RichieB

Of course I knew it wouldn't go without a hitch... The roots of the vertical stabilizers had nasty interfaces with the fuselage... this is after my best efforts to make them sit flush:
 

 

 
But on real photos - they are flush... like it is a single panel with very sharp curves, I mean there are no seamlines at all. So... I deviated from my initial dream to make them ''detachable'' (for easier handling/transportation) and I must glue them permanently. Then,  their leading edges were okay-ish, but check the trailing edge...
 

 
And after a legit ''thinning'' procedure, here is the difference side by side - one thinned properly, and one as it was originally:
 

 

 
Not to mention that there is also some funky stuff going on with the horizontal stabs, but I didin't figure it out yet... how to proceed. Maybe they will be next. 
 
The second mishap was with the humbpack on top of the fuselage... I was aware of the edits required just after the canopy because it is too flat, but I notice that its entire shape to the far rear side of the fuselage is a bit wrong. I noticed it only once I glued both sub-assemblies of the fuselage, which posed other challenges by itself. Here I tried to capture with blue stipes some key curves, and compare them with a pic of the real plane on the background - check out the curvature of the panel lines on top of the humpback:
 

 

 
It's not a matter of POV, nor image distortion or things like that. It definitely needs quite some sanding, and the issue is that the plastic is not thick enough. So I tried to insert some extra material from the front of the fuselage through the tiny spaces back to the rearmost bulckhead... Of course I couldn't do it as I would beforehand. This lead to some holes in the humpback, which I had to additionally fill from the top, then sand over and refine the shape again and again... I think I kinda did it, anyway, it's times better than before:
 

 

 
The side profile changed ever so slightly, which is good.
 

 
The tires are mounted and the MLGs are just about done. Some wiring and final painting required. I will have to sand the tires from underneath to make them sit slightly flat at some point.
 

 

 

 

This is the the Thunderbirds version of the well-regarded Tamiya kit as it is the closest to the 'Flogger' version of the 64AGRS Aggressor Squadron F-16C that I wanted to emulate.
The kit itself is excellent with good fit, detail and design, makes a really nice change from some of the other efforts out there.
My aim this time was to generate a more realistic paint and weathering combo as these birds are relatively well kept, and to add some lighting of course!
Anyway, on with the photos..
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Some close-up detail. The ECM pods are fixed by small magnets and removable. The intake took a while to get right but looks ok now.
The wingtip pylons are from Kopecky (lovely detail) and the ALQ-188 is Aires (weirdly a noticeably different size to the Wolfpack version).

 
The weathering was kept fairly subdued using colours that closely matched the originals but provided enough difference for scale effect.
The paints are MRP (love these) and the decals by Afterburner. This jet didn't seem to have a black nose but it looks so much cooler with one so artistic license prevailed!

 
The exhaust and Winders are from ResKit and are a really nice substitute for the Tamiya parts. The static dischargers are by Master and the lovely ACMI pods by Bandit Resin.

 
The visor cover is actually a photocopied picture then reduced to size.

 
And yes, the lights still worked - always a nervy moment when you finally connect it all up!
I'm still perfecting the afterburner effect but I think this is my best effort yet.

 
Cockpit lighting also came out ok though as its a closed cockpit it only really works from certain angles. 

 
Many thanks to everyone who stayed the course and commented on the build - always welcome. Link below if interested.
Til next time!
 

No 1 SQN RAF
Operation Herrick
Afghanistan 2007
Trumpeter's GR7 Harrier, which is nowhere near a GR7 despite what it says on the box
I used a 3D printed nose from an eBay seller called Sonconat.  The CRVs and DJRP are also by him
Pylons are by Flying Leathernecks.  They are still not 100% correct for RAF jets but are closer than what Trumpeter give you
Cockpit and jet nozzles from Aires.  Tanks from Reskit.  TIALD pod by Brassin
The kit assembled easily enough, but Trumpeter would have you assemble all wheel well doors and intake doors open, which is not correct for a parked jet
Decals were a combination of Zotz (not the best) and Airframe decals (A UK firm)
There's a few flaws that no doubt will jump out at you, but Im glad to have it off the bench !
Thanks for looking
Bruce
 

This is the the Thunderbirds version of the well-regarded Tamiya kit as it is the closest to the 'Flogger' version of the 64AGRS Aggressor Squadron F-16C that I wanted to emulate.
The kit itself is excellent with good fit, detail and design, makes a really nice change from some of the other efforts out there.
My aim this time was to generate a more realistic paint and weathering combo as these birds are relatively well kept, and to add some lighting of course!
Anyway, on with the photos..
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Some close-up detail. The ECM pods are fixed by small magnets and removable. The intake took a while to get right but looks ok now.
The wingtip pylons are from Kopecky (lovely detail) and the ALQ-188 is Aires (weirdly a noticeably different size to the Wolfpack version).

