Second Strike: Viper GBII June 2012-Dec 2012

Howdy,

Passing through the internet and saw your viper models... From someone who has always appreciated models but never had much of a knack for building them without destroying them... You all are incredible. These models... amazing. I had to make an account just to tell y'all--I hope that you realize how insanely beautiful these models are--real talent.

Really looking forward to see how the 149th bird comes out--in about a month I'll be lucky enough to fly with the Gunfighters, but I'm telling ya, your models look prettier than some of the vipers on the flight line. Really great, when I get some spare time I'll have to grab a few issues of that magazine and sift through here picking up tips. I'd love to be able to a tenth of the talent you guys have. Take it easy!

Many thanks, guys, it's good to have it done at last. I'll be putting up a blogpost about it in a few days, too.

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Looks good T-Bolt.  At least you got it done, and I'm glad to see it.

Cheers

Tony

Looks good!  I like it!

Hi all,

Well, looong after this GB was officially over, I managed to finish my Hasegawa -CJ/50. It has just left the bench and entered the display case, but better late than never. I thought you'd appreciate a look! It was not a comfortable build, the scale is small for my dexterity, and both the kit and its decals could have been friendlier. Here the centreline station is left empty, I was concerned about ground clearance, the way the gear settled into place, and I wanted to photograph the wash relief in the bay as well.

blkhwkmatt -- funny you should post about Keeping at it, after a rediculous hiatus involving an overseas trip and a housemove from hell, I have recently got my -CJ/50 together and would be painting by now if not for the discovery that the AM resin seats I got are in fact so full of bubbles they look like they were carved from a scotchbrite pad... What to do? Use the kit seat which is structurally fine but looks nothing like an ACES II, or  use the AM because it's a scotchbrite pad shaped like an ACES II? :-)

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Well - in the spirit of not giving up, I have finally glossed and decaled my viper.  Next step is another gloss coat followed by a good wash.  Pics to follow soon.

Lovely job, love the shading, come out really nice.

Alrighty, I'm calling this one DONE!  Hope you enjoy it!:

The plane sat somewhat higher on the left side.  So I filed down the wheel to get the wings level.  This was a mystery considering how well engineered this kit was.  That plus the fact that this is my second Tamiya F-16 and the other one didn't do this.  Oh well:

I should mention that I completely stripped the wheels and repainted them.  I just wasn't happy with how they turned and I just couldn't let 'em be.  Also, there's a small antennae just ahead of the refueling receptacle.  I accidentally fed the part to the carpet monster and had to scratch build a replacement.

Thanks prof.  

I ended up spraying the entire model with Mr. Super Clear Gloss to cover the decals and seal them in.  Then, when I sprayed the flat they all blended really well.  The decals on the tail still show up a little bit but you have to shine the light on it at a certain angle.  I'm pretty happy with the results.

Yeah, $30 for on of these is a good deal.  I had a chance to get one at Hobby Lobby for $18 and I didn't do it!

Ok, here are the latest pics.  I finished the landing gear, applied Mr. Super Clear flat (first time using it) and attached the pylons.  The Super Clear really helped to tone down the hideous Tamiya decals.  I also attached the burner can:

As I post this the Viper is 99.9% done.  Everything is attached and pretty much finalized...just need to attach the static wicks.  Should be done and and posting pics tomorrow!

Thanks!

Yeah, these decals weren't that good.  The detail was fine but man are they thick!  You can see it in the pic of the red tail.  Look right above the "188."  And that's after two more coats of Mr. Super Clear on top of the decals!  The hog is even worse.  Its a two part decal so it ended up being really think.

Alrighty, here she is with some decals.  Gotta say that Tamiya's decals leave alot to be desired.  They are thick and have a matte texture to them.  I should have gone with AM decals:

Up next will be a wash in the wheel wells, landing gear and gear doors...then a flat coat....then attach all the stuff...then finish up the bang seat.  I can see the finish line!

Good lookin' Viper so far Matt.  Colors look good to me.  

Got some work done on my F-16.  I did some weathering out of order to see how it would turn out.  I like to do oil dot filters and streaks but its difficult to do over a glossy surface.  So before gloss coating it I applied the oil directly to the flat paint.  It turned out really good.  

First I brush over the area with some odorless turpenoid.  Then I apply a dot (or several) of oil where I want the stain.  Then I take a brush dampened with the turpenoid and streak the oil stain bak in the direction of airflow.  Doing this over the flat base coat of paint allows the oil to stain the paint better.  I only did a little bit since the USAF F-16s tend to be pretty clean.

You can see the effect behind some of the hinges of the leading edge flaps and behind the wheel wells.

Then I gloss coated it with Mr. Super Clear.  Love this stuff:

The white wheels are the spare kit wheels that I didn't need.  I placed them there to protect the little nubs from getting any gloss coat or paint on them.  Its a pretty tight fit for the wheels already.

On to the decaling!

Now that my Su-37 is complete (for the flankers GB), I have been able to focus more on my viper.  The 1/48th tamiya kit is very nice, almost falls together, i think that the only gaps/seams that I have are completely my fault.  I will be using a Legends productcion ejection seat, and a steel beach intake cover.

my first coat of paint, not quite the right color but close:

my second attempt, much better along with some post shading to add some depth:

Im glad to share my progress, although it is not looking as clean as some of the othe builds I have seen here.

Matt

I started back on my "Night Falcon" today.   Nothing big.  It really isn't what I originally wanted to build, so other than the True Details seats, box stock.  Since the canopy is a one piece affair, more would be kind of wasted anyways.

Very plain jane compared to the others, but I think it will come out all right in the end.

Cheers,

Greg

Fly-n-hi: Looks great!!

All: sorry I have been away. Thanks to medicman for helping keep up the encouragment! Too many things keeping me away lately!

