Tiger27 Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 So here we go again.. just finished a Norwegian viper and I found out a new project 1/32'nd scale F-5A Freedomfighter, Nowegian airforce Tigermeet 1997. This paint is just awsome. So how do one make a model that does not exist ? well actually it does, but it's one helluva job. First you take the good'ol Hasegawa F-5E , and Belcher bits F-5A convertion resin set. then start cutting an gutting. The main fuslage needs to be replaced, aswell as the tip of the nose and the airscoops. this the resin set takes care of. Basicly you chuck half the E-modell in the bin.. The wings needs to be cut down to -A standard, this intales that the LEX needs to be removed and reshaped aswell as the wingroot needs some trimming. Now comes the fun part. RNoAF F-5's of the late 90's was heavely modified, new RWR's and Chaff/Flare pods was introduced in the late 80's and the cocpit was modified in the early 90's. I'm making "134" as she was in the mid 2000's as part of the "Eye of the tiger" project and when she last flew in 2007. The RWR's on the tailfin conveniantly is included in the set I got, but I still have to scratch the one on the nose. Chaff/Flare pods I got from a friend of mine, they are built for the F-16 I ,but close enough with a little modifications done. In the mid 90's most remaining F-5's had a new HUD installed. This is the same Marconi WAR hud as is installed in the F-16 MLU's and also F-16 C Block 50, so here Eduard comes to the rescue. Now the real headacke with this build is the decals, Most I can use or paint, but the tigers head artwork on the tail aswell as some other details will have to be custom made. Not impossible, but not easy. This is by no means a shake and bake build, resin is a PITA to work with, but still I think i can pull this one off. all panels have to be rescribed and it's also ahelluva lotta sanding to be done but I hope it'l work out in the end. instrumentpanel , work in progress.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Julien (UK) Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Very cool, always like those schemes. I shot this one at RIAT in 1997. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Joel_W Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Will be following your build for sure. Talk about a real modeling challenge. Joel Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HOLMES Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Tiger27 Very ambitious project but you have started really nicely. Good neat start.. hoo. I am going to enjoy this cuz I LOVE that scheme... :wub: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Niels Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 134 is currently stored at the Air Force Museum in Bodø, just saw her today. Will try to upload the photos I took of her tomorrow :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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