1/32 F-16C Block 52 Polish Air Force "Raven"

[Zola25]

Hi All

 

After a very long build time (started last summer) with a few months away from the modelling bench altogether. I have managed to finish my "Raven".

This is the 1/32 Tamiya F-16C/CJ kit converted to a Block 52 using a wealth of aftermarket parts. Besides having this on my short list (yes, I actually do have a list of the F-16´s I plan to build 😉) I wanted to build a kit using as many of the available aftermarket parts out there. Quite a number have been released over the last 1-2 years I haven´t tried to use yet - the full (long) list is at the end of this post.

 

The overall conversion is done using the Block52 conversion set from Grand Models. It contains all you need to convert the airframe to a Polish or Greek F-16, including the Conformal Fuel Tanks which I decided not to use. The NSI intake comes from a Tamiya Thunderbirds Kit (spare from an earlier build where I used a resin set instead) 

 

The model was finished using MRP Paints and the Masking Set from Model Maker. I already had the old set portraying the WX plane but I wanted to build the QH Raven so when they released that set I jumped on it. The decals are not included but luckily Model Maker also have a generic decal set for the Polish F-16´s. The decals are super thin and very prone to breaking. The stencils are also very hard to see and could probably benefit from a slightly thicker font line.

 

Hope you like it

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Exhaust is from Tecnikit - it is very detailed, very very fragile and very, very, very expensive - it costs more than the kit itself! Luckily there are more options now with both the new Reskit and Sierra Hotel Models.

 

This view also shows to great effect the very nice Horizontal Stabs from Kopecky. There are two different versions so be sure to check your references. They also come complete with plenty static  dischargers and their mounts for the entire plane. ( I can see from the picture that I managed to break one off during the photo session...)

 

The model is armed with Eduard GBU.39´s, Reskit AIM-120´s and an Eduard Sniper Pod

 

 

I used the complete Aires wheel bay set and the 3D printed resin Landing Gear set from 3D Chute Expert. Super nice and very sturdy. Hardly any scratch build details are added so this is what you get if you decided to add them.  Centerline Pylon is from Kopecky.

 

 

 

The cockpit is based on the kit. I added the Quinta Studios set, Grand Model Instrument Panel Cover, Minicraft Collection Ejection Seat (This is one of the nicest 3D printed sets I have ever seen! - I wish they would make a version without the sheep skin seat cover as well). The area behind the seat is homemade using some copper wire and some connectors from ANYZ models. 

 

 

 

The Canopy Frame is also from Minicraft Collection - Top top quality.

 

Complete list of aftermarket used:

 

Aires: Wheelbay

3D Chute Expert - 3D printed Landing Gear

Eduard: GBU-39
Eduard: Sniper Pod (Pylon from GT Resin)

Quickboost: Sidestick
Quickboost: Gun Barrel

Quinta Studios: F-16 cockpit (small)

Wolf3D: Pylons stations; 1,2,3 and 7,8,9

Reskit: External Fuel Tanks
Reskit: AIM-120C

Grand Model: F-16 Block52 conversion set
Grand Model: Instrument Panel

Kopecky: Horizontal Stabs
Kopecky: Centerline Pylon

Tecnikit: PW-229 Nozzle

Minicraft Collection: Canopy Frame
Minicraft Collection: ACES II Ejection Seat

Model Maker: Masking set and Decals

 

Thanks for looking

Niels

 

 

 

[chuck540z3]

10/10 marks from me Niels.  Simply outstanding modeling in every way and even better than your past Vipers, which is saying a lot!

 

Cheers,

Chuck

[Kagemusha]

1 hour ago, chuck540z3 said:

10/10 marks from me Niels.  Simply outstanding modeling in every way and even better than your past Vipers, which is saying a lot!

 

Cheers,

Chuck

 

Couldn't agree more, and thanks for sharing. 

[crobinsonh]

Superb finish. 

[SwissFighters]

A genuine benchmark of jet models and modelling in my opinion!
Thank you for sharing
Tony

[RCPlym]

That is outstanding! 👍👍👍👍 

[Supersonic]

Perfect ! The pure joy to watch .

 

[scvrobeson]

What an incredible Falcon. Everything is top-notch, especially the photography. Really helps elevate everything.

 

 

 

Matt 

[Stokey Pete]

Oh my, that is quite exquisite Niels. You’ve hit another one clean out of the park. I was going to attempt this in the past but always bailed on it. 
I’m trying to picture your Viper collection as a whole. You’ve completed so many stunningly great builds, and imagine there’s still many more to come. 
Bravo sir. 

[Greif8]

Spectacular model built to the highest standards of craftsmanship Niels!  I real feast for the eyes!

 

Ernest

[blackbetty]

all of the above!!!!

[ROM]

amazing build! good job

[Zola25]

10 hours ago, Stokey Pete said:

Oh my, that is quite exquisite Niels. You’ve hit another one clean out of the park. I was going to attempt this in the past but always bailed on it. 
I’m trying to picture your Viper collection as a whole. You’ve completed so many stunningly great builds, and imagine there’s still many more to come. 
Bravo sir. 

Thanks Pete! - Glad to see that you are still following the forums 😉

I can confirm I have a list of builds still to do - A Danish "Dark Viper", F-16N Marines Splinter, Turkish Tiger, Egyptian F-16D, F-16E... list goes on - and I haven´t even mentioned the Aggressors 🙂

 

I might need to get a 2nd display cabinet soon..

 

Edited April 7 by Zola25

[Zola25]

20 hours ago, chuck540z3 said:

10/10 marks from me Niels.  Simply outstanding modeling in every way and even better than your past Vipers, which is saying a lot!

 

Cheers,

Chuck

 

Thank You for the kind words Chuck - it means a lot.

 

19 hours ago, Kagemusha said:

 

Couldn't agree more, and thanks for sharing. 

 

Thanks a lot. I really appreciate the  feedback

 

19 hours ago, crobinsonh said:

Superb finish. 

 

Thanks! 😉 - I had to repaint the left wing twice so I got some practice in the end

 

17 hours ago, SwissFighters said:

A genuine benchmark of jet models and modelling in my opinion!
Thank you for sharing
Tony

 

Thanks Tony - Mighty big words, but I am really glad you like it

 

16 hours ago, RCPlym said:

That is outstanding! 👍👍👍👍 

 

Thank You!!

 

13 hours ago, Supersonic said:

Perfect ! The pure joy to watch .

 

 

Glad you enjoyed it!

 

13 hours ago, scvrobeson said:

What an incredible Falcon. Everything is top-notch, especially the photography. Really helps elevate everything.

 

 

 

Matt 

 

Thanks Matt - I really enjoy photography as well. Especially Airshows. Really considering coming to RIAT this summer

[Zola25]

7 hours ago, Greif8 said:

Spectacular model built to the highest standards of craftsmanship Niels!  I real feast for the eyes!

 

Ernest

 

Thank you very much Ernest. I am glad you like it

 

6 hours ago, blackbetty said:

all of the above!!!!

 

Thanks! 😉

 

6 hours ago, ROM said:

amazing build! good job

 

Thanks ROM - much appreciated