Anyone else I may have forgotten to mention sorry. I tried to get on and play catch up this weekend but the site was down. I have been plugging away on the Hobbyboss kit and now have come to a major hurdle! Has anyone built this kit? If you haven't I would stay away! The only redeaming feature is that it gives you 2 options of verticle stabilizer for the"C" models. I got the kit body together and that is where the problem comes in! The way the halves go together you end up having a "Cliff" at the joint. Forget seam line! I will have pics tomorrow for all to enjoy! Oh how I miss the easier Hasegawa F-16 kit (of which I have several in the stash). i may have to start a new, but at least I know the kit will "fall" together compaired to this!

Keep up the work. I will go back and review anything i may have missed. Any finished builds will be placed on the front page. As far as the time line goes....no worries and your host won't even make that!

Travis

Well the paint arrived and I was finally able to get the base coat on.  I applied it lightly so that I wouldn't cover up too much pre shading but I ended up doing my usual post shading as well.  Here she is with the first layer of dark post shading:

Then I went with some lighter post shading (fading) followed by some blending.  There is a little detail painting as well:

The flash really brings out the contrast in the shading.  In normal light its more subtle.

I also hand brushed some Future into the intake to give it a semi gloss appearance.

Got the wheels, tires and landing gear bits done:

Yeah.  40% off a Tamiya Viper would be nice.  I had a chance to get one for $18 with a 40% coupon and I didn't do it!  I thought "I've got 2 already.  I don't need another one."  

I swore off pre-shading because I feel like post-shading gives the same effect except with a better base coat.  So I pre-shaded this one.:

I was bored and I ran out of the Mr Color Light Ghost Grey so I figured what the heck.  While I'm waiting for the paint to arrive I'll pre-shade it.

Sorry. Been busy at work this week. Here's a pic of the almost finished ejection seat of my Viper.

That's the HB A-10 for the Ground Attack GB, right?  I'm curious to see how that kit goes together.  Do you plan on going OOB or are you going to add some AM?

I'm starting to get lonely in here!

I'm moving along pretty quickly with this one.  I've had some time off from work so that helps,

I've got most of the exterior stuff filled and sanded.  So I put on some Tamiya primer.  Here she is with all the parts loosely attached:

Since its a Block 32 airframe I added the reinforcement plates (the "scab" plates) from the Tamiya F-16 PE detail set.  I didn't take a pic before they were painted and now they blend in.  Sorry:

The plates on the nose were very difficult to bend to the correct shape.  So I cut out some of my own from an aluminum can.  The were alot easier to bend:

These are just pics of the primed model:

Am I the only one building a viper?  I feel like I'm hogging the tread!

Anyway, I got alot done on the AN/ALQ-184 and the LITENING II pods:

Here's the LITENING II pod all masked off.  This was alot of fun

Here they are with the details painted on:

And glossed up and decaled:

Here's the burner can.  The first thing I did was prime the outside with Tamiya primer and then brush Tamiya flat white on the inside followed by pastel weathering:

Then I sprayed some Alclad II Gloss Black Base (which is great stuff, BTW!):

Then some Alclad II Stainless Steel:

Then I masked it...

...and sprayed some Alclad II Steel between the petals, masked it a little more, and sprayed some Alclad II Gunmetal.  I also sprayed Alclad II Aluminum around the ring that attaches to the fuselage shroud (to match the fusealge part):

Medicman71

Wow. Looking great already Fly-n-hi. Can't wait to see more.

Here's where I'm at with the exhaust:  I cut the part that carries the flame holder at the base.  This will allow me to paint the interior of that part much easier:

I cut it so that when the flame holder is placed back into it there won't be a visible seam line:

I painted the inside of the exhaust with Mr. Color 316 which is an "off white" color.  It has just a hint of cream in it.  Then I airbrushed very thinned black paint in streaks followed by a brushing with Tamiya Soot weathering powder.  I painted the flame holder Alclad II Jet Exhaust and detailed it with the Tamiya burnt red, silver and blue weathering powders:

Wow. Looking great already Fly-n-hi. Can't wait to see more.

Here's more of the stuff that will be hangin' underneath.  In addition to the GBU-12s, AIM-9Ms and AIM-120Cs there will be two 370 gallon tanks, a LITENING II targeting pod and an AN/ALQ-184 ECM pod.

The LITENING II pod so far:

Here's the vertical stab all glossed up and ready to go:

I ended up finishing the GBU-12s, AIM-9Ms and the AIM-120Cs ahead of everything else.  Usually I do that stuff near the end.  The LGBs have clear seeker heads.  This made for a cool look I thought:

Alrighty, Medicman gave me the thumbs up to join so here goes.

Its the Tamiya 1/48 F-16C Block 32.  I'll be building this one up OOB with the Tamiya PE detail set (which is still OOB as far as I'm concerned since the parts are in the instructions).  It will have the Arkansas ANG colors as depicted on the side of the box.  

The instructions call for the 3 tone scheme but reference pics show her with the 2 tone colors: Arkansas ANG F-16.  So I'll do the 2 tone scheme.

I started this with another Viper about a year ago.  The plan was to build them together.  But I got ahead on the other plane and put this one in the closet.  I had finished the cockpit and glued the fuselage together and that was it:

I decided to not follow the directions and glued the intake together top to bottom instead of front to back.  This made it easier to deal with the seams.  Then I brush painted heavy layers of Tamiya gloss white in there:

Awesome Viper Casper!!! Great work!!!!

professordeath

Yep. The weathering is spot on.

Thanks guys! I wanted the plane to look used but not too far gone. I've been having really good results with the Tamiya Black panel line wash. I put it on the riveting and the panel lines as if i was airbrushing for pre-shading. I then use a cue tip, dry brush or slightly damp thick paper towel and remove the excess with some enamel thinner always brushing fore to aft in the direction the air currents would pass over the fuselage. I am pretty happy with the result.

Cheers

Great job Casper, I really like the weathering. Looks well used.

Cheers

Tony

Nice job Casper!

