I can't really answer your question as I have yet to build one but I do have one in the stash. It is the Kinetic Sufa version of the viper. I will say one thing, the dang box weighs a freaking ton and there is enough ordinance to fit out 2 or 3 of em in there!! The moldings look fantastic but like I said, haven't built one and really dont know that much about the Viper to say whether its accurate or not. Knowing the forums here, I'm sure someone will be along shortly and lay it all out nice and neatly for us!!

It really depends on which version of the F-16 that you want to model.    The best "basic" F_16 in 1/48 I would go with the Tamiya kits.  It has the best overall shape, and also the best engineering of any of the F-16 kits.  The down side is the price.  The Kinetic kits aren't "bad".  They have several shape issues, but they offer variants not covered by other manufacturers. 

My vote is for Tamiya.

Regards,  Rick

Tamiya.. Hands down.

I have to wonder when someone says Kinetic kits aren't bad if they have ever built one. The two I have built fit horribly.

paintsniffer

Tamiya.. Hands down.

I have to wonder when someone says Kinetic kits aren't bad if they have ever built one. The two I have built fit horribly.

Yes.  I have built 3 of them.  They take a little work to get to fit well.  But then I build a lot of limited-run, resin, and even vacuform kits, so I am used to working with kits that do not fall together.

Ack! I've several of the Kinetic kits in my stash, they look so good in the box but haven't tried building any of them yet!

I'd like to point out if you're worried about blowing a wad of cash on the Tamiya kit the Academy kit while not as nice isn't too shabby and a lot cheaper.

Has anyone tried the Italeri F-16A kit?  I have the kit with the Dirty Diana & Italian AF decals in my stash.  (This one: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXMRY5&P=FR)

It looks like with aftermarket decals, it would make a nice ANG ADV Viper.

There`s always the Revellogram kit....a nice base to start with especially if you`re gonna buy a bunch of AM stuff...at least the kit will be cheaper!

rjkplasticmod

My vote is for Tamiya.

Regards,  Rick

A stunning kit that fits well and really looks the part.

dmk

Has anyone tried the Italeri F-16A kit?  I have the kit with the Dirty Diana & Italian AF decals in my stash.  (This one: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXMRY5&P=FR)

It looks like with aftermarket decals, it would make a nice ANG ADV Viper.

I suspect the Italeri -A kit is descended from the old ESCI kit based on the prototype/early production -A.

Phil_H

 

 

I suspect the Italeri -A kit is descended from the old ESCI kit based on the prototype/early production -A.

 I know the kit does have at least some of the ADF features (except for the spotlight, which is easy enough to add).  It also does have the larger rear stabilizers.

Without a doubt........Tamiya. If you want some interesting decals try TwoBobs!

I have build 8 - Tamiya F-16's and they never have never disappointed.

Tamiya would be your best bet in 1/48. they aren't on the cheap side neither. i still need to add one to the stash.

Phil_H

dmk:

Has anyone tried the Italeri F-16A kit?  I have the kit with the Dirty Diana & Italian AF decals in my stash.  (This one: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXMRY5&P=FR)

It looks like with aftermarket decals, it would make a nice ANG ADV Viper.

I suspect the Italeri -A kit is descended from the old ESCI kit based on the prototype/early production -A.

Not at all. They are leagues apart in detail and sprue lay out. I built the ESCI one ages ago. Still ahve yet to build one my Italeri ones.

I will be building the old 1/48 hasegawa kit and the newer tamiya kit simultaneously. Wish me luck on both. Thanks. Bob 

dmk

 

 

Phil_H

 

 

I suspect the Italeri -A kit is descended from the old ESCI kit based on the prototype/early production -A.

 

 

 

 

Possibly.  I don't know enough about the F-16 details to tell.

 

 I know the kit does have at least some of the ADF features (except for the spotlight, which is easy enough to add).  It also does have the larger rear stabilizers.

 

 

It is still true in 2023...

Doru

It is still true in 2023...

 

Now it's any of the 1/48 Tamiya offerings,they are a dream,or the Kinetic Gold Series F-16's almost as good.

Those are my thoughts after building both.

I have yet to build a F-16, but I have high hopes of doing so! I have a tamiya and two Kinetic kits in my stash and my understanding is that the Tamiya kit is the easier build while the Kinetic kit has the better detail. The Kinetic kit certainly has the most plastic in the box. As far as Kinetic fit goes; I am currently working on a Kinetic F-104 and the fit is excellent. If the F-16 goes together as well; there will be no room to say that the Tamiya kit fits better!

Gamera

the Academy kit while not as nice isn't too shabby and a lot cheaper.

I built the Academy kit (grafting on the tail parachute housing from the equally-ancient Esci kit) and found it to have generally good parts fit and a trouble-free build. Nowhere as detailed as the 'premium brands,' of course, but it looks the part for an early-block A model (and has very nice panel lines).