 
The weathering was kept fairly subdued using colours that closely matched the originals but provided enough difference for scale effect.
The paints are MRP (love these) and the decals by Afterburner. This jet didn't seem to have a black nose but it looks so much cooler with one so artistic license prevailed!

 
The exhaust and Winders are from ResKit and are a really nice substitute for the Tamiya parts. The static dischargers are by Master and the lovely ACMI pods by Bandit Resin.

 
The visor cover is actually a photocopied picture then reduced to size.

 
And yes, the lights still worked - always a nervy moment when you finally connect it all up!
I'm still perfecting the afterburner effect but I think this is my best effort yet.

 
Cockpit lighting also came out ok though as its a closed cockpit it only really works from certain angles. 

 
Many thanks to everyone who stayed the course and commented on the build - always welcome. Link below if interested.
Til next time!
 

hi gents
How to make a suitable black/yellow ejection handle .... easily... I don’t like this kind of thing, I mean paint it, the result is never satisfactory. A fellow modeler ( thank you mate !!) gave us an easy and nice way to nail the thing...... let’s start with... first paint in black a length of cable ( with an air brush )... then turn it to 180 degrees and paint it yellow... Okay??? Easy! Isn't it ? .
Attach one tip to a clamp, and the other end to a hand chuck, then gently turn the chuck; the yellow and black twist would appear, turn even more until you are satisfied with the result and off you go! .....You should better use copper or brass wire, which will be more resistant to torsion    ... hope the tip will be useful 
cheers 
Alain

 

 

 

For all my Greek friends form Arta, Larissa, Ioannina, Thessaloniki and Athens
 
This is my latest finished project - HAF TA-7C at 1:32 scale. For base I used trumpeter A-7 E Corsair II model.
It needs a lot of rework - the lower air intake, front wind screen, the canopy, of course - two cockpits, the base of vertical stab, the nose cone.
The AM for this project were: 2 Aires cockpits, Reskit jet nozle, wing pylons, wheels,  Black dog set for avionics , nose, and main gear bays.
The transparent parts are vacuum forms with the shape close to the real thing - you know the trumpeter parts are far from it
For Greek markings and numbers I used home made masks, only  the tech stencils are decals.
So here she is:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Hope you will like her
Thanks as always for stopping by.
Have a nice day and Cheers friends !!!
 

Stupenda realizzazione. Complimenti

This is the the Thunderbirds version of the well-regarded Tamiya kit as it is the closest to the 'Flogger' version of the 64AGRS Aggressor Squadron F-16C that I wanted to emulate.
The kit itself is excellent with good fit, detail and design, makes a really nice change from some of the other efforts out there.
My aim this time was to generate a more realistic paint and weathering combo as these birds are relatively well kept, and to add some lighting of course!
Anyway, on with the photos..
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Some close-up detail. The ECM pods are fixed by small magnets and removable. The intake took a while to get right but looks ok now.
The wingtip pylons are from Kopecky (lovely detail) and the ALQ-188 is Aires (weirdly a noticeably different size to the Wolfpack version).

 
The weathering was kept fairly subdued using colours that closely matched the originals but provided enough difference for scale effect.
The paints are MRP (love these) and the decals by Afterburner. This jet didn't seem to have a black nose but it looks so much cooler with one so artistic license prevailed!

 
The exhaust and Winders are from ResKit and are a really nice substitute for the Tamiya parts. The static dischargers are by Master and the lovely ACMI pods by Bandit Resin.

 
The visor cover is actually a photocopied picture then reduced to size.

 
And yes, the lights still worked - always a nervy moment when you finally connect it all up!
I'm still perfecting the afterburner effect but I think this is my best effort yet.

 
Cockpit lighting also came out ok though as its a closed cockpit it only really works from certain angles. 

 
Many thanks to everyone who stayed the course and commented on the build - always welcome. Link below if interested.
Til next time!
 

