66 replies to this topic

[DoogsATX]

So this started out as a Greek F-16D. Then the Eduard cockpit PE debacle shattered my motivation and nearly drove me to shelving the kit, even with the arrival of a very nice Wolfpack resin replacement.

 

Then something weird happened. I thought...what if...instead of going Greek, I tackled this kit as a Polish F-16D Block 52+? Motivation instantly returned. Weird how we can trick our brains.

 

 

I'm planning to stick with the same collection of aftermarket I've got now - Wolfpack cockpit, Wheeliant wheels, possibly some aftermarket weaponry - with the addition of some Techmod Polish Viper decals.

 

So far, work has alternated between cleaning up the myriad of parts involved with the Wolfpack pit, ensuring proper fit, and tonight, installing the dorsal spine and the conformal fuel tanks.

 

The Wokfpack pit is excellent.

 

 

And it fits!

 

 

So do the chunky bits on the fuselage.

 

 

The parahousing is going to be interesting. The kit supplies one, but it's too narrow for the dorsal spine, so I'll be spreading, probably with some styrene spacers. 

 

What's to come of the Hellenic Air Force Viper? I'll be tackling it as an F-16C Block 50 instead, using the Tamiya kit with a PWMP tail.

[mark31]

Nice one and good progres sofar.

Keep going.

 

Mark

[Peterpools]

Matt

Nothing like an end run and a new plan to get a stall build going again. Nice work on installing the Wolfpack cockpit tub.

Keep 'em coming

Peter

[Azgaron]

Looking good so far!

 

Håkan

[DoogsATX]

I have not been idle! It's just been one crazy hell of a week.

 

First, I've been prepping the intake. Damn sink marks.

 

 

Next, the cockpit. Once I got it cleaned up, I primed it with Gunze Mr. Surfacer 1500.

 

 

Followed up with Gunze 317.

 

 

For the consoles, I'm planning to paint the knobs and buttons and such first in acrylic, then mask and spray black enamel, THEN selectively remove the enamel with toothpicks and microbrushes dunked in enamel thinner. Did a very sloppy proof-of-concept on the spare single tub that came with the kit last night. Not bad.

 

 

My Tamiya Viper should be arriving today, so chances are I will divert to it to get it up to the same point for better dual-tracking.

[Azgaron]

Very nice work Matt!

 

Håkan

[DoogsATX]

Lots of masking last night, and then laying down some white. Next up, details in yellow, red and so on.

[phantom]

Bookmarked this build. I am planning to do the same with one of my SUFA kits.

 

Happy Modeling

Mike

[Azgaron]

Looking good! Love to see how it turns out

 

Håkan

[Hagar]

Oh man I was wondering if this could be done. Couldnt get any answers and sold the kit. Will watch with interest and may have to splurge again and try it.

James

[DoogsATX]

Oh man I was wondering if this could be done. Couldnt get any answers and sold the kit. Will watch with interest and may have to splurge again and try it.

James

 

From what I understand (I'm far from an F-16 expert) the Sufa is externally indistinguishable from an F-16D Block 52+ save for a few very minor details. Details minor enough that I just don't care. The biggest hassle will be the drag chute extension on the tail - there are parts for it in the kit, but they're narrow vs. the dorsal spine, so it'll need some spreading to make everything work just so.

 

The Sufa kit's actually really good in terms of versatility. From what limited understanding I have of all the various blocks, it can basically build any F-16D Block 40, Block 50 or Block 52/52+. Between the different engine parts, intake shapes and so on.

[DoogsATX]

Moment of truth. Sprayed the consoles and IPs with Model Master Aircraft Interior Black cut with a few drops of Gunship Gray.

 

 

Next came removing the enamel to reveal the acrylic-painted details beneath. Overall, not too bad, would try again, but I didn't necessarily feel the sense of control some seem to exhibit with technique (i.e. uncovering tiny raised details in a gauge face).

 

 

[shaky962]

You are making a very good job.....

The Viper is one of my favourite planes....

[LSP_Kevin]

Nice work Matt! I'd try doing the paint types the other way around next time though - acrylic over enamel. The acrylic paint will be much easier to remove, affording you more control for less work.

 

Kev

[Azgaron]

Very nice work Matt! Looks great!

 

Håkan