1/32 Hasegawa F-16

by Stewart Gordon

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This is a model of the 1/32nd scale Hasegawa F-16A kit that was originally released in the 1970's.  While it is nothing compared to the fabulous Tamiya kit recently released it is still a nice model when built.  I rescribed the panel lines and made several changes.   I have always wanted to do a model of an Israeli F-16A that participated in the raid on the Iraqi reactor in 1981.  I built three of these kits when they first came out.  Living in the Tampa Bay area I had the good fortune to go and watch F-16s fly everyday around MacDill AFB.  I would often talk my way onto base to see them up close.  On one occasion, I noticed several F-16s in three tone camouflage parked in a far corner of the ramp.  It turns out these were Israeli F-16s on their way to their new home.  I have always wanted to do a model of an Israeli F-16A that participated in the raid on the Iraqi reactor in 1981. The Israeli F-16s that flew the mission to Iraq were among those that I saw that day at MacDill. 

The Israeli F-16s had all markings removed for the raid in an effort to hide their identity from the world.  This makes it easy to model the aircraft without the need to use decals.  I think they probably left some markings on the aircraft but what the heck, artistic license.

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Since this was going to be a desktop model I wanted to make sure the model could stand up to some abuse so I replaced the plastic kit pitot tube with one made from brass and steel.  The static probes on the side of the nose were also replaced with a steel sewing needle.  The kit fuel tanks are really wrong so I replaced them with tanks from the Academy kit.  along with the weapons pylons.  The 2,000lbs bombs are from Cutting Edge.  I tried something new with the attachments to the pylons.  I took very small nuts & bolts from the model Railroad guys and used them as sway bracing.  The affect is quite nice.

Stewart

Photos and text © by Stewart Gordon