Suggestions for future Dark Vipers

[Captain Tyler]

Hey Kursad! 

I had a few suggestions for the next Dark Vipers sheet, perhaps 6 or 7. A few that haven't been made yet. 

Let's weigh the options. 

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F-16C 87-0336 Block 30, 100th Fighter Squadron, Alabama ANG, 2023.

As the 100th FS transitions to the F-35, their F-16s will quickly start to become rarer and rarer. 

Note the lack of the ANG shield. 

Crew names:

Lt. Col. Rob "Pipes" Stimpson 
MSgt Tyler "T-Boz" Boswell, SrA Evan "Dale" Armstrong

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F-16C Block 42, 90-0762, 310th Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, December 2022

Another squadron that has transitioned to the F-35A, but the 310th FS had some very handsome HGV Vipers. 

No crew names. Lots of high viz markings as well. 

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F-16D Block 50, 90-0840, 461st Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, 2024

One of the newer F-16Ds at Edwards, this aircraft sports the new red squadron tail flash that is slowly making its way around the fleet, giving these dark Test Vipers a fresh look. 

Crew names:

MAJ ROBERT "STIG" STEIGERWALD, MRS. KAITLYN "GITS" STEIGERWALD
SRA GABRIEL OSBON, SSGT ANDREW "PENNY" PENNINGTON 

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F-16C Block 30, 86-0339, 120th Fighter Squadron, Colorado ANG, 2023

Another attractive scheme. A great looking tail flash with "Mile High Militia" titles. 

Crew names: 
Lt. Col. Joshua "Riot" Rasmussen 
SSgt. Matthew L----- (Check photos)

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F-16C Block 50, 01-7053, 55th Fighter Squadron, Shaw AFB, 2021

Now, I do realize that a 55th FS Block 50 Viper was on Dark Vipers Part 5, but hear me out. 

This aircraft has the distinction of being the last new built F-16 delivered to the USAF, only recently having HGV applied to the aircraft. 

It is similar to 98-003 (CD48236) with the darker stencils and tail flash. 

There are several pictures of the aircraft in its current appearance with and without crew names. 

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What do you think? 

[Captain Tyler]

87-0336

[Captain Tyler]

90-0762

[Captain Tyler]

90-0840

[Captain Tyler]

86-0339

[Captain Tyler]

01-7053

[bluedot25]

And this one…

 

[Niels]

01-7053 is one I have already suggested for Kursad together with 98-0003. 98-0003 made the sheet as you also point out, but still straight forward to make using suplementary decals for the tail number. Some good options on the other ones you propose (Y) .

 

I would propose to substitute 01-7053 with 86-0288, from the 162WG Alert Force which is the team standing QRA watch with live weapons and red fintip: 

Alternatively 88-0520 assigned to 152FW 162WG, which is the 162WG CO jet: 

 

Or 90-0716, another line jet but still with full color tail which makes for a nice contrast towards the HG5 scheme; 

Edited December 4, 2024 by Niels

[KursadA]

Some great choices here - I will get working on these. After doing five Dark Vipers sheets, I sort of automated the whole workflow so it should not be a long wait.

[Niels]

Shaw AFB FB page has some great photos of 80-0845 if you want to include a dual seater? Photos from yesterday, so really fresh! 

 

Edited December 3, 2024 by Niels

[Captain Tyler]

On 12/2/2024 at 10:54 PM, Niels said:

01-7053 is one I have already suggested for Kursad together with 98-0003. 98-0003 made the sheet as you also point out, but still straight forward to make using suplementary decals for the tail number. Some good options on the other ones.

 

I would propose to substitute 01-70530 with 86-0288, from the 162WG Alert Force which is the team standing QRA watch with live weapons and red fintip: 

Alternatively 88-0520 assigned to 152FW 162WG, which is the 162WG CO jet: 

 

Or 90-0716, another line jet but still with full color tail which makes for a nice contrast towards the HG5 scheme; 

Ohh!! Especially 88-520 is tasty! 

 

These AZ birds are great, even the monochrome ones!

