SPA Modeler

Hi Folks - I know I have a few WIP that I've posted and have not seen the light of day since... well I got side tracked so much with the Thud, the 'Streak, and the Voodoo. And this is one of them.

I would say that I am not a big F-16 fan (I am not a fan at all). I have done one more than a decade ago, and that was it. I just think they are boring, and I think I don't have enough creativity to make something really 'wow' for an F-16.

However, I always have an eye of interest on the D models, especially the ones with the conformal fuel tanks. Been seeing a lot lately on Combat Aircraft of Greece, Israeli, Polish, and UEA samples and I was hooked.



The next thing I knew I ordered the 1/32 F-16I Sufa from the local Academy distro in Indonesia. I got it for a US$55 after a big discount, 'cause the box was damaged they say (I don't really care about the box!) and extra US$5 for shipping.



I have never seen so much plastic before. I think there may be around seven to nine large sprue trees. they gave you a little carton box that contains the clear parts and some basic PE bits. What's so interesting is the color of the plastic is medium grey, versus the greenish grey that they usually make.



I got excited when I was looking through the pieces. the surface detail is just outstanding. Again, I am saying this as someone who's been doing 1/48 and 1/72 all his life. and the fact that the only 1/32 builds I have done so far are from older kits - with details that are inferior with current kits.



The decals come in two large separate sheets. The first one relates to the squadron and roundels. While the second one deals with stencils only. Just by looking at this, the decals alone can take 3-4 days, depending on my stamina. I know putting all those stencils can be a bore.

I have already started in building this model in my apartment in Surabaya. The length of the whole kit measures slightly just below 40cm (the same size as my cutting mat). Here is an image of dry-fitted parts - the upper fuselage with the hump.



I have been trying to educated my self with the F-16 as I am totally new to the subject. F-16.net is a great resources, and of course there are plenty of other good references out there, never come short of it when it goes to the F-16 as I learn now. I have had some time working on the cockpit. here are some images



I am going to build this as an OOTB project. The only modification is perhaps some seat belts for the ejection seats. I know the wheel bay is rather sparse and a bit of wiring would make a big difference. I have seen others work on the Sufa with resin tub and bays, that's out of the question for me! So I will do what is necessary



I find it easier working with paint brushes on 1/32 scale models. I don't get the challenges of having the details too small or the brush too big. I did though bought some new Cotman pointed brushes of #00, #000, and #000.

Looking sharp! I don't get into building such large scale aircraft (although I do have one in 1/32 scale that I started as a challenge) but I admire and appreciate the outstanding work that Masters like you do to these. I'll be watching this one with interest.

I also would love to build a SUFA in 1/72 scale, but I have yet to find one.

Thanks Duke. I will try my best to get this project done and completed with the same quality as my '48 and '72 builds.

Here are some images that shows the cockpit progress. in essence, Academy gives you a decent cockpit (compared to early Trumpeter or Hasegawa) and I was comparing some images of the resin tubs. I know... you can't compare them! The level of detail is just not the same.



All the dials and buttons were brush painted one by one. I used a slightly lightened Tamiya Sky Grey. Then when all is done, I did a simple dry brushing, also using Sky Grey.



Painting the dashboard was pretty easy. Many Block 40 reference photos. I use the kit's decal to fill the MFD. Using Cotman '0000' brush to color the dials and artificial horizon indicator was easy.

making the intake took a bit of a struggle. due to the limited space to work (sanding, and puttying)



Some hard work to make the interior smooth. I sprayed a light coat of grey primer before I sprayed Tamiya Flat White.



Almost perfect. I couldn't tackle the seam line farthest away from the intake mouth, but that has to do.

Very nice, Monty....wow.

What a start! BTW: getting side tracked is a part of our hobby. I know what I am talking of!

What amazes me is that you paint the small detail in a Tamiya colour. These are not really known for being suited to brush painting, at least for me. What's the secret? Lot´s of thinning?

Way to go Monty! One idea for getting the interior of engine intakes is to get a set of metal files or rasps. They come ion different shapes, including round, triangular, square, half-round and flat. I find that the round ones are excellent for getting into those tight areas in engine exhausts and intakes.

Keep plugging man, this is looking good! I especially love the cockpit; it's far better than the one I did in my 1/32 scale F-5E Tiger II and I was using enamels to brush paint the details!


(I did the clapper because we have everything but a Thumbs Up smiley! LOL! )

dang that is a beast. Those Israeili birds really are something, huh?

Duke Maddog wrote:Way to go Monty! One idea for getting the interior of engine intakes is to get a set of metal files or rasps. They come ion different shapes, including round, triangular, square, half-round and flat. I find that the round ones are excellent for getting into those tight areas in engine exhausts and intakes.

Keep plugging man, this is looking good! I especially love the cockpit; it's far better than the one I did in my 1/32 scale F-5E Tiger II and I was using enamels to brush paint the details!


(I did the clapper because we have everything but a Thumbs Up smiley! LOL! )

ahh...forgot all about the metal files! yes, I have them...but not where I am staying right now. Dang...why didn't I think of that? I should look for a local vendor.