F-16C Block 52

FROG, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Graham Carter

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I don’t think this is an aircraft that requires any introduction to any modeller interested in modern ‘whistle sticks’. Whilst this is an aircraft well outside my usual area of interest I was suitably impressed by its noise and manoeuvrability when I saw it perform at a number of airshows in England during my RAF100 commemorative visit in July this year.

This particular Block 52 variant is the one used by the Royal Singaporean Air Force since 1998, replacing the F16B/C Block 42 versions used up until then ( don’t even ask me what the difference is, but Mr Google would be your friend).  The decals are for it in its latest low-viz schemes in 140 and 143 squadrons.

(Information from the instruction sheet).

Firstly - fancy seeing the FROG name on a kit again - shades of the sixties and seventies! The “established in 1932” threw me a bit at first but some research has explained that the name had been purchased from Hornby in the late 90s and that the owner, Amaquest P/L of Singapore, has released a number of 1/48 military vehicles from the old Bandai range as well as a couple of Airfix original ships and a 1/32nd scale MiG15 in conjunction with Trumpeter.

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The instructions clearly state that the parts of this latest kit are produced by Academy and what a comprehensive and beautifully produced set they are. Apparently based on their 2016 release , which was an update of the 2010 kit which in turn was based on the original 2008 release.

There are two large sprues containing all the major airframe components, a smaller one of intake and exhast parts and two identical mid-sized sprues of u/c, weapons and other small parts.There is almost no flash at all and small parts and leading/trailing edges are really nicely done.  The characteristic ‘gold smoked’ canopy is well rendered in a clear bronzy sprue of its own and is free of any imperfections.

The instructions are clearly set out with painting information for each step - paints are numbered Humbrol colours. The Academy kit must have been a fine rendition as I am impressed with the level of detail and the quality of the mouldings both internally and on the surface of the parts. Without doing a panel-by-panel check, I am satisfied by the overall effect achieved. The super-detailer can add all the resin and PE he or she desires but I think the details provided are just fine.

Colours & Markings

Decals are clean printed in house on a 100x60mm sheet and are in register, glossy and with very little need of trimming.

Schemes are illustrated in colour on a seperate page.

This is a very nice and well-detailed kit of this important aircraft for the island nation. Parts are well-produced and a nice model should be a quick result.

Thanks to HPM Hobbies for the review sample.

Review Text & Images Copyright © 2018 by Graham Carter
Page Created 8 November, 2018
Last updated 8 November, 2018

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