This is the the Thunderbirds version of the well-regarded Tamiya kit as it is the closest to the 'Flogger' version of the 64AGRS Aggressor Squadron F-16C that I wanted to emulate.
The kit itself is excellent with good fit, detail and design, makes a really nice change from some of the other efforts out there.
My aim this time was to generate a more realistic paint and weathering combo as these birds are relatively well kept, and to add some lighting of course!
Anyway, on with the photos..
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Some close-up detail. The ECM pods are fixed by small magnets and removable. The intake took a while to get right but looks ok now.
The wingtip pylons are from Kopecky (lovely detail) and the ALQ-188 is Aires (weirdly a noticeably different size to the Wolfpack version).

 
The weathering was kept fairly subdued using colours that closely matched the originals but provided enough difference for scale effect.
The paints are MRP (love these) and the decals by Afterburner. This jet didn't seem to have a black nose but it looks so much cooler with one so artistic license prevailed!

 
The exhaust and Winders are from ResKit and are a really nice substitute for the Tamiya parts. The static dischargers are by Master and the lovely ACMI pods by Bandit Resin.

 
The visor cover is actually a photocopied picture then reduced to size.

 
And yes, the lights still worked - always a nervy moment when you finally connect it all up!
I'm still perfecting the afterburner effect but I think this is my best effort yet.

 
Cockpit lighting also came out ok though as its a closed cockpit it only really works from certain angles. 

 
Many thanks to everyone who stayed the course and commented on the build - always welcome. Link below if interested.
Til next time!
 

This is the the Thunderbirds version of the well-regarded Tamiya kit as it is the closest to the 'Flogger' version of the 64AGRS Aggressor Squadron F-16C that I wanted to emulate.
The kit itself is excellent with good fit, detail and design, makes a really nice change from some of the other efforts out there.
My aim this time was to generate a more realistic paint and weathering combo as these birds are relatively well kept, and to add some lighting of course!
Anyway, on with the photos..
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Some close-up detail. The ECM pods are fixed by small magnets and removable. The intake took a while to get right but looks ok now.
The wingtip pylons are from Kopecky (lovely detail) and the ALQ-188 is Aires (weirdly a noticeably different size to the Wolfpack version).

 
The weathering was kept fairly subdued using colours that closely matched the originals but provided enough difference for scale effect.
The paints are MRP (love these) and the decals by Afterburner. This jet didn't seem to have a black nose but it looks so much cooler with one so artistic license prevailed!

 
The exhaust and Winders are from ResKit and are a really nice substitute for the Tamiya parts. The static dischargers are by Master and the lovely ACMI pods by Bandit Resin.

 
The visor cover is actually a photocopied picture then reduced to size.

 
And yes, the lights still worked - always a nervy moment when you finally connect it all up!
I'm still perfecting the afterburner effect but I think this is my best effort yet.

 
Cockpit lighting also came out ok though as its a closed cockpit it only really works from certain angles. 

 
Many thanks to everyone who stayed the course and commented on the build - always welcome. Link below if interested.
Til next time!
 

This is the the Thunderbirds version of the well-regarded Tamiya kit as it is the closest to the 'Flogger' version of the 64AGRS Aggressor Squadron F-16C that I wanted to emulate.
The kit itself is excellent with good fit, detail and design, makes a really nice change from some of the other efforts out there.
My aim this time was to generate a more realistic paint and weathering combo as these birds are relatively well kept, and to add some lighting of course!
Anyway, on with the photos..
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Some close-up detail. The ECM pods are fixed by small magnets and removable. The intake took a while to get right but looks ok now.
The wingtip pylons are from Kopecky (lovely detail) and the ALQ-188 is Aires (weirdly a noticeably different size to the Wolfpack version).

 
The weathering was kept fairly subdued using colours that closely matched the originals but provided enough difference for scale effect.
The paints are MRP (love these) and the decals by Afterburner. This jet didn't seem to have a black nose but it looks so much cooler with one so artistic license prevailed!

 
The exhaust and Winders are from ResKit and are a really nice substitute for the Tamiya parts. The static dischargers are by Master and the lovely ACMI pods by Bandit Resin.

 
The visor cover is actually a photocopied picture then reduced to size.

 
And yes, the lights still worked - always a nervy moment when you finally connect it all up!
I'm still perfecting the afterburner effect but I think this is my best effort yet.

 
Cockpit lighting also came out ok though as its a closed cockpit it only really works from certain angles. 

