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Academy F16


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Bit of a speed build pending the "Gulf war" and "Wings of the Red Star "group builds, I got itchy fingers so I decided to have ago at this.

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Straight out the box no niceties, I picked this up a couple of years ago for the right price at Telford, however its not one that I would really display so I will be donating it to my F16 mad buddy on completion.

Here goes.

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Spent last night Faffing with this.

Work thus far

The cockpit

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The air intakes and trunking

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Wings tail and other ancillary stuff.

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Now, the bloke will be going into this one hence the sticks and the panel havnt actually been glued as yet. Likewise I havn't put some of the finer details (o2 tank) and the like on.

I have to say i'm impressed overall with the kit although the underbody was a little warped so I had to coax the air intake into position only for it to spring right back out again.

Cockpit detail OOB is really good with crisp moulding. The panel includes decals and glass IRT displays which make for a nice feel.

Anyhow, Main landing gear and gun bays!. Its fair to say the gun is a kit in its own right.

Edited by Phartycr0c
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  • 2 weeks later...

OK so perhaps not a "speed"build per se, as i was expecting to be a lot further on than this by weeks end, but here I am

Cockpit and bloke are finished together with the wheel wells and Gun bay. The fuselage is together and wings on The kit itself has a really nice solution to the intake/ wheelbay issue. When I built an early Revell F16 a few years ago, the wheelbay stuck into the air intake almost blocking it.

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The intake on this has no shuch issues and in fact is quite nice when together, Likewise the body halves go together really well with minimal flash although the bottom half was slightly warped. This straightened out when the air intake was set in place. The wing joints however are a different matter

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The wings when together stans ever so slightly proud of the wing root thickness. This is only visible following a dry fit of the wing. Of course by this time the actual fuselage is together and set hard. This area could do with being spread my a fracrtion of a mil. Although its not rally that bad, Just not perfect.

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Im enjoying this so far!

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I can't wait for the day when I can afford that kit......so I'll be watching your build for tips and hints galore. That 'pit is worth the price of admission alone.

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Thanks for the positive replies guys.

I can't wait for the day when I can afford that kit......so I'll be watching your build for tips and hints galore. That 'pit is worth the price of admission alone.

Bud, Have you seen this Grossly below retail price if your interested. Im sure Ant could come to some postal arrangement he's a good egg.

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Not much of an update really although One thing I havnt shown you guys is that I have done the engine and exhaust cans and painted em with Citadel acrylics........forgot to photo em before masking up.

The remainder hoever is turning into a snail build as my airbrish has officially expired leaving just the preshading done....Just as i was getting to the really good part!.

Anyhow here's the phots

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Back when the remaing stores are done and a new pait setup obtained

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What is the name of the colour you used for the seat belts?? :speak_cool:

Hi Bud,

Its Revell's emil enamel number 88 Ochre brown.

Cheers Mish

Might be tempted to Kleer her tonight ready for decalling! Standby for the wolfs head!

Edited by Phartycr0c
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Ok this thing is prositively "flying" together. Spent yesterday Klearing the main body of the aircraft for some decalling before I move onto the stores and undercarriage.

The Klear itself has led to some colour definition darkening the Gunship grey and the mid grey nose whilst the lighter grey remains pretty much the same.

The decal sheet it what one could call comprehensive! there is a second sheet just for the pylons and weapons.. its great. The decals themselves are compliant yet strong and IMHO look superb.

So here she is thus far.

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I have included these couple of shots to highlight the effect obtained from the Citadel acrylics on the burner can and interior. Opinions please.

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Stencils and stuff next

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  • 2 weeks later...

Considering this was a speed build, I've somewhat stalled with few updates, anyhow I've had a growth spurt she now stands on her own legs.

I have to say the kit is every bit as good as the Academy F18 I built some time ago.

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Decalling of the aircraft itself is complete.. I can honestly say I've never seen so many stencils. The decals themselves are a dream. They are clear, perfectly in register and even the really small decals are just about readable. Two separate sheets are present, one for any one of Five versions of the ac including an RKOAF jet and a sheet for weapons and pylons.

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Pylons stores and a bit of weathering next

Edited by Phartycr0c
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Hi all, an update on this "speed " build.

She has now received some light weathering, as you dont really get dirty USAF machines, and Iv'e finished decalling. All thats now left is a few smaller details such as anti static vanes, HUD, nav lights and a flatcoat and she will be about ready for delivery to my mates.

One admission though. When i put the pilot together I positioned the arms a little high (the right arm is supposed to be on the controls,) as i had seen a jockey do this "move" at Fairford a couple of years ago. As a result when I placed the canopy on for painting I couldn't get it lowered as a result I had to dismantle the cockpit to remove Derek.

The detail in this kit is outstanding but for a little more detail in the front wheel well but it is cramped in there. Likewise the decals are a dream.

On with the show.

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When made up the FLIR head is moveable in both horizontal and vertical planes.

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Please excuse all the phots. ill bang a couple of "completeds" up in a few days.

F117 for the group build next!

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