General Dynamics F-16 Zmije

[The Rat]

After the peaceful split between the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1968, western countries were cautious about 'Poking the Bear', and supplying the Czech Air Force with cutting edge aircraft was deemed to fit into that category. But after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, caution was thrown to the wind, and, along with finally joining NATO, resupply became a top issue. The first aircraft added to the inventory was the F-16A, and the pilots were thrilled to have such a mount. As with the USAF crews, they ignored the official name of 'Fighting Falcon,' and took the name the American pilots preferred: Viper. This translated into Czech as 'Zmije,' also know as the European adder, a small but venomous snake.

 

A simplified splinter camouflage was applied in two-tone green, with the underside a greenish grey that matched the often smog-ridden skies over the industrial heartland of Europe.

 

The Kit

Revell 1/48th, and according to Scalemates my boxing was issued in 1980, with mine being purchased about ten years later. A basic model with both raised and recessed panel lines, it goes together well, and would be suitable for the novice, or someone who wants to stretch their skills by improving it. The canopy seemed to have grown wider over the years, but I wasn't about to try heating it back into shape. Paint were Polly S Signal Green matte, and Gunze #6 green gloss. Underside is Tamiya XF-76 Gray Green IJN. Decals were from the Novo/Frog Tupolev SB-2, and worked okay after a few coats of Microscale Liquid Decal Film.