 
Many thanks to everyone who stayed the course and commented on the build - always welcome. Link below if interested.
Til next time!
 

This is the the Thunderbirds version of the well-regarded Tamiya kit as it is the closest to the 'Flogger' version of the 64AGRS Aggressor Squadron F-16C that I wanted to emulate.
The kit itself is excellent with good fit, detail and design, makes a really nice change from some of the other efforts out there.
My aim this time was to generate a more realistic paint and weathering combo as these birds are relatively well kept, and to add some lighting of course!
Anyway, on with the photos..
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Some close-up detail. The ECM pods are fixed by small magnets and removable. The intake took a while to get right but looks ok now.
The wingtip pylons are from Kopecky (lovely detail) and the ALQ-188 is Aires (weirdly a noticeably different size to the Wolfpack version).

 
The weathering was kept fairly subdued using colours that closely matched the originals but provided enough difference for scale effect.
The paints are MRP (love these) and the decals by Afterburner. This jet didn't seem to have a black nose but it looks so much cooler with one so artistic license prevailed!

 
The exhaust and Winders are from ResKit and are a really nice substitute for the Tamiya parts. The static dischargers are by Master and the lovely ACMI pods by Bandit Resin.

 
The visor cover is actually a photocopied picture then reduced to size.

 
And yes, the lights still worked - always a nervy moment when you finally connect it all up!
I'm still perfecting the afterburner effect but I think this is my best effort yet.

 
Cockpit lighting also came out ok though as its a closed cockpit it only really works from certain angles. 

 
Many thanks to everyone who stayed the course and commented on the build - always welcome. Link below if interested.
Til next time!
 

And...she's done!
Weathering was kept fairly light using panel line washes that were close to the original colours, oils for some colour variation and streaking, and some added grime for typically dirty areas. The fuel tanks and weapons are detachable so I'll add them in the finished section pics.
I'm quite pleased with the final results which tried to adopt a 'realistic' approach rather than accentuate every panel line as these aren't really dirty aircraft.
I also really liked the Tamiya kit, fits well, goes together easily (even with my additional lighting changes) and has impressive detail up front.
This colour scheme is also great and I'm glad to finally have it in the (slowly growing) collection now.
 

 
The lighting still works - which is always an endgame relief!
I'm still working on achieving a realistic afterburner effect but this one is the best so far.

 
If you've stayed the distance with me on this one then thank you for your patience! 
Hope you like the final product.
More to follow in the Finished section idc. 

This is the the Thunderbirds version of the well-regarded Tamiya kit as it is the closest to the 'Flogger' version of the 64AGRS Aggressor Squadron F-16C that I wanted to emulate.
The kit itself is excellent with good fit, detail and design, makes a really nice change from some of the other efforts out there.
My aim this time was to generate a more realistic paint and weathering combo as these birds are relatively well kept, and to add some lighting of course!
Anyway, on with the photos..
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Some close-up detail. The ECM pods are fixed by small magnets and removable. The intake took a while to get right but looks ok now.
The wingtip pylons are from Kopecky (lovely detail) and the ALQ-188 is Aires (weirdly a noticeably different size to the Wolfpack version).

 
The weathering was kept fairly subdued using colours that closely matched the originals but provided enough difference for scale effect.
The paints are MRP (love these) and the decals by Afterburner. This jet didn't seem to have a black nose but it looks so much cooler with one so artistic license prevailed!

 
The exhaust and Winders are from ResKit and are a really nice substitute for the Tamiya parts. The static dischargers are by Master and the lovely ACMI pods by Bandit Resin.

 
The visor cover is actually a photocopied picture then reduced to size.

 
And yes, the lights still worked - always a nervy moment when you finally connect it all up!
I'm still perfecting the afterburner effect but I think this is my best effort yet.

 
Cockpit lighting also came out ok though as its a closed cockpit it only really works from certain angles. 

 
Many thanks to everyone who stayed the course and commented on the build - always welcome. Link below if interested.
Til next time!
 

This is the the Thunderbirds version of the well-regarded Tamiya kit as it is the closest to the 'Flogger' version of the 64AGRS Aggressor Squadron F-16C that I wanted to emulate.
The kit itself is excellent with good fit, detail and design, makes a really nice change from some of the other efforts out there.
My aim this time was to generate a more realistic paint and weathering combo as these birds are relatively well kept, and to add some lighting of course!
Anyway, on with the photos..
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Some close-up detail. The ECM pods are fixed by small magnets and removable. The intake took a while to get right but looks ok now.
The wingtip pylons are from Kopecky (lovely detail) and the ALQ-188 is Aires (weirdly a noticeably different size to the Wolfpack version).

