Tamiya F-16 1/48 build

[Tango]

Building this for my dad... The decals (TH/racers) was his old unit that no longer exists. He has to retire soon (will have like 39 years of service). Most of his career he was a crew chief on f-16's.... On hogs now but 16's are his baby.

I'm having custom decals made for his jet tail number and nose art.

Obviously I have a chunk of change already invested in it.... I realize I bought some things that I don't need but all well. Going to mix match some things.

I'll add to this as much as I can.

[Avgas]

I've built this kit this year and it's a beaut.

[Tango]

So far I am very happy with it.... Good fit and quality as always from them.

Kit was missing the Polly caps. Tamiya said they are mailing me some.

[rwsmith14]

when you put the two top fuselage parts together, fwd and aft. do so before you attached both parts to the lower fuselage. If you follow the instructions your chances of having a larger gap between the two top pieces greatly.\ increases !! So attached the upper fuselage pieces together first.. work the seam, then attach to the botton fuselage. it will save you headaches later....

[Tango]

That's what I did, thanks for the tip.

[AdamLuscombe]

All looks very nice!

[Tango]

Working on the landing gear bay resins.... They take A LOT of work to fit... Also needs a lot of bending inside the engine inlet. Nose gear bay is not pictured yet but it's taking more work then the other. Well worth it though.

[strawnobi]

Looks like it's coming along. I would love to build the one I just did as the sufa. But next time I will get the resin wheel bays and exhausts. Aires stuff is pretty good. But I like the eduard instrument panels better. Either way though, this looks as though it will be a stunning build.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Cool project for a loved one...those are the best
When you say your dad is on "hogs now", do you mean A10 Thunderbolts????

[Stokesy44]

That resin wheel bay looks the nuts! Fantastic detail. Cant wait to see it painted

[Tango]

Yes a-10's as in the thunderbolts.... Nobody really calls them that haha.

They are phasing them out over the next few years. His unit is going back to F-16's in 2 years... He will be retiring then though.

I have the photo etch color sheets for the instruments but think I may just paint the ones I bought. I have two cockpit sets so I may do both and see if I like the photo etch or paint better.

I can't stress enough how much work fitting these bays are!!!

[Tango]

Well my brassen tire set came in after waiting a month and it's missing the nose gear tire...... Awesome.