This is a new released, quick-build type released by Academy in 2016. I had been very curious about its quality and was anxious to build one when released.
The kit itself has no landing gear and a clear plastic stand is included. Only contains 34 parts, it has 3 colors of plastic; grey, black and clear so Academy calls it an MCP (Multi Color Part) kit. Waterslide decals
are also not included, only the sticker-type one for marking. No glue required for this kit but I did
use common plastic glue for better strength. Academy also claims that no cutting tool and paint required. The parts did
snap easily, but still needed to be cleaned-up, of course.
The detail of this kit is beautiful with sharp panel lines and rivets all over the model. It is one of the nicest kit in 1/72 in terms of surface
detail. It also reminds me of the “standard” F-16C kit released previously but unfortunately includes the wrong shape of the radome and too-short flaps. Another shortcoming are the lack of RHAW sensors on nose, formation lights on the side of intake and a pilot! Small details but why didn’t Academy mould it, instead?
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The assembly went smoothly as the fit is very good. I added a small plasticard to hide the gap inside the intake.
Because I wanted to build an Indonesian F-16C, I had to modify it to match the Indonesian version. That includes to sand-off the IFF antenna, adding structural strengthener plates on wing roots and fin base, and also a pilot. Nothing more weird that a pilotless-flying aircraft as this one is not a drone...
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Adding a pilot caused a new seat should be used as the supplied one can not “accomodate” a pilot. I used a spare one from
a Hasegawa kit. I also added the control stick and HUD to make it more realistic.