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VFC-111 "Sundowners" F-5E/F-5F (162707) - Compact Series Freedom Model Kits


Julien

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 VFC-111 "Sundowners" F-5E/F-5F (162707)

Compact Series Freedom Model Kits

 

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For many years the only game in town for the less serious modeller was the Hasegawa Egg Planes, and they are fun. If would seem that more manufacturers are seeing there is money to be made in the more "Fun" side of the hobby. We now have the Meng "Kids" series, and "Toon Tanks". Freedom models are now getting there leg in the door with a new "Compact" series of kits.

 

 

The Kit

This is a complete new tooling from Freedom Model Kits, the box features a double boxing of a single seat F-5E and double seat F-5F. There are also parts in the box for an RF-5E but this is not mentioned on the decal instructions, and certainly not used by VFC-111.  The first thing you notice on opening the box is that these kits are more like conventional kits than other "fun" kits. There are a lot more parts, pilot figure and weapons for the kits. Moulding is up to Freedom's normal high standard, Each Compact boxing seems to come with two kits, a single seater, and a double seater. 

 

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Construction begins with fitting in the cockpit(s). These are pretty basic but up to the job for these kits. The cockpit section goes into the front fuselage and then this fits onto the main section. The front is split left/right, the rear top/bottom. Intakes and their splitter plates are fitted along with exhausts (which again are fairly basic). The fin then goes on. The kits come with proper under carriage if you want to fit it or the doors can be closed. Also under wing tanks and missiles are provided, A single part canopy complete the build.

 

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Markings

There are two main markings for the VFC-111 aircraft. Though on the decal sheets there appears to be Swiss, Thai, Singapore and ROCAF? markings. These are not mentioned anywhere in the instructions.  The decals look like they are printed in house and should not pose any problems. Registration and colour density look good and carrier film is minimal.

 

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Conclusion

While they are by no means difficult kits they are much more than other kits of their type, These should appeal to those modellers wishing to have a bit if fun and expand from Egg planes etc.  They might also appeal to younger modellers wishing to build less basic kits.  Highly recommended, if you want some fun!

 

Available soon in the UK from H G Hannants, with a 10% pre-order discount applying at time of writing.
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Review samples courtesy of

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