Tamiya

1/48 F-16C Blocks 25/32

Kit Number: 61101

Reviewed by  Ed Kinney, IPMS# 2989

MSRP: $56.95 Web Site: http://www.tamiyausa.com/ On the heels of their previous release of the F-16 CJ Block 50, comes this new offering from Tamiya, and as always, exquisite is not too strong a word to use. Crisply molded in light grey styrene and completely flash free. This kit gives the builder the option of choosing a block 25 or 32 aircraft used by many in National Guard Units. (Markings for 3 of these are the decals included with the kit). Also included are choices of two complete canopies, both clear and tinted, and a plethora of under wing stores as follows: AN/AAQ-28 Litening II POD Decoy POD AIM-9X and AIM-9M sidewinder missiles AIM-120C AMRAAM missiles (2) GBU-12 Paveway II laser guided bombs (4) Triple ejector racks (2) 370 gal under wing tanks (2) 300 gal centerline tank (1) All necessary stencil decals

This kit looks almost like they took their beautiful 1/32nd scale F-16 and shrunk it. Some of the same features are contained herein, like offering the builder of building the vertical fin removable with pins for transportation purposes. The decal markings, as previously stated, are for Air National Guard Aircraft, the first and second being from the 144th California ANG based at Fresno both in 2006 and 2007 livery and lastly an Arkansas ANG bird with an all bright red vertical fin based at Ebbing ANGB in 2006. The kit instructions make mention of a photo etched fret, Part # 12621, available separately should you desire, but I must say that unless you're a true purist, they probably aren't necessary to complete a beautiful replica of the F-16. In that this kit has basically had a build review done already, I will complete this one without a lengthy "how it went together" segment, except to say that my choice of markings will be an Ohio ANG machine of the 180th F.W. based in Toledo Ohio to be added to my growing collection of OANG aircraft. COMPLETION I can't even begin to tell you what a pleasure it is to be able to take a much needed "Tamiya Break" from the routine reviews that have come across my workbench. This kit, while not a "fall together" due to the number of parts and complexities, is absolutely outstanding by any measure! There were no issues with this kit (other than those of my own making) and I found it to be a "miniaturization" of their beautiful 1/32nd scale version. There are quite a number of options depending upon which block # you choose, but I strongly recommend that you follow the instructions to the letter, not only with respect to the optional parts used, but most importantly to the sequence of assembly (I also found this to be the case with the Storch). The plans are there for a reason… to be used. I managed to glue the forward fuselage top and bottom pieces together before attaching the aft top section. I was able to wiggle it into place, but I sure wouldn't recommend it. In any case, this model was constructed as box stock with the exception of the following items: Photo etch seat belts, an intake cover and a travel pod with a home brew Ohio State decal. (Source Jake Melampy's outstanding new F-16 publication "The F-16C/D Exposed"), RBF tags, and a Superscale decal sheet for the Commander's aircraft from the Toledo Ohio ANG "Stingers". Included in the kit as shown in the images is a complete selection of ordnance, pylons, and ECM and targeting pods. Oh yes…one last word of caution…the nose probe, while beautifully molded didn't last long as I managed to break it off early on and replaced it with stepped hypodermic needles. My bad!! Without question this kit deserves the highest recommendation possible. Many thanks to Fred Medel and Tamiya America for the review sample. Most highly recommended.

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