I'm calling this Viper done! This has been a fun build, Tammy again delivers the goods in these large kits. I wish they'd release more jets in their 1/32 range, I'd love an F-104 or an F-8 from them in this scale. Anyway this kit was thoroughly enjoyable.

Cheers

 I have the Aires set for mine and I have the Steel Beach cover set as well. I'm debating on which to use. May paint up the SB one and see how it looks.

And is it cool if we join the GB?  Proffesor and I asked last week on page 6 but I think you guys overlooked it.

oortiz10

Hey everyone,

School has started for me, so I haven't had as much time to model as I would like.  Still, I'm following everyone's great progress, and taking small forward steps on my projects as time allows.  

For my builds, I decided to go with Steel Beach's covered AOA probes, HUD, and ejection seat set on the -A, and True Details' ACES ejections seats for the -D.  I build my kits with the canopies closed and I don't spend a lot of time on the office or worry too much about the accuracy of the panels, but I thought these sets might add some visual detail to the cockpits.  

The TD seats look great.  The detail on them is pretty sweet.  The moldings and details are crisp, and there wasn't any evidence of any bubbles in the casting at all.  On the other hand, the SB set left a lot to be desired.  The seat and the HUD were dimpled with bubble holes.  The seat details were mushy, and the the resin was flaky in spots.  The surfaces were rough and sloppy (for lack of a better term).  All four pieces had to have the surfaces sanded smooth and the pin holes filled.  The HUD was too tall to fit under the closed canopy, so I had to sand it a bit to fit, but I'm not complaining about that.  

Anyway, here's what the seats look like so far.  They TD seat still need the ejection handles and canopy breakers added.  I'm waiting to add those until the last possible moment, to avoid breaking them off.  All seats still need a flat coat, but otherwise they're pretty much done.

I had originally planned to have the -D's intake open, but after a pathetic attempt at eliminating the interior seams and gaps, I've decided to make an intake cover.  I'm gonna experiment with some materials to see which looks best.

Anyway, I'll post more pix as soon as I make some more progress.  Thanks for lookin'!

-O

I have the Aires set for mine and I have the Steel Beach cover set as well. I'm debating on which to use. May paint up the SB one and see how it looks.

Fly-n-hi

STFD637 or Medicman71...are you guys still around?

Your, right Prof D. These Tammy 1/32 sure build up nice! I'm thinking of an F-15 but I'd sure like to see them expand their 1/32 range.

Cheers

Painting is all complete. I'll get to the decaling on the weekend.

Top view;

and bottom;

Cheers

I am back in business thanks to Helo34/John.  Thanks again!

O, very nice looking seats.  True Details is the best for the money, in my opinion.

Cheers,

Greg

Hey everyone,

School has started for me, so I haven't had as much time to model as I would like.  Still, I'm following everyone's great progress, and taking small forward steps on my projects as time allows.  

For my builds, I decided to go with Steel Beach's covered AOA probes, HUD, and ejection seat set on the -A, and True Details' ACES ejections seats for the -D.  I build my kits with the canopies closed and I don't spend a lot of time on the office or worry too much about the accuracy of the panels, but I thought these sets might add some visual detail to the cockpits.  

The TD seats look great.  The detail on them is pretty sweet.  The moldings and details are crisp, and there wasn't any evidence of any bubbles in the casting at all.  On the other hand, the SB set left a lot to be desired.  The seat and the HUD were dimpled with bubble holes.  The seat details were mushy, and the the resin was flaky in spots.  The surfaces were rough and sloppy (for lack of a better term).  All four pieces had to have the surfaces sanded smooth and the pin holes filled.  The HUD was too tall to fit under the closed canopy, so I had to sand it a bit to fit, but I'm not complaining about that.  

Anyway, here's what the seats look like so far.  They TD seat still need the ejection handles and canopy breakers added.  I'm waiting to add those until the last possible moment, to avoid breaking them off.  All seats still need a flat coat, but otherwise they're pretty much done.

I had originally planned to have the -D's intake open, but after a pathetic attempt at eliminating the interior seams and gaps, I've decided to make an intake cover.  I'm gonna experiment with some materials to see which looks best.

Anyway, I'll post more pix as soon as I make some more progress.  Thanks for lookin'!

-O

Ok, box of finished parts

and the coat of light grey underneath

Cheers

Dang Caspar!  Another beautiul build!

I was wondering if anybody out there had the Italeri 1/72 F-16C/D "Night Falcon" in their stash?  My dobie puppy ate my instructions, so I was hoping somebody could scan them, and email them to me.  I finished up the ejection seats on it the other day, but I'm on hold till I have some directions.

Travis, I originally said I wanted to do a "Lonestar Gunfighter", but I don't think this kit is even close to that, so I will most likely use the kit "Night Falcon" decals instead.

Cheers,

Greg

Much Viper work done this weekend,

The tail is painted and decaled;

Ordinance now painted;

This is the box of finished parts;

...and the first of the three greys for the fuselage;

Cheers

STFD637 or Medicman71...are you guys still around?

These are some great looking builds guys.

What are the odds that I can get in on this GB?  I have a 1/48 Tamiya F-16C Block 32 that I started on about a year ago but I've really only gotten to the point of finishing the cockpit tub and wrapping the fuselage around it.  Plus some of the small stuff is complete...like the GBU-24s.

My goal is to complete it before Nov.

Looking great guys. I hope to get some work done in my Viper this week.

Casper that engine looks incredible!!!

Omar- Two at the same time? Impressive.  

OK everyone,

I finished my last project, and I decided to go ahead and start my Viper(s) while glue and stuff dries on the project I currently have underway.  

I figured since I'd be building the one-seater I'd go ahead and build the two-seater alongside.  I'm using some parts from Hasegawa's -B to build an Edwards AF Base chase plane out of Hasegawa’s –C boxing, and I’m using some –C parts to build a –D out of the –B.  The only thing I’m missing is the big mouth intake for the –D, but I went ahead and got started on the intakes without it.  Not many people are gonna notice that the intake/engine combo is wrong, so I went ahead and left it as is, using the parts I had.

