F-16 models in 1/32 scale
Hasegawa kit conversions:  F-16C "late Block 30" and F-16A MLU conversion

 ... continued from page [H2]....

The F-16C and F-16A MLU models got a similar treatment regarding the cockpit detailling. 

Hasegawa provides also some metal parts that can be used here. In addition, I got the Eduard set # 32-052  with F-16 details. Some of the etched metal parts were used in various areas, although I found that not everything was accurate in the Eduard set. So check pictures as you go along!

As explained on the page [H1 ] the basic side walls and cockpit edges were inproved and also note that the instrument panels are a bit different between versions. This was catered for with some new instruments made of pieces of card.  The MLU for example has some different instruments.
 

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Also note the ridges added on the closing surfaces of the canopy, these are I believe rubber seals. 
F-16C

Various instrument panels, knobs, handles etc were pianted black, with colour detailling added with a a fine brush.

[ NOTE: these pictures were taken later on, so you will see some decals applied here..]

F-16C
Aft of the seat at the bulkhead some piping details were added, although most of  it will be hidden by the ejection seat. 

The MLU F-16 has compared to the usual F-16 Vipers additional black areas in the cockpit as can be seen below. Side walls and a part of the floor and to still be added seat are black. 
MLU

MLU 
Also note the bit different style HUD display on the F-16 MLU. I added very tiny triangles made from paper on the sides of the HUD.
(NOTE: on modern block Vipers, you see very different HUD types also, so check pictures when you make a particular F-16)

Canopies
I took care now of the canopies from the various kits. With the Academy kit you get two shines of canopies: smoke and clear. This applies for both the large canopy and the rear canopy section on the fuselage. Looking at pictures, you will see all sorts of variations on Vipers with different shines, etc. Look at for example into the DACO book page 10. 

The cockpit canopy as provided in the Hasegawa kit is clear and OK, but has a seam that needs to be carefully sanded away and polished. For polishing I used MOTIP "Scratch away" car polisher .

Similarly, the seams need to be removed on the Academy and Tamiya kits.

Unfortunately I found that the seam in the Tamiya kit extends into the clear canopy structure, so you still see a seam after polishing. I was not to happy with this as you will end up with a distorted canopy on the Tamiya kit !!!!

The canopies of the Academy and Hasegawa kits came out pretty well. As Academy has a spare canopy provided I am considering using that on the Tamiya kit as a replacement. 

Inside the canopies, the frame was added using the Tamiya kit as an example and looking at pictures. What was added were for example the 2 handles and the canopy locks. Also the bar at the rear with the raising rods was added. 
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On the MLU F-16, an additional detail to be added is what is probably the Night vision goggles movement sensor. It is a small vertical probe that can be seen on the left lower side of the canopy as seen here on a areal MLU canopy:

Also note the "smoke" shine on this particular canopy.

On to next Hasegawa F-16 Page [H4] .....
 

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