Looking towards a future project, I’m looking at 1/32 scale kits. I wanted the latest mods (block 70?) but also in US/ANG use. Is it best to stick with the Tamiya kit, and just update to current stds, or, would something like the AFV F-16AM be closer to the mark? Basically just want the most up to date block in US/ANG service, which is confusing, because new orders are C-models, block 70, but I assume older A model a/c blocks are being updated to this std? Especially the birds you see re-furb’d in the new Have Glass finish. Any help on mods and what ANG sqdn’s they’re in greatly appreciated.
The AFV Club Kit is just the Academy kit with some resin bits (an A parapack tail, TERs and Mk82 slicks). Not really worth the price and only makes a Block 20. Might as well just get the Academy kit for a lot cheaper.
I would say stick with Tamiya F-16C as it is the best F-16 hands down.
Thanks guys, yeah that is what it looks like from reviews. Tamiya it is, with some mods I’m guessing. The kicker is finding out what a particular ANG sqn is running, preferably with the Have Glass finish, and then getting the after-markets bits to up-date it. I think the newer block 70 mods have some great updates and so that’s what I’m hoping to build. I’d really like to get the updated center console screen, and the new Martin-Baker US18E in the cockpit.
OK pulled the trigger on the Tamiya kit, as well as some upgrades. I’m looking at doing a F-16C, Block 40, as flown by my local ANG unit. These have the GE F-110 engine, meaning larger intake, and different tail feathers than from the P&W. Also have the beefier landing gear and wider tires, meaning bulged LG doors. Not sure if they have the “CM” updates, with the new center display console and other stuff, but will find out as soon as they are on display.
So it would appear that ANG birds are Block 40/50, and possibly have the “CM” updates. Also many now have the Have Glass V RAM coating. Our local unit got the Block 40 birds from Hill in 2010.
As for added details, I have ordered the MCC 1/32 Aces II E-seat for late F-16’s (believe this is the one with the textured back and seat pads). Also the MCC F-16 canopy frame. Still looking for an upgraded Have Glass canopy, but might have to sand down and tint the kit one. Thinking about getting the GT Resin seamless bigmouth intake, and Reskit GE F-110 open nozzle. Also looking at Aires for wheel bays, and Red Fox for instrument panels.
I can’t find any “heavy” landing gear in 1/32, but looks like Reskit has the wider tires.
Definitely want to do a Have Glass V bird, so will hit the airshows this summer and see what I can find in the way of specific tail numbers and such.
I am disappointed the Guard doesn’t have the newer Block 70 birds, but it seems they have many upgrades/updates that make them pretty damn close. I really wanted to model the new M-B US18E seat but will probably have to wait awhile to see those. I guess until the Guard units see more female pilots (which these seats are better suited to), it’s not a really pressing need.
Even though I’d like to take a look at the Academy bird, I think I have everything I need right here, for what I’m doing.
Which Tamiya kit? If you got the 1/32 Block 50 kit, you pretty much have a Block 40 as you gave the GE engine as well as the heavyweight gear with the wide tires and bulged MLG doors. About the only thing missing for a Block 40 is the WAR HUD.
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Yeah, as mentioned by Dwill, Tamiya Block 50 should have you covered with quite a bit. As for GT intakes, save your $$. His stuff is not that good. Beside, it’s not that hard to make it seamless yourself…especially on the Tamiya F-16 as it’s a huge sucker and easy to get to the seams.
Here’s a link to Pete’s explanation. He came up with a very easy way to make it work.
Oh yeah, I got the Block Fiddy kit. And thanks for the tip on the WAR HUD. I heard the states are pretty good at updating their birds- even before some active duty types. Would not be surprised if they are up-dated to “CM” specs, with all the latest bells n whistles. And I think we have the new “Scorpion” helmet but will need to confirm.
On the intake, yeah I’m tracking, might pass on that and concentrate on getting the tail feathers upgraded, and trying to emulate some of the insane metallic finishes I’ve seen you guys do.
Update to add: just got the Reid Air pubs on the F-16. Oh man, what can I say. These pubs are awesome; just what I was looking for. Highly recommended for those of you that want to drill down into the myriad of block numbers and updates. The modeler’s manual was especially helpful, in breaking down the modeling techniques used to get really good results. I finally understand what a Block 40 should contain, as well as a host of other models, should I choose to make them.
Man I wish someone would do this for the F-35.