Piero Posted March 7, 2017 Share Posted March 7, 2017 (edited) Hello, Here is my F-16CJ in 79th Fighter Squadron (79 FS) markings as part of the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base (tail code SW) around 2009. KIT The model is based on the excellent Tamiya F-16CJ block 50 Falcon in 1/32nd scale. This kit is really good in size, shapes and details. The plastic is crispy and the box includes a lot of options. The downside of this box is the limited variety of external loads included. CONSTRUCTION The advice I want to give you is to carefully follow the construction steps as they are given in the instruction sheet, otherwise there is the risk of not being able to proceed or have to start again with what you have done... For this build I wanted to use all the kit parts except for the instruments panel, for which I used the Eduard photo etched pre-colored sheet. I added some details such as hydraulic pipes and electric lines into the undercarriage bays. The pitot tube, AOA sensors and the static electricity dischargers are turned metal set from Master. But everything else, from the ejection seat to the GE exhaust are out-of-the-box. The FOD for jet intake is made from scratch as the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) inside the canopy. Where I made use of resin detail sets is for the external load: · SNIPER designator pod and pylon form Wolfpack Design; · Left HST from AMS Resin; AIM-9X drill from Zacto Model; · AGM-65 Maverick drill and rail from North Star Models. The ACMI pod is from scratch. COLORS & MARKINGS In the recent years, most of the USAF F-16CJ gets a radar-absorbing paint named “Have Glass”. The Have Glass program is intended to reduce RCS, and until now there where used many different specification. For my F-16 I tried to replicate the Have Glass version that over time leads to a metallic gray paint finish. Paint were from the acrylics lines of Gunze for modern USAF jets mixed with Tamiya Flat Aluminum. There is not a specific mixing ratio, but only so many tests until you are satisfied with the result. A semi-gloss black primer was sprayed first all over the model, followed by a thin layer of Flat Aluminum. Then, other different thin layers of metallic-grey paints were airbrushed to obtain some variation of shades. The external loads are finished with colors and stencils to represent training drills. Squadron markings and serial numbers are from some Two Bobs decal sheet for F-16CJ. I had to mix some of them to have the serial number I wanted. All the stencils are from HGW wet transfer F-16C sheet: this type of decal was a first for me and I must say that are simply outstanding and very easy to use without wasting time with clear gloss and liquid emollients. And there is no risk of silvering at all! It’s a shame that other decal manufactures does not use this system.... Some RBF tags were added to finish the model. And now some pictures of the completed model. CIAO! Piero Edited March 7, 2017 by Piero 16 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reini78 Posted March 7, 2017 Share Posted March 7, 2017 looks very nice! good painting and weathering but wrong picture links Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piero Posted March 7, 2017 Author Share Posted March 7, 2017 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piero Posted March 7, 2017 Author Share Posted March 7, 2017 CIAO! Piero 13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-32 Posted March 7, 2017 Share Posted March 7, 2017 Lovely work, the weathering is first class 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MADMUSKY Posted March 7, 2017 Share Posted March 7, 2017 Love it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotaliscia Posted March 7, 2017 Share Posted March 7, 2017 Another pearl, Piero. As usual. I'm saving all the photos, as reference for future 1/48 similar bird. The weathering is something absolutely... frustrating! :-) Take care, my friend. Paolo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spillone Forever Posted March 8, 2017 Share Posted March 8, 2017 OK, so... You want me to leave the hobby, don't you? :-) Great job as usual my friend. I love the details of the cockpit lid, first class job. Take care! Fulvio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
batcode Posted March 13, 2017 Share Posted March 13, 2017 fantastic looking Falcon, very nice job on the paint and finish... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ c Posted March 13, 2017 Share Posted March 13, 2017 Really nice, love the paint job Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted March 13, 2017 Share Posted March 13, 2017 Masterpiece of paint and weathering,very impressive work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomas Pelej Posted March 13, 2017 Share Posted March 13, 2017 very beautiful Viper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piero Posted March 14, 2017 Author Share Posted March 14, 2017 Hello my friend, many thanks for your compliments on my Falcon! CIAO! Piero Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr B Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 That is one ACE paint job !!! Love it........... rgds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 Hi Piero, Master Modeler. Regards, Orion / The Netherlands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookenbacher Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 You've captured the look of the early worn down Have Glass perfectly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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