F-5E Tiger II tune-up set

A.M.U.R. Reaver, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Brad Fallen

HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron.com

This etched brass set from Russian aftermarket company A.M.U.R.Reaver is intended for Hasegawa’s 1/32 F-5E Tiger II kit, which dates from the late 70s/early 80s and is to the best of my knowledge the only available choice for an F-5E in this scale.  The kit, which has been re-boxed by Revell and duplicated by Kangnam, can be built into a beautiful model but is very much of its era, with raised panel lines, prominent ejector pin marks, challenging fit and detail that doesn’t stack up against later kits.  Several aftermarket companies have produced detailing sets for the kit over the years, not all of which are easy to find.  A.M.U.R.Reaver’s release of this set last year is therefore timely.

The first point to make about the set is that it isn’t, and doesn’t pretend to be, a complete upgrade package.  A.M.U.R.Reaver’s description of ‘tune-up set’ is accurate in that the etched fret provides tweaks for only four areas of the kit: the airbrakes, auxiliary air intakes, boundary layer flow fences, and brake chute hutch.  However these areas are all good choices for upgrade, because they are highly visible on the finished model.

The airbrakes are the most comprehensive of the upgrades, and will completely replace the slightly chunky kit originals.  The photograph of the assembled airbrake on the A.M.U.R.Reaver website, which I’ve also included with this review, shows how good the finished item looks.  You’ll want to be comfortable working with etched brass before you tackle these, though, because each airbrake is made up of 12 interlocking parts that look like they might be easy to damage during assembly.  Invest in a folding tool, take your time, and you’ll be rewarded with a major focal point on your finished model.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

Thumbnail panels:

The remaining three upgrades are more modest in scope and size, although you will still need to do some careful folding and test fitting before you commit to glue.  Once installed, however, these items should have an impact on the model that belies their simplicity.

A.M.U.R.Reaver’s instructions are printed in black and white on a small double-sided sheet.  The illustrations and printing are of a good size, particularly for ageing eyes like mine, and the seemingly complicated airbrake assembly is broken down into four sensible, easy-to-follow steps.

A.M.U.R.Reaver’s F-5E Tiger II tune-up set is a good way to add a little extra detail to your 1/32 Hasegawa kit.  The folding and assembly required to complete the airbrakes means this set is not for beginners, but if you have an old Hasegawa F-5E languishing in your stash, and are confident in your brass folding abilities, then it’s definitely worth considering.

Highly recommended to modelers with some experience in working with photo-etched metal.

Thanks to A.M.U.R. for the review sample.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2014 by Brad Fallen
Page Created 22 January, 2014
Last updated 22 January, 2014

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page