Anyway, the –A’s gonna have an intake cover so I didn’t bother with cleaning up the intake seams.  The –D will have the intake uncovered, so I spent a little time cleaning up the seams.  I didn’t end up with a true “seamless” intake, but it looks better. 

I also sprayed a little paint on the top of the intakes and under the cockpit.  I did this to avoid any painting problems after the parts have been assembled. 

These show the assemblies dryfitted together.

That’s all I got so far.  I’ll be working on these as time permits.  I’ll post more progress pix when there are some to show.  In the meantime, feel free to share your two cents.

Cheers,

-O

I finished the IP today;

Also finished and fitted the HUD assembly.

Cheers

Slow progress on the Falcon but it's going well. Fuselage top and bottom fitted so it's starting to look like a plane now.

Canopy all painted and seat fitted into the rail as well.

Cheers

The shape of the Viper is starting to emerge now. The thing I really like about this kit is it is a bit like a puzzle rather than a straightforward build. Bit's have to go in first and be detailed then other bits click in and over it. Great engineering from Tamiya as always.

Wheelbays;

Engine complete with paneling;

and the inside of the engine housing;

Cheers

Some good progress on the Viper this week. I've completed the engine and the engine bay. I have painted the exhaust in titanium sliver and waiting for that to dry.

I'm now as far as I can go at the moment until my Eduard sets arrive in the post for the wheelbays and extra detail. Gotta say, great kit so far.

Cheers

Ok, got some prep work done on the Viper this week. A lot of parts, I'm not sure whether to build the engine dolly at the moment so I am building the engine first and then deciding.

Got the interior of the exhaust done;

Exterior of the engine without the greeblies;

The greeblies including the intake fan;

...and the engine bay. This should all look ok when fitted together and sufficiently weathered.

Cheers

Ok, time to start on the big Viper.

This instruction book is quite thick so this project may be taking some time.

Some large sprues so they need a large tub to wash them in;

Some interesting bits and pieces in the box. Rubber tyres, metal landing gear and ballast, some PE. Also waiting on my Eduard interior and exterior sets.

Cheers

Cool pictures Caspar!

I hope your visit here in the US has been a good one. 

I haven't made much progress on my F-16.  I am need some time to paint.  I may change my F-16's intended markings.  I just don't think my Italeri D is right for the "lonestar gunfighters".  I think Italeri basically boxed a A/B with a different tail and called it a C/D.  Still a cool plane, just not the one I wanted.

Cheers,

Greg

My first US is almost at an end but I did get visit an air museum in Santa Rosa California. They had a F-16N there and I got a tour with Jim who used to load weapons on Phantoms and F-106s. I couldn't unfortunately look in the F-16 but got some shots anyways. Thanks for the tour, Jim!

Nice shot next to a F-86

Cheers

Hi all!

Glad to see this still going strong! for me it has been a hectic month! Lots of OT and family stuff, not so much for building time!

The wife and kids go back to school in August, so I should get some good buildiing time fit back into the schedule. Keep up the good work!

oortiz10

That's exactly the kind of beta this empty head needs.  Especially since I can't tell a big mouth vs. a small mouth intake, even when they're sitting next to each other.  Thanks!  

Hmm...now all I gotta do is track down a big mouth intake that no one's using.

Cheers!

-O

Tail test fit. Gotta leave all the parts separate for painting.

It's really all confusing as far as the Blocks go. Here's a link to a book that is a must have for Viper building.

www.reidairpublishing.com/.../RAP02.html

Fly-n-hi

...The F-16 in the first pic you gave is a block 15 jet and the second is a block 30 with the large mouth inlet (according to the serial number)...

It's ok.  I don't have a problem admitting when I'm wrong.  Assuming the article is correct the first 173 GE F-16's have the NSI.  All of those , according tho the article again, are Block 30's (this is a very small percentage...and I'll bet most of those aren't flying anymore).

Here's what you want to know, though.  The F-16 in the first pic you gave is a block 15 jet and the second is a block 30 with the large mouth inlet (according to the serial number).

All F-16s with GE engines have the wide mouth.  The GEs suck more air than the PWs.

Fly-n-hi,

I don't mean to challenge your statement, but the article you posted and link that Medicman posted seems to contradict what you said.  If you look at the diagram of the Block  30 -C posted in Medicman's link, you can see that it could have either the small or big mouth.  Further, if you read the paragraph that starts with "Now, here's where it gets fun" in the article you posted, it says basically the same thing.  I know absolutely nothing about the F-16, but to me it seems possible that a GE jet could have either.  

Flyn-n-hi, I'm not calling you wrong, I'm just trying to get my ducks in a row.  Maybe I'm wrong and all GE jets with the small mouth have been converted to big mouths?  Thoughts?

Cheers,

-O

This might help as well.

zone-five.net/showthread.php

oortiz10

Never mind everyone.  I got my answers.  The first jet does in fact have a P&W motor, and the other has the GE.  Something I did learn that might be useful to others is that the second with the GE motor also had the "big mouth" intake.

This site may be useful to you: http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/f16blockssb_1.htm 

The first jet looks sensational O, I'm looking forward to seeing it built.

Cheers

Tony

Never mind everyone.  I got my answers.  The first jet does in fact have a P&W motor, and the other has the GE.  Something I did learn that might be useful to others is that the second with the GE motor also had the "big mouth" intake.

Hey F-16 gurus, I need your help.  I'm planning on starting my build soon, but I need some help.  Let me start by saying I know less than nothing about F-16s and all the block-big-mouth-small-mouth-GE-Pratt & Whitney stuff. I'm hoping someone might be able to confirm what I think are my correct observations. Specifically, I'm looking for info on the engines.

I'd like to build  this jet for the GB, but I need to confirm that it has the P&W engine. Am I right?

Eventually I'd like to build this one too. I'm guessing this one has the GE motor?

