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

 ... continued from page [H4] 

For the decals, various decals were used from the 2 Hasegawa kits, the Revell kit, the Academy and the Tamiya kit, so some as supplied at the various kits. But also bought a  commercial decal from Zotz from Mexico, no. ZTZ32008 "Vicacious Vipers #2" 

The last set is truly remarkable as you get many foreign F-16 schemes from the most remarkable air forces around the world. The decals are well researched. 

Before applying the decals, the models got a coat of Johnson Future acrylic. When applying the decals, ample amounts of Future were also used, applied to the surface before getting the decal in place and then rubbing out the possibly trapped air bubbles. 

(1) F-16 MLU 

A F-16AM block 15 (MLU) from the Royal Netherlands Air Force was selected from 323 squadron. The "J-002"  has serial no 32174 and went into service July 1990.

The Zotz set has decals for a remarkable Viper from the 323 Diane squadron as it appeared in a scheme on the AF open days in 2001 on the "J-002". The woman on the tail is goddess Diane...

Other special features on the Dutch MLU are the very thin dark grey (about 26251) walkways and the odd roundel colour. These are in fact on the sheet of the Revell kit.

Also the blue in the Dutch roundel was "not standard" but a bit lighter as seen below....   You get this non standard roundel in the Zotz set, but also you get the extra normal blue roundels. The stencils and other details came from the various kits.

The airbrake has two very tiny spring doors at their arms at the base. These were made from card.

(2) F-16C Early block 30
This bird was finished in a scheme from the USAF  512 TFS, based on Ramstein AFB Germany 1987.

The main markings are from the Revell kit # 0389 again, but with improved stencilling from other F-16 kits. Noteworthy is the large dragon on the tail. The walkways are thicker lines and a bit brown/grey and obtained from the Hasegawa decals. Also, the Revell decals are quite usable. 

When applying and looking at pictures you will so a lot of different styles stencilling and markings on the F-16 Vipers!

Add ons
Next to the markings the models will get "stores" later on. But for now, a LANTIRN AAQ-14 and ALQ-184 ECM pod from the Academy kit were added to the F-16C. Also, some spare pylons from the Academy kit were put under the wing on stations 3 & 7 .

Finally:
> the static dischargers on both kits were replaced with thinner ones from copper wire; 

> the ejection seats were obtained from QUICKBOOST  ( www.quickboost.net  which are in fact Aires at modelchoice.net  , more colour info on www.seatejectcolor.com) and are very detailled using resin; they were detailled with some belts and clips using the Eduard sets and also simple tape. Note that the MLU seat is slightly different in colouring. 

> the metal exhaust was given a metal coat and a very thin wash with blue transparant Tamiya clear on the F-16C: 

Note: the exhaust itself came from the Academy kit as that kit has extra exhaust parts. 

> the new type landing lights were made and added to the nose gear doors on both F-16C and MLU; 

MLU NOTES: 
> on the F-16 MLU not all parts are fitted as a small diorama with a maintenance scene will be done with the engine removed and some open panels. The bay was detailled as has a green / yellow chromate colour.
Also a horizontal stabilizer is not yet installed...

> the engine bay hatch was more detailled:

> the parachute pack was made from some plastic and added on the MLU in the adapted tail fairing :

> inside the canopies the various locks were added ;

Weathering and finishing
Various panels were sprayed over in a slight different sheen. The same was done with some decals, with a light oversprar added similar to the under base colour. You get a "blended in" effect, as seen for example seen here on the fueltank fillercaps.

Also, various panels got a slight darker colour with acrylic paint and various panels and fasteners were suggested using a simple pencil 

On the vertical tail and the horizontal stabilizers the leading edges of the F-16 MLU got a slightly darker grey finish. This is seen on some vipers but not all as weathering varies. On the 512 TFS F-16C this for example does not apply:
real tail
 

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