake are in halves with the intake inlet scoop as one piece to attach to the leading edge of the 2 pieces.
The cockpit tub is basic and ok for this scale. The Eduard's zoom set will be an improvement especially under a very clear canopy. The main gear doors interior does have some decent details.
The next sprue contains the tail, stabs, wings and landing gear.
The main gear struts and the nose wheel is moulded as one piece with the nose gear strut.
The nose gear bay insert is a bit shallow.
The tail rudder is moulded in one piece with a separate base which will attach to rear upper fuselage section.
The exhaust outlet will look better when detailed with various shades of exhaust metals. Better than just a blank that some kits in this scale will just provide.
The last sprue has the drop tanks and some weapons are also provided at a time when Hasegawa for the most part would have you use one of their weapons sets to supply ordnance.
Pylons for each station under the wings.
2 versions of the AIM-9 Sidewinders are supplied. This version of the F-16 is also AIM-120 capable as well so may source a set of them for this build. 2 BL755 cluster bomb units are also provided.
The exhaust cone looks ok and will use this to complete the build.
The canopy is clear not smoked and is crystal clear.
Next up step one...
More to follow...