 
The weathering was kept fairly subdued using colours that closely matched the originals but provided enough difference for scale effect.
The paints are MRP (love these) and the decals by Afterburner. This jet didn't seem to have a black nose but it looks so much cooler with one so artistic license prevailed!

 
The exhaust and Winders are from ResKit and are a really nice substitute for the Tamiya parts. The static dischargers are by Master and the lovely ACMI pods by Bandit Resin.

 
The visor cover is actually a photocopied picture then reduced to size.

 
And yes, the lights still worked - always a nervy moment when you finally connect it all up!
I'm still perfecting the afterburner effect but I think this is my best effort yet.

 
Cockpit lighting also came out ok though as its a closed cockpit it only really works from certain angles. 

 
Many thanks to everyone who stayed the course and commented on the build - always welcome. Link below if interested.
Til next time!
 

Fantastic work! Looks very beautiful!
Serkan
 

Lovely job. 

Perfect build, I like the paint finish...looks realistic.

Very nice and very clever!

That came out looking fantastic!  Love the exhaust lighting!
 
 
Matt 

Congrats on wrapping this one up, she came out really nice.
Steve

Fantastic!
 
Kev

This is the the Thunderbirds version of the well-regarded Tamiya kit as it is the closest to the 'Flogger' version of the 64AGRS Aggressor Squadron F-16C that I wanted to emulate.
The kit itself is excellent with good fit, detail and design, makes a really nice change from some of the other efforts out there.
My aim this time was to generate a more realistic paint and weathering combo as these birds are relatively well kept, and to add some lighting of course!
Anyway, on with the photos..
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Some close-up detail. The ECM pods are fixed by small magnets and removable. The intake took a while to get right but looks ok now.
The wingtip pylons are from Kopecky (lovely detail) and the ALQ-188 is Aires (weirdly a noticeably different size to the Wolfpack version).

 
The weathering was kept fairly subdued using colours that closely matched the originals but provided enough difference for scale effect.
The paints are MRP (love these) and the decals by Afterburner. This jet didn't seem to have a black nose but it looks so much cooler with one so artistic license prevailed!

 
The exhaust and Winders are from ResKit and are a really nice substitute for the Tamiya parts. The static dischargers are by Master and the lovely ACMI pods by Bandit Resin.

 
The visor cover is actually a photocopied picture then reduced to size.

 
And yes, the lights still worked - always a nervy moment when you finally connect it all up!
I'm still perfecting the afterburner effect but I think this is my best effort yet.

 
Cockpit lighting also came out ok though as its a closed cockpit it only really works from certain angles. 

 
Many thanks to everyone who stayed the course and commented on the build - always welcome. Link below if interested.
Til next time!
 

This is the the Thunderbirds version of the well-regarded Tamiya kit as it is the closest to the 'Flogger' version of the 64AGRS Aggressor Squadron F-16C that I wanted to emulate.
The kit itself is excellent with good fit, detail and design, makes a really nice change from some of the other efforts out there.
My aim this time was to generate a more realistic paint and weathering combo as these birds are relatively well kept, and to add some lighting of course!
Anyway, on with the photos..
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Some close-up detail. The ECM pods are fixed by small magnets and removable. The intake took a while to get right but looks ok now.
The wingtip pylons are from Kopecky (lovely detail) and the ALQ-188 is Aires (weirdly a noticeably different size to the Wolfpack version).

 
The weathering was kept fairly subdued using colours that closely matched the originals but provided enough difference for scale effect.
The paints are MRP (love these) and the decals by Afterburner. This jet didn't seem to have a black nose but it looks so much cooler with one so artistic license prevailed!

 
The exhaust and Winders are from ResKit and are a really nice substitute for the Tamiya parts. The static dischargers are by Master and the lovely ACMI pods by Bandit Resin.

 
The visor cover is actually a photocopied picture then reduced to size.

 
And yes, the lights still worked - always a nervy moment when you finally connect it all up!
I'm still perfecting the afterburner effect but I think this is my best effort yet.

 
Cockpit lighting also came out ok though as its a closed cockpit it only really works from certain angles. 

 
Many thanks to everyone who stayed the course and commented on the build - always welcome. Link below if interested.
Til next time!