IPMS Kit Review: Tamiya 1/48 Scale F-16C (block 32-52) "Thunderbirds"

Tamiya

1/48 F-16C (Block 32-52) "Thunderbirds"

Kit Number: 61102

Reviewed by Dennie Adams, IPMS# 34396

MSRP: $66.00
Website: www.tamiyausa.com

I don’t really think we need to go over the history and tradition of the Thunderbirds Flight Demonstration team here, do we? Suffice to say that the U.S. has two outstanding jet demo teams and which one is your favorite is usually based on your service loyalty and which demo team you last saw at an air show. I’m partial to blue jets but was proud to build a Thunderbird. Let’s get into the kit.

This is the third release of Tamiya’s 48th scale F-16 I believe and it’s a corker. The kit is molded in white and comes with all the options to build a block 35 or 52. They added a pipe for the smoke system and included both a clear and tinted canopy. An added bonus on the sprues is the weapons included but not needed. All the markings are decals -- one big sheet and one small sheet.

Construction starts in the cockpit with no surprises here. Good detail and a first rate ACES II seat. For added flash I used an Eduard color zoom photoetch set. It really kicks the cockpit up a notch. As you move into the basic construction you’ll be making a decision on which block version you’ll be building. There are some differences between the blocks and Tamiya has you covered here. Once you pick a version, it’s full speed ahead with the usual Tamiya quality and good fit. This kit is true to the "just add glue and shake the box" theory we’ve come to know with Tamiya. There is the option of a removable vertical tail and, while I passed on this and glued it together, it’s a personal choice.

Once the construction is completed the hard part starts. Let me start by saying "I HATE WHITE PAINT!" However, a couple of things conspired to cure me of this anger. First I primed the jet with some ALCLAD aluminum; this gave me a good silver base coat to see what was getting painted. White over white can be very deceptive! The second factor was the use of Tamiya’s TS spray can of pure white. Tamiya lacquer paints are great, just build your coverage up in several thin coats to avoid runs. Now that you have a white jet, it’s time to add the cool stuff.

Adding all of the markings for a Thunderbird can be a daunting challenge. The bird on the bottom and the scallops on the nose would be a masking nightmare. Fortunately our friends at Tamiya have engineered a really good set of decals that fit! It takes about 17 pieces to put the bird on the bottom of the plane. Just take your time, have a double rum and coke, and allow yourself a couple of hours. A little Micro-sol will help in the process, but for such an elaborate scheme, there are a few parts you’ll still need to paint. The blue parts will require you to match the decal color. I mixed the Testors small bottle of dark blue with a few drops of gloss black and got a nice match. The red is easier and almost any bright red will work. I can’t thank Tamiya enough for the fit of the decals.

The last choice you need to make is assigning a pilot and crew for the jet and this gives you your plane number. Since I chose to model a 2008 team block 52 jet , I checked the Thunderbirds website and chose Lead Solo pilot Maj. Samantha Weeks. These meant I was able to put the upside down #5 on the plane. Very cooool. A note about the plane crews: it appears that the crew stays with the plane even as the pilots rotate through their tour. I’ve heard it said that the crews own the plane -- they just let the pilots use them for a while.

With the tricky white finish issue and the elaborate decal work required, I cannot recommend this kit to a novice but, if an experienced member is willing to help a newbie build a really great kit of an awesome subject, go for it! The reward will be worth the effort. With that one exception in mind, I highly recommend this kit if you want a Thunderbird F-16 in your collection. My sincere thanks to IPMS and Tamiya for the chance to review this kit.

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