Tamiya's 1/32 scale
F-16CJ Falcon

by Keith "Ghostmech" Pardini

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

I originally intended to build a F-16CJ of the 55th Fighter Squadron, Shaw AFB, SC that would have be seen in early OIF/OEF theaters.

However, as new aftermarket external ordinance and pods became available, I adjusted my Falcon to reflect a more updated aircraft with items such as the Sniper Pod, War HUD and GB-38 JDAMS.

This project started a few years ago with the beautifully engineered Tamiya 1/32 F-16CJ. Like many of us do with big projects, you have a couple of starts and stops along the way, one being attributed to a state to state move.

Another goal with this kit was to push my abilities up a notch since getting back into the hobby. On previous builds, I usually just added detail on the peripheral, but never actually scratch built anything of significance.

Having built the 1/32 Tamiya F-15E several years ago, I liked the way Tamiya opened the left side radar access panel, thus revealing the electronics under that panel. On their F-16CJ kit, Tamiya elected to keep the radar access panels closed. I can understand why since the provided nose weight takes up that entire area. So with a little planning and cutting of the nose weight, it was possible to add that radar detail and still retain the weight. Though doing this with an aftermarket cockpit (Blackbox/Avionix) complicated it a bit more since room is at a premium, but I think the extra effort was worth it and boosts the look of realism that I felt it was missing.

While I was in scratch building mood, I ...

• Opened/scratch built Left Forward Radar Transmitter and miscellaneous electronics

• Opened/scratch built external ground power access panel

• Added miscellaneous Radar, Engine and Wheel Well components/plumbing/wiring

• Moved AN/ASQ-213 HTS Pod to the left side with scratch built pylon

• Aim-9 Sidewinder Seeker head covers

• Scratch built Ejection seat ground maintenance cart

• Added War HUD

• Added PE Airbrakes

Accessories used were as follows:

• Blackbox/Avionx Cockpit Set 32024

• CMK Armament set 5007

• CMK Undercarriage Set 5008

• Wolfpack GBU-38 JDAMS 32012

• Wolfpack AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Pod 32017

• Afterburner F-16CJ - Shaw Shooters decals 32007

• Eduard PE Airbrakes from Exterior Set 32128

My mode was painted with Testor's Model-Master enamels and Alclad 2.

Weathering was done using "The Detailer" washes, and various Tamiya Weathering Master powders.

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Text and Images Copyright © 2012 by Keith Pardini
Page Created 3 August,2012
Last Updated 3 August, 2012

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