I'm not worried about the big mouth vs. small mouth thing. I'm more concerned about the engines. If someone could confirm or correct me, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks in advance!
-O

Can't wait to see it Casper!!

Hey Medic, from what I've seen of the instructions it's just as good and is more than double the detail and construction. I love these Tamiya birds that have no seam on the fuselage running down the middle.

I'm adding very little AM to this kit. Just doing the Eduard interior and exterior sets. This kit also contains masking tape seat-belts so I'm interested to see how these turn out.

Cheers

Casper the Chihuahua

Picked up my Tammy F-16C/J in 1/32 from my LHS today. This is a big kit and a lot of crazy looking parts. A whole box of goodies including magnets, tools, rubber tyres, and some other odd unidentifiable things.

A couple of kits to finish but I'm hoping to start this September sometime.

Cheers

I wonder if it builds like it's 48 scale cousin. That would be nice to build if it does.

Picked up my Tammy F-16C/J in 1/32 from my LHS today. This is a big kit and a lot of crazy looking parts. A whole box of goodies including magnets, tools, rubber tyres, and some other odd unidentifiable things.

A couple of kits to finish but I'm hoping to start this September sometime.

Cheers

Thanks guys. The intake plug is from Steel Beach. You can get all thier stuff from Spure Bros. I use a lot of Steel Beach's stuff.

No offense taken at all. The star was painted freehand by my wife. I don't have steady enough hands to do that. I hadn't though about those glittery things as masks. Thanks for the tip though. I think it looks good enough. It's the paint job on the aircraft that's gotta be perfect.

Hey medicman,

Here's an idea for you.  At the hobby stores they have those bags of glittery bits that girls like to put of clothes and things, right?  Well some of the glittery things are stars.  I bet you could find some and use them as a mask for that Texas star.  It might look a bit crisper.

I'm not saying that yours looks bad, though, so please don't take offense.

Medicman,

That intake plug looks great!  I know you're building the Tamiya boxing, but I'm interested in where you got the cover.  (I'm wondering if there's one out there for the Hase kit...)  I think I may want to add a plug or cover to my intake.

Thanks!

-O

More work done on the intake. About to start painting the cockpit.

Thanks guys, I'll get cracking fairly soon.

Cheers

Tony

Welcome Tony! I have put you on the Main page! Can't wait to see your build!

Welcome to the GB Tony!

I'd like to build a Hasegawa 1/72 F-16N for this GB. The parts are off the sprues, but that's all I've done.

Cheers

Tony

Very cool Omar! Good luck with the builds. Looking forward to it.

OK, I've decided what I'm gonna build, but I haven't actually started yet.  I chose to build an Edwards AF base red and white chase plane, like the one seen here:

http://www.primeportal.net/hangar/james_eberling/f-16a-15ocu-cf_92-0407/

I ordered some decals from Two Bobs for the kit.  When I looked up some info on this particular jet, I noticed that the parts in my Night Falcon kit won't build up to the -A.  Luckily, I have Hasegawa's F-16B kit and their Night Falcon kit.  After doing some serious research, I figured out I could mix and match some parts between the two kits and end up with the parts for the -A and parts for a -D.  I'll only be building the -A for the GB, but I'l have to keep my eyes out for a scheme for a future -D.  

Anyway, here's a pic of what I'll be starting with:

Now all I gotta do is find some time to sit down at my bench to mash some plastic.

Wish me luck!

-O

Well some work continues on the Viper. It's so hot out that it's hard to prime anything so progress is very slow right now.

I have the intake pretty much done. Just gotta add the front intake lip and the intake cover. Wife is gonna help me paint the intake cover as a Texas flag as on the aircraft that i'm doing.

Progress! I took a crack at the Hasegawa Block 50 today, getting some warload items into colour and prepainting gear doors and struts, plus the intake. A little attention on the afterburner parts and I can get the fuselage together. Further prepainting -- the True Details resin seat needs prepping and painting, but with all this done assembly should be a fairly quick operation. I have a mask set in hand and all the necessary paints. WIP pics as soon as there's anything worth showing.

Cheers, Mike/TB379

I can relate to that feeling (and to having two kits in progress for another GB).  I did receive my decals in the mail, they are the Super Scale International set MS481227, and am torn between using the decals for Oklahoma or Iowa.  I have been itching to get going on this one.

Cant wait to see some more progress on the vipers!!

I've been too busy with life and work to get much time with my Viper. I have cut out some of the kit that needs to go so that the Aires stuff can fit in. Still working on that. Hope to have some pics up soon.

oortiz10: I will update the front page for your scale. Thanks and welcome.

Medicman: So I bing'd "elephant walk" and found a bunch of awesome pictures. Very cool! Thanks for the info!

Hope everyone's build is proceeding well. I am taking a few shifts off so hopefully I can squeeze in some time around summer stuff!

Medicman71

 

oortiz10:

 

...Can I get in on this?

-O

 

 

Of course. Jump on in!!

Sweet!  I'm in with Hasegawa's 1/48 F-16C "Night Falcon".  Not sure what markings I'm gonna do yet, but I'm leaning towards going with an OOB build.

Thanks and see ya on the production line!

-O

STFD637

 

I found this picture while doing some research for the build. My guess is that this is photoshopped, but if you look close the weapons loads are different on some of the A/C.

Who knows, we may be looking at the next Viper GB badge!

That's not fake. It's called an "Elephant Walk". It just happened recently at one of the bases in the Asia area. It's a force projection thing. I think it was to rattle North Korea.

I found this picture while doing some research for the build. My guess is that this is photoshopped, but if you look close the weapons loads are different on some of the A/C.

Who knows, we may be looking at the next Viper GB badge!

@ STFD637 and Gregbbear- We use the LP15's with all the bells and whitsles. We had them on order before the FDA approved them and before anyone else in Texas. We use the King Tubes as well but it's a Intermediate/Paramedic skill. I've never used one and neither has my partner. We ususally just use an ET Tube. We also have the EZ IO as well. 

