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CAS Viper PROGRESS PIX!


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Here are a few pics of my WIP CAS Viper. Back in the 80s, the USAF wanted to replace the A-10 with a Close Air Support version of the F-16. They painted them like an A-10 and added a 4 barreled version of the GAU-8 Avenger in a pod (GPU-5). It wasn't successful but it is cool looking! I am using an Eduard seat, PE set, exhaust, and wheels to build a "what-if" version as a current Blk 50 Viper of the 421 FS..

 

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Edited by viperchief
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The lizard scheme I believe they called it, so unpopular with pilots they refused to fly. From what I can recall unless they aircraft was literally at tree top height the A10 style camo wasn't effective. Looks  like a interesting project, will follow 

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Very interesting! I am currently working on a similar project. Beware that the Caracal Decal instructions are mismatched when in comes to side views and top/bottom views.
Also, this was a Block 25 airframe so you'll probably need to make a few minor changes to the fuselage and tail.

 

Jens

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19 hours ago, Jens said:

Very interesting! I am currently working on a similar project. Beware that the Caracal Decal instructions are mismatched when in comes to side views and top/bottom views.
Also, this was a Block 25 airframe so you'll probably need to make a few minor changes to the fuselage and tail.

 

Jens

I am not looking to model a particular aircraft...I am using the Tamiya BLK 50 kit to do a what-if build of an aircraft in the markings of the 421 FS here at Hill AFB, Utah. Thanks for the heads up on the decals and I look forward to seeing your build!

Edited by viperchief
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Nice idea for a build, I'm keen to do one from the Caracal sheet too. I think I've got the Hasegawa set with the GPU-5 too, I've just done some reading on this, fascinating if flawed. Definitely a must build some day. I'll be watching this like a hawk. :)

Steve.

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Thought I would share the aftermarket stuff I'll be using on the build in addition to the seat and decals. Received the Sniper pod and pitot/AOA probes today. Man, those are some small pieces of metal! LOL The pod looks really nice...even has separate lenses! 

 

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Edited by viperchief
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On 12/30/2017 at 6:12 PM, Smudge said:

Interesting. I have the old ESCI 1/72 F-16B kit, which features this scheme on the box top. I guess it is from the same project?

It is from the same project. In fact, the boxtop tail on your kit is also included on the decal sheet I am using. Three bases participated: Nellis AFB, Nevada (WA), Shaw AFB, South Carolina (SW), and Hill AFB, Utah (HL). I have never actually looked at that kit. How does it hold up against newer kits?

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Now that the holidays are done and my hangover is just about gone, time for some modeling! I left the intake assembly free so I can better paint the wrap around camo. The fit of this Tamiya kit is amazing! I did add some "Liquid Gravity " to the radome to keep her on her three feet.

 

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36 minutes ago, viperchief said:

It is from the same project. In fact, the boxtop tail on your kit is also included on the decal sheet I am using. Three bases participated: Nellis AFB, Nevada (WA), Shaw AFB, South Carolina (SW), and Hill AFB, Utah (HL). I have never actually looked at that kit. How does it hold up against newer kits?

No, the 363 TFW (SW) just received the aircraft after the trials, they were not part of the project. They were still in European I by that time.

 

Jens

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26 minutes ago, Jens said:

No, the 363 TFW (SW) just received the aircraft after the trials, they were not part of the project. They were still in European I by that time.

 

Jens

Good info! Thanks for the correction!

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