Academy's 1/32 scale
Lockheed Martin F-16CJ

by Keith Money

Academy's 1/32 scale F-16CJ is available online from Squadron.com

After giving up modelling for a couple of years I decided to take it up again and build Academy's F-16CG/CJ kit in 1/32nd scale. This kit has a few faults, but then so does the Tamiya offering which is much more expensive. It is however a good foundation for a super-detailing project. Using DACO's excellent 'Uncovering the F-16' book, my other F-16 books, the Internet, lots of plastic card, and a good deal of patience mixed with super-glue.

This particular F-16CJ block 50 is in the markings of the first 20th FW flagship flown by General Chuck Horner before the 20th FW went down to three squadrons. Chuck Horner is a former Vietnam Wild Weasel pilot (over 70 missions in the F-105 over North Vietnam!). He has flown F-4's, F-100's, F-105's, F-15's and F-16's with a total of 5,300 combat hours! He gained his wings in 1959 and retired in 1994, oh yes... he also commanded all US aerial forces during Desert Shield and Deset Storm. Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguish Service Medal and so many oak-leaf clusters that he could be a tree...Kind of humbling eh!

The decals (AVI Print) were very good and thoroughly recommended; don't use Micro Set or Sol with them though, they are so thin that pure water is all they need. It was also my first ever use of a canopy paint mask by Eduard... I am now a convert. As for the Academy kit - I would definately build another one, I have even bought the decals ready for it from Twobobs. The fit is pretty good, engraved panel lines, nice cockpit, lots of weapon choices and at the end of the day... it looks like an F-16. The Academy decal sheet is also good, allowing for five different aircraft to be made. Some of the kit options include the IFF antennas, small of big mouth intake, Pratt & Whitney or GE engine, CG or CJ HUD, LANTIRN or HTS pods

 

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Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2007 by Keith Money
Page Created 17 April, 2007
Last Updated 24 December, 2007

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