Not much accomplished on the Viper lately. My wife moved all her art and painting stuff into another room so I now have a "Man Cave"!! Bought another workbench desk from IKEA (Identical to the one I already have). Been moving her stuff to the other room and setting up my other desk.

oortiz10

Know what?  I've never built a F-16 before.  I have Hasegawa's F-16C Night Falcon in my stash, and this GB seems like a good excuse to build it.  Can I get in on this?

-O

 

Of course. Jump on in!!

Looking good Travis!  ETCO2 is good stuff.  Best thing for confirming tube placement.  Dr's here were giving us crap, saying we had bad tubes (when in fact, they or one of their minions displaced it), so now we just have them look at the monitor,  I like the King Lt as a back-up.  A month or so ago, we got Pentax video laryngoscopes.  Pretty cool, but I haven't used one for real yet, just the cadaver lab.  We are trying to be a pretty progressive system, so our Med Director let us do Kings, and EZ IO's as basics.  That was nice, so I was a bit more confident going into Paramedic school than I otherwise would have.  We use a lot more Narcan than cardiac stuff where I'm at though.  I do miss firefighting....

I actually broke sprue today.  Just washed a few parts so I can paint the cockpit interior.  Still waiting on the seats to come in.  It will be awhile, Roll Models hasn't even charged my card yet, and I placed the order two weeks ago.  I was ordering some stuff that only they seem to carry, and put the seats with it.  The squadron I am modeling is a transition squadron, so I think only drop tanks would be used? 

Cheers,

Greg

Know what?  I've never built a F-16 before.  I have Hasegawa's F-16C Night Falcon in my stash, and this GB seems like a good excuse to build it.  Can I get in on this?

-O

Very nice Medicman! I do love the detail in those bigger kits!

lewbud: I will add you to the first page ASAP. That is quite the load of kits, but I know you can do it! Thanks for the link. I am trying to find an actual pic of the A/C I am going to build, plus I know they used AIM-9Js as the newer "super sidewinders" were in short supply.

Gregg: We are 90+% EMS. We have the County as our transport here. We are assessment units (non-transport). I grew up watching Emergency and have wanted to be a Paramedic ever since. I look at the fire side as a bonus!!! We just got new Zoll E series with all the bells and whistles (on a grant!!!) They are great: CO, ETCO2, and Pulse OX all in 1!!! My medical director allows us to ET people, much to EMS crews dismay (needless to say this causes problems on scene sometimes!) They had so many issues with ET placement they took it away!!! We also have iGels, which are great for V-fib and V-tach arrest. Much better than the LMA and King Tube (i swear the Devil made the latter device!)

Here is some of the work I have done: The Hobbyboss kit is like all the others with a banger cockpit. I added some wire and stretched sprue just to add detail. I also have worked on the Mk84s and other external stores. I also have the pics of the marking I am using. I will have some suprises for this build as well!

Working on the intake assembly.

STFD637

Medicman: Thanks for the help!!! Last time I was on here we were still one page!!! WOW. Glad to see more interest!

Gregg: SAFD HUH? Nice!!! I came a hair away from going to DFD!!! I really wanted to be there...nice department. Unfortunatley our public ed and safety programs have put us (for the most part) out of the fire business. 90% of my calls are medical here in FLA! We do have a big appartment complex that we have all been waiting to "go up" and have recently been running electrical fires in the walls! Glad to have you in the build!

On the Block 30 note: I have a Monograme 1/72 that I got off ebay after many attempts that comes with the different intakes. I don't think Hasegawa has it, unless there is a "specialized Block 30" out there.  I thought I had all the variants in the stash at this point!!!!

I am looking forward to getting this thing going.

 

STFD637, medical calls are the future of fire it seems.  Since we run EMS for our city, we've still been able to grow as a department.  Last year I was transferred to our EMS division.  So far, I like riding the box, but nothing beats being on an Engine!  DFD is supposed to be a pretty good department too.

Looking at my kits, it seems to me that the Italeri "night falcon" kit has a bigger intake than the Hase "c" (both 1/72) so I am going to go with the Italeri, and make it into the "d" version for the "Lone Star Gunfighters".  Also, the exhaust looks like what is in the profile pic of this airplane.  I ordered some resin ejection seats for it, and when they get here, I will get going.

Cheers,

Greg 

lewbud

Try this linky  http://www.f-16.net/aircraft-database/F-16/aircraft-combat-deployments/deployment/Desert%20Storm/  it lists all the Vipers in Desert Storm.

I'd like to throw my hat into the ring if you please.  In addition to the Belgian waffle I started for Viper I,  I'll be throwing in an Egyptian, Italian, and possibly an Israeli bird as well.  The Belgian will take a back seat as the others have to be finished in time for the US IPMS Nats in Orlando.  Our club build is F-16 users of the World (will come up with a better name by then, I hope).

 

Oh yeah. Forgot about that one. I even had it bookmarked. Duh!! Thanks for that Lewbud.

Oops!  Guess I should list the kits involved (forgot that I would be doing Poland and possibly Taiwan for Nats as well):

• Belgium: 1/72 Revell Germany Block 20 MLU
• Egypt: 1/72 Hasegawa F-16A
• Italy: 1/72 Hasegawa F-16A ADF
• Israel:  1/72 Hasegawa F-16B
• Poland: 1/72 Kinetic F-16D
• Taiwan: 1/72 Hasegawa F-16B

As a resource, don't forget www.f-16.net

Try this linky  http://www.f-16.net/aircraft-database/F-16/aircraft-combat-deployments/deployment/Desert%20Storm/  it lists all the Vipers in Desert Storm.

I'd like to throw my hat into the ring if you please.  In addition to the Belgian waffle I started for Viper I,  I'll be throwing in an Egyptian, Italian, and possibly an Israeli bird as well.  The Belgian will take a back seat as the others have to be finished in time for the US IPMS Nats in Orlando.  Our club build is F-16 users of the World (will come up with a better name by then, I hope).

