Tamiya 1:48 Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 25/32 Fighting Falcon

The kit proposed by Tamiya company includes a plastic model kit of American fourth generation turbo-jet fighter in 1:48 scale.

The F-16 was designed in the 1970s as a lightweight multi-purpose fighter that would fill the heavier and better performing F-15 Eagle. The F-16 project was largely based on the experience of the Vietnam War and was designed to carry conventional weapons as a rapid reaction machine. The first fighters began service in 1979 and since then have been systematically upgraded. The Block 25 modification package included improved radar and avionics and modern electronics. The Block 32 included a new, more powerful Pratt & Whitney engine. In addition to these improvements, the aircraft were adapted to carry modern weapons such as laser-guided bombs and AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles. Today, the F-16 is being modernized mainly for export, as the USAF plans to gradually replace it with the newer F-35 Lightning II fighters. Still, the Falcon continue to display great combat value and are the primary air force fighters in many countries in the world, joining the category of aircraft of generation 4.5.

Tamiyas kit allows building the American lightweight Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon together with the pilot. In the box, there are 9 frames with elements of the aircraft, 3 frames with transparent elements of the aircraft and decals (allow the reconstruction of the National Guard machine of the 144 Hunting Wing of California or 188 Hunting Wing of Arkansas).

Plastic parts should be cut out of frames, fit together and glued according to the assembly instruction. You should paint the whole model using modeling paints according to the proposed paint scheme in the instruction. It is important to remember that some plastic parts require painting before gluing. In the end, it is needed to apply decals according to markings or graphics in instruction.

Paints suggested by the manufacturer for the best effect:

Plane:

• Tamiya spray AS-26 (hull)
• Tamiya spray AS-27, AS-28 (camouflage)
• Tamiya XF-20 (cockpit)
• Tamiya X-18 (cockpit elements)
• Tamiya XF-7 + XF-56 (engine inlet, engine nozzle elements, 1: 7 proportions)
• Tamiya X-32 (engine nozzle elements)
• Tamiya X-10 + X-13 (engine nozzle elements, 1: 1 proportions)
• Tamiya XF-2 (chassis bays, nozzle interior)
• Tamiya X-11 (chassis components)
• Tamiya XF-1 (wheels)
• Tamiya XF-49 (pilots seat cover)
• Tamiya X-11, XF-1, X-2, X-10, AS-26 (AIM-9 Sidewinder)
• Tamiya XF-7, XF-52, XF-62, X-31 (GBU-12 Paveway II bombs)

Pilot:

• Tamiya XF-65 (overalls for overload)
• Tamiya XF-59 (trays)
• Tamiya XF-51 (belts)
• Tamiya X-18 (elements of the helmet)
• Tamiya spray AS-26 (helmet)
• Tamiya XF-1 (helmet windshield)

Set contains:

• The assembly instruction.
• Frames with plastic parts.
• Decals.
• Metal elements.
• Transparent plastic elements.

Kit does NOT contain paints and glue.

Here are the basic tools and materials you need:

• Pilers for cutting plastic parts.
• Modeling penknife.
• File or sandpaper.
• Cement for plastic models.
• Brush or airbrush.
• Modeling paints.

If you are not sure of any accessories or colors of paints you need for your model kit, please ask us, we will be glad to help you.