S K Loh Posted December 21, 2022 Share Posted December 21, 2022 X'mas is round the corner as 2022 draws to a close. 2022 is also the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese Zodiac. Well, I thought it would be nice to round up the year with a Tiger-theme build. I did my search and chanced upon an HAF F-16C Block 52M from 335 SQN "Tiger" S/n 005. 335 SQN is the oldest squadron in the Hellenic Air Force and had inducted the last batch of F-16C 52M under the Project Peace Xenia IV signed in April 2002. The Vipers were originally designated as F-16C Block 52+ Advanced. I used the 1/144 Academy F-16A kit as the base model to modify as this is the only available kit from the LHS. As usual, substantial modification is needed to transform it from a A to C variant i.e. the the enlarged stabs, extended leading fillet of fin and all those external probes, blisters and bumps using styrene strips. this was followed by a lot of putty work to fill the gaps and also to reshape the radome as original one looked too conical in shape. The most trying part was having to scratch-built the CFT using styrene. That took quite a number of manhours to get it into a reasonably looking one that fits onto the fuselage. This build features S/N 005 from 335 SQN in Aegean Ghost Camo that took part in NTM 2016 in Spain. It featured a special Tiger theme marking on its fin, Tiger stripes on the CFT and markings on the drop tanks. I am happy that it all turned out okay to look reasonably acceptable in resemblance to the real bird. Enjoy the photos. Here's wishing all ARCers and hobbyisys alike a Very Merry X'mas and a Happy and Healthy New Year 2023 ahead. Best regards, S K Loh Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LaunchRanger Posted December 21, 2022 Share Posted December 21, 2022 That's great work for such a small model. Kudos to you! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
S K Loh Posted December 21, 2022 Author Share Posted December 21, 2022 Hi LaunchRanger, Thank you. best regards Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dutch Posted December 21, 2022 Share Posted December 21, 2022 S K, Amazing workmanship! Another stunner! Wow! K/r, Dutch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
S K Loh Posted December 21, 2022 Author Share Posted December 21, 2022 Hi Dutch, Thank you. Best regards Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Thadeus Posted January 2, 2023 Share Posted January 2, 2023 You keep bringing back some memories of these 1/144 kits. But I don't remember them turning out half as good as Yours. Amazing work on the tiny Viper! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
S K Loh Posted January 3, 2023 Author Share Posted January 3, 2023 Hi Thadeus, Thank you and a Happy New Year to you and your family. Best regards. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Thunderchief105 Posted January 3, 2023 Share Posted January 3, 2023 All around a very well done build. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
S K Loh Posted January 3, 2023 Author Share Posted January 3, 2023 Hi Thunderchief. Thanks. Best regards Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HOLMES Posted January 7, 2023 Share Posted January 7, 2023 Quite A RESPLENDENT looking model. It looks STUNNING. KUDOS. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
S K Loh Posted January 7, 2023 Author Share Posted January 7, 2023 Hi Holmes. Thank you. Best regards Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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