STFD637

Well, The kit isn't even out of the box and inner bags and I have run into my first issue. It isn't a huge problem, but I think I am going to have to change my decal choice!

I have 2 F-16C kits from hasegawa in the stash. The Hasegawa kit only comes with the "longer, updated" vertical stabilizer. The Hobbyboss kit actually gives you a choice of this version or the "shorter" , earlier stabilizer.

The problem I have is that I have a GREAT set of Superscale decals for an F-16C with this stabilizer from Desert Storm! The set even includes "Bomb Graffitti!!!!" I have been trying to see which Block Viper this would be, or if it even fell under the Blocks? But since this is the only kit I have that allows for it (probably the reason the decals were in the box) I think I will have to change!!!

Pics to follow. The markings are going to be for the 159th TFW out of Jacksonville.

Sorry for the long story!!!

I can find out which block the Desert Storm Vipers were tomorrow for ya.

Well, The kit isn't even out of the box and inner bags and I have run into my first issue. It isn't a huge problem, but I think I am going to have to change my decal choice!

I have 2 F-16C kits from hasegawa in the stash. The Hasegawa kit only comes with the "longer, updated" vertical stabilizer. The Hobbyboss kit actually gives you a choice of this version or the "shorter" , earlier stabilizer.

The problem I have is that I have a GREAT set of Superscale decals for an F-16C with this stabilizer from Desert Storm! The set even includes "Bomb Graffitti!!!!" I have been trying to see which Block Viper this would be, or if it even fell under the Blocks? But since this is the only kit I have that allows for it (probably the reason the decals were in the box) I think I will have to change!!!

Pics to follow. The markings are going to be for the 159th TFW out of Jacksonville.

Sorry for the long story!!!

Looking good already Medicman!

Aires stuff is really nice. I use a lot of Quickboost sets for my kits. They are readily available and cheap for 1/72. I think their detail has actually surpased True Details stuff I have.

Keep up the good work!!

I've started a few minor things. Starting on the intake and adding the Aires wheelbays. This stuff looks awesome but they're a pain in the butt to install.

YES!!!! Ok here's my stuff.

OK!!!!!!!! Get your electric generators out and running. Begin building anytime. Can't wait to see all the WIPs! Good luck to all. Have fun!

STFD637

Ok, I updated the Main page and Casper and BlackHawk are there. Thanks again.

Thought I would just share a Picture of the markings I am going with. Can't wait to get this together!!! I think they are the coolest colors and Marking I have seen on a modern jet. IMHO

 

Very cool. Can't wait to see it built.

Ok, I updated the Main page and Casper and BlackHawk are there. Thanks again.

Thought I would just share a Picture of the markings I am going with. Can't wait to get this together!!! I think they are the coolest colors and Marking I have seen on a modern jet. IMHO

blkhwkmatt

I'd love to join in on this.  I'll be building the 1/48th tamiya F-16C 25/32, not decided on the markings just yet, but just picked up an AM decal set over on squadron.  Looking forward to getting this going!!!!

@Casper- Opps. I'm sure he'll add you next time he gets on.

@Blkhwkmatt- Welcome to the GB. You want decals for your Viper. Check these out!!

http://www.afterburnerdecals.com/default.asp

There's some really great Viper decals there. I've used them and they're the best.

I'd love to join in on this.  I'll be building the 1/48th tamiya F-16C 25/32, not decided on the markings just yet, but just picked up an AM decal set over on squadron.  Looking forward to getting this going!!!!

I think I got left off..

I've put some money down on the the Tammy Block 50 in 1/32 and have ordered some Eduard sets to spruce up the office, exterior and the ejector seat. Staying away from resin for the moment.

Cheers

You and me both. I don't think i'll ever get to a NMF aircraft any time soon.

Hey all!

I updated the front page and have added the reported builds. If I left anyone out just drop me a line.

Helo34: No problem and . I didn't get to my F-16N on that build either!

Gregg: Sorry, I wasn't sure which kit you were planning to build. Just let me know and I will add you to the front page!

Only a few more days before we start. Very excited. I haven't sat at the bench in over a month.....mainly cause of the body work I need to finish on my "Kate" torpedo bomber for the Pearl Harbor GB! Have I mentioned I amd scared of NMF!!!!!!

Medicman: Thanks for the help!!! Last time I was on here we were still one page!!! WOW. Glad to see more interest!

Gregg: SAFD HUH? Nice!!! I came a hair away from going to DFD!!! I really wanted to be there...nice department. Unfortunatley our public ed and safety programs have put us (for the most part) out of the fire business. 90% of my calls are medical here in FLA! We do have a big appartment complex that we have all been waiting to "go up" and have recently been running electrical fires in the walls! Glad to have you in the build!

On the Block 30 note: I have a Monograme 1/72 that I got off ebay after many attempts that comes with the different intakes. I don't think Hasegawa has it, unless there is a "specialized Block 30" out there.  I thought I had all the variants in the stash at this point!!!!

I am looking forward to getting this thing going.

Welcome Maverickut. That'll be a cool build. Looking forward to seeing it.

I'm in.  I have an old 1/72 Revell F-16A I want to do as the first operational F-16 (78-0001).

To everyone in the GB, here's a link to the Viper FAQ section on Zone-5.net. Anything and everything that you could possibly want to know about the F-16 and all the different blocks.

http://zone-five.net/showthread.php?t=231

Gregbbear

Medicman, does the block 30 have the bigger intake and different exhaust?  I think the Hase comes with that stuff but the Italeri doesn't.  For a block 30 D in 1/72, do you or anybody else have suggestions?

By your user name, I take it you are a paramedic.  That is cool.  I have been with the SAFD for 13 years, and got assigned to the EMS division last year.  I just graduated from Paramedic class April 4.  So far, I really like EMS.  I miss my old fire crew, but it was time to move up.  Funny that you used to live in SA.  I used to live in Galveston.

I would like to join, but I will probably spectate for a little while, so I can learn some about the Viper before I start building.

