This model is finished in the kit markings of the aircraft flown by Brig. Gen. Bruce Carlson, as the CO of the 49th FW, between 10 February 1995 and 23 August 1996. The model was built out of the box with the addition of a True Details photoetched HUD and resin ACES ejection seat. There is not much to say about the Hasegawa kit, it goes together very well and apart from a lack of detail in the cockpit is very nice. I had the Eduard set for it, but ended up not using it.

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This model was mainly an experiment in getting a convincing all over black finish on a model, while appearing to be as patchy as the real aircraft. This was not made easier by the fact that the model comes moulded in black plastic. The aircraft was initially airbrushed all over with Gunze Sangyo H2 Gloss Black (if I were to do this again, I think it would be better priming with a light grey or white first). The decals were then applied, and details such as wheel well interiors and the exhaust area were painted, washed and drybrushed. I went to town on the exhaust areas as these are tiles on the real aircraft and get very dirty and streaked. I used thinned mixes of brown, steel, black and white to add the characteristic streaks found around this area on the real aircraft.

Once the paint was dry, the entire model was misted in the centre of panels (around details and decals) with Gunze H77 Tire Black. When this was dry, panel lines and edges of the faceted panels were airbrushed with Gunze H12 Flat Black as a form of shading. Lastly the tips of the air data sensors on the front of the aircraft