Recommendations for a 1/48 F-16

The Tamiya F-16s are reputed to be the best out there in 1/48. But they mostly only make the latest versions of the F-16. If your looking for the Cold War or Gulf War/Balkan Wars F-16s, Hasegawa and Italeri make some nice ones. Also have a look at the Academy F-16, which is something of a clone to the Hasegawa kit, and not a bad one at that.

Thanks Stik!  I've always valued your input.  I'm learning that I know so little about the F-16 variants.  It's mind-boggling for me anyway.  

I forgot all about the Italeri and Academy offerings.  I'm going to check those out as well.

Eric

I have built two of the hasegawa kits and have one more in the stash.  They go together great but it has the dreaded seam on the canopy that needs to be removed and polished out. 

I had no complaints/problems with the Tamiya going together. But that's the only one I've ever built so nothing to compare it to really....

I'm building the Tamiya.  Can't speak for the others but it's been fun.  The building sequence is kinda odd.  You install the landing gear assembly early on in the build.  I don't think there is a way around it.  I think it was in the $50 or $60 range.

Tamiya, Easy.  But I think it's been stated, they only do newer versions and no 2-seaters.  So if you're looking for an early or 2-seat version I'd say Hasegawa.

Tojo72

I'm contemplating a Kinetic Belgian F-16M to go with some fancy decals I bought,anybody have any expierience with them.

 

I am glade that someone finally mentioned the Kinetic brand. They have a great selection of variants, old to new, with lots of weapons. I have not built one, but have two in my stash. I can say, by what is in the boxes and what I hear, that they will not be easy builds! In my opinion It sounds like a nice Tamiya F-16 would fit your needs very well.

echolmberg

  Howdy folks!  Normally I build all prop jobs, but I'd like to expand my universe to include jets.  I know what you're thinking:  Jets aren't really airplanes.  I'd agree, but anyways....

I just finished Revell's 1/48 F-16.  It was a fine kit.  No issues that an average modeler such as myself couldn't overcome, but I'd like to build another F-16 and I was wondering about the Tamiya and Hasegawa offerings.  Between the two, which do you all like better?  What are your thoughts on their engineering?  Price point?  Pitfalls?  What did they do right/wrong? Etc...

I'm not a huge stickler for accuracy, but I do prefer a build that is relaxing, without a billion parts and one that won't break the bank.

Thanks!

Eric

 

Unless you're looking for a present day F-16 with all the bells and whistles, the Hasegawa kit would be my choice.