Lockheed Martin F-16C “Tigermeet 2003”

[Paul A H]

Lockheed Martin F-16C "Tigermeet 2003"

1:72 Revell

An aircraft familiar to anyone with a passing interest in aviation, the F-16 is one of the most produced jet fighters in history. Almost 4500 examples have been built over the years and the aircraft is in service with 25 national air forces worldwide. The F-16C variant entered production in 1984 and featured improved avionics and radar allowing it to carry beyond visual range missiles including the AIM-7 and AIM-120.

Revell’s F-16 has been around for just over a decade now but is still considered by many to be the best all-round kit of the type in the scale. The basic kit is the same as the F-16A that I reviewed a few months back (see here) but with the addition of an extra sprue that provides the additional parts required to build the F-16C. As before, the quality of the mouldings is very nice indeed. Surface details are finely engraved and areas such as the cockpit and landing gear bays are packed with nice raised detail. There is a little light flash here and there, but nothing too serious.

The design of this kit reminds me a lot of the Revell Tornado in the same scale, which is no surprise as it dates back to the same period. As with the Tornado, the cockpit is excellent, with the side consoles and instrument panel featuring convincing raised details. A separate side-stick and throttle are provided and even the three-part ACES II ejector seat looks really nice. A small transparent part is provided for the Head-up display. Thanks to the modern shape and blended wing of the F-16, there will be few seams to clean up during construction, particularly as the wing is moulded in one piece with the upper fuselage. The fuselage itself is moulded in two parts in order to allow the twin seat B version to be produced from the same moulds, so assembling this part will require some care and attention plus a little cleaning up afterwards.

Revell’s basic F-16A kit includes a decent set or ordnance comprised of two drop tanks, two AIM 120 AMRAAMs and two AIM 9 Sidewinders. The extra sprue for the C version includes even more goodies; an AN/ALQ-131 pod, HTS, a pair of GBU-10s a pair of AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles and an extra pair of AIM-120s – lovely stuff! The extra sprue also includes a new vertical tail fin, engine intake and exhaust, weapon pylons and assorted other bits and pieces. The canopy is thin and clear and does not have an awkward mould seam to clean up.

Just one colour option is provided for the dazzling scheme featured on 87-0287 “Tiger Meet of the Americas 2003” of the 140th Fighter Squadron, Colorado Air National Guard at Cold Lake in 2003. The decals are designed by Syhart Decal and printed in Italy, presumably by Cartograf. The quality of printing is excellent and everything on the sheet looks pin-sharp. Thoughtfully some spare decals are provided in case of mishap, and these are clearly marked on the sheet.

Conclusion

Revell’s F-16 is a super kit and this striking addition to Revell’s growing range of Tigermeet special schemes does not disappoint. I have no hesitation in recommending it.

Review sample courtesy of

[davidsm]

Another F-16 kit for the list. and that decal sheet looks great.

Edited August 3, 2011 by davidsm

[Moofles]

aye that really looks the part, might just have to pick one of these up.