Cheers,

Greg

Hey Greg. I'm not a Paramedic, i'm an Intermediate. I'm planning on going soon though. Where'd ya go to Paramedic school? My dad is an EMS Coordinator for San Antonio College near downtown. LOL. Small world huh? I work for Cy-Fair VFD on the EMS side. All our EMS is paid.

As far as the kit goes, I'm not sure about those kits in 1/72 scale. The Block 30 is the big mouth intake with the GE Enigne (General Electric).

Here's a book that everyone should have for the Viper. http://www.reidairpublishing.com/index.html

I have several of these books and they're THE book to get for building the Viper, Super Hornet, Etc. Also the modeling website Zone-5.net is a great place for all kinds of aircraft modeling.

http://zone-five.net/index.php

Medicman, does the block 30 have the bigger intake and different exhaust?  I think the Hase comes with that stuff but the Italeri doesn't.  For a block 30 D in 1/72, do you or anybody else have suggestions?

By your user name, I take it you are a paramedic.  That is cool.  I have been with the SAFD for 13 years, and got assigned to the EMS division last year.  I just graduated from Paramedic class April 4.  So far, I really like EMS.  I miss my old fire crew, but it was time to move up.  Funny that you used to live in SA.  I used to live in Galveston.

I would like to join, but I will probably spectate for a little while, so I can learn some about the Viper before I start building.

Cheers,

Greg

Helo H-34

Hi Travis and Medicman71 ;

I dropped out of the first Viper GB and never finished the four 1/72 Hasegawa F-16's I started . I think their in one of the many stalled project storage box's under the stairs . I'm not too keen to go pulling a lot of stuff out to get to them at the moment , so instead I kindly ask if I can join again with an Academy 1/72  KF-16C of the Rupublic of Korea Air Force , which another Korean War GB modeller kindly traded me with some other stuff .

So if cross-over's are allowed , I'll go with the KF-16C

John .

I don't see why not. Have you started it? Not that I have a whole lot of room to talk. I've done a little on mine already.

Gregbbear

Medicman71:

Oh it's no now!!!

I'll be doing a 1/48 Tamiya F-16C Blk 30 of the 149th FW ANG. It'll be in the 65th Anniversary markings. Here's a pic.

 

That is cool!  They're the local boys here.

I have little to no knowledge about the Viper, but I really would like to build one of the Lonestar Gunfighters myself seeing as they fly over my house all the time.  I have some decals, but unsure if either of my F-16C's would be appropriate.  Does anybody know if the 1/72 Italeri C/D Night Falcon would be right?  If not, how about the Hase 1/72 in "Wisconsin ANG" boxing?  I have the Caracal commemerative scheme decals, and a set of Superscales for the regular scheme.

Regardless, good luck with the GB.  I think it will pick up once you get going.  Cool stuff!

Cheers,

Greg

Hey Greg!

I'm originally from San Antonio myself. I took that pic at the Airshow at Randolph AFB last year.

I'm not sure if those kits are the right block for the SA Vipers. Are they Block 30 aircraft in the kits? If you need more info on it let me know and I can help you out. Still hope to see you in the Group Build.

Hi Travis and Medicman71 ;

I dropped out of the first Viper GB and never finished the four 1/72 Hasegawa F-16's I started . I think their in one of the many stalled project storage box's under the stairs . I'm not too keen to go pulling a lot of stuff out to get to them at the moment , so instead I kindly ask if I can join again with an Academy 1/72  KF-16C of the Rupublic of Korea Air Force , which another Korean War GB modeller kindly traded me with some other stuff .

So if cross-over's are allowed , I'll go with the KF-16C

John .

Medicman71

Oh it's no now!!!

I'll be doing a 1/48 Tamiya F-16C Blk 30 of the 149th FW ANG. It'll be in the 65th Anniversary markings. Here's a pic.

That is cool!  They're the local boys here.

I have little to no knowledge about the Viper, but I really would like to build one of the Lonestar Gunfighters myself seeing as they fly over my house all the time.  I have some decals, but unsure if either of my F-16C's would be appropriate.  Does anybody know if the 1/72 Italeri C/D Night Falcon would be right?  If not, how about the Hase 1/72 in "Wisconsin ANG" boxing?  I have the Caracal commemerative scheme decals, and a set of Superscales for the regular scheme.

Regardless, good luck with the GB.  I think it will pick up once you get going.  Cool stuff!

Cheers,

Greg

I'm definitely aboard, with resin seats and mask sets for my -CJ/50,

Mike/TB379

Yeah what's up with that?? Come on people!! You know you wanna build a Viper! How doesn't?

Got all the stuff for mine. I may or may not have started a little early (I couldn't help myself....honest!). Not to worry, I'm a slow builder.

Ok, so I've put some laybuy money down on the Tamiya 1/32 F16CJ Block 50 and I reckon I'll get it done by the end of the year!

Come on, people, lets build some Vipers!

Cheers

Well.......we are rapidley approaching the start date and it looks like there will only be 3 of us???? Ce la Vi! I am fine with that. either way I will be building my Mako F-16 for the shelf. I am going to post to the AC forum to see if we might get some more interest. Keep me posted if you are interested still.

Hmmmmm.....I wanna do the Tamiya 1/32 Block 50 F-16C/J but it wouldn't be until early next year...

Cheers

Thunderbolt379

MM71 -- that'll be one spectacular bird!

Okay, I'm for sure, Hasegawa 1:72 -CJ Block 50, the resin ACES II seats came in so I should be set to go.

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Wait to you see all the goodies i'm gonna have for it.

MM71 -- that'll be one spectacular bird!

Okay, I'm for sure, Hasegawa 1:72 -CJ Block 50, the resin ACES II seats came in so I should be set to go.

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Oh it's no now!!!

I'll be doing a 1/48 Tamiya F-16C Blk 30 of the 149th FW ANG. It'll be in the 65th Anniversary markings. Here's a pic.