[Waltz41]

Would love to see this one in there too....NJ ANG 177th FW color bird

 

[Djack]

Yes, that New Jersey Viper and Alabama Red Tail are a must have!

[Captain Tyler]

On 12/3/2024 at 10:02 AM, KursadA said:

Some great choices here - I will get working on these. After doing five Dark Vipers sheets, I sort of automated the whole workflow so it should not be a long wait.

Which of these stand out to you the most? 😉

[habu2]

The future's so Dark, I gotta wear shades...

 

(apologies to Pat MacDonald & Barbara K)

[Waltz41]

Shame it's not a Dark Viper, but the 119th FS of the NJ ANG has a new color tail F-16.  Could do a DEVIL of a sheet with this, the black tail shown above, and a couple of regular jets.  Some have a red tail flash, some just black.  

[Niels]

57 minutes ago, Waltz41 said:

Shame it's not a Dark Viper, but the 119th FS of the NJ ANG has a new color tail F-16.  Could do a DEVIL of a sheet with this, the black tail shown above, and a couple of regular jets.  Some have a red tail flash, some just black.  

There is one on the prior Dark Viper Pt 3 sheet; 
Caracal Models CD48194 - 1/48 F-16C "Dark Vipers" Part 3

[A-10 LOADER]

3 hours ago, Waltz41 said:

Shame it's not a Dark Viper, but the 119th FS of the NJ ANG has a new color tail F-16.  Could do a DEVIL of a sheet with this, the black tail shown above, and a couple of regular jets.  Some have a red tail flash, some just black.  

 

Nice shots Brian.

Steve

[Waltz41]

19 hours ago, A-10 LOADER said:

Nice shots Brian.

Steve

 Thanks Steve!

[Waltz41]

21 hours ago, Niels said:

There is one on the prior Dark Viper Pt 3 sheet; 
Caracal Models CD48194 - 1/48 F-16C "Dark Vipers" Part 3

Yeah, I missed that one and was never able to pick it up.  I was just suggesting a way to get both NJ color tails in one sheet together 🙂 and why not throw in some regular tails as well!

[Djack]

Also, it would be cool to have an option for a Tyndall QF-16 on a dark Vipers sheet as some of them have the Have Glass with that bright Orange paint, and it looks amazing. 

[Mike J. Idacavage]

On 1/5/2025 at 12:58 PM, Djack said:

Also, it would be cool to have an option for a Tyndall QF-16 on a dark Vipers sheet as some of them have the Have Glass with that bright Orange paint, and it looks amazing. 

 

 

Great suggestion, I fully agree!

Have fun modeling

Mike

[Captain Tyler]

On 1/5/2025 at 11:58 AM, Djack said:

Also, it would be cool to have an option for a Tyndall QF-16 on a dark Vipers sheet as some of them have the Have Glass with that bright Orange paint, and it looks amazing. 

To be honest, that probably deserves its own sheet! There are a few variations of QF-16s to enjoy 

[Captain Tyler]

Any updates on this particular set at this stage? 

[Captain Tyler]

Suggestion Amendment, @KursadA

 

There are some really good ideas that were provided by the others too. 

 

So, how about this: 

 

From my list, keep:

 

-F-16C Block 42, 90-0762, 310th Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, December 2022

 

-F-16D Block 50, 90-0840, 461st Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, 2024

 

Especially since Luke just removed their based F-16s, might be a little tribute. 

 

Edwards F-16D, because of the red tail flash, and because Im selfish LOL

 

I am in agreement with @Niels on the AZ birds. 

 

86-0288 from the 162nd WG is a very interesting subject. 

 

Same thing with 88-0520, the 162nd WG commander's jet. 

 

Waltz has several good ideas, but 87-0225, the 177th FW flagship with the black tail stands out to me the most. 

 

A little research shows that this one actually hasn't been made in 1/48 as of yet. It has in 1/72. 

 

Amended list. 

 

90-0762 from Luke

90-0840 from Edwards

86-0288 from AZ ANG

88-0520 from AZ ANG

87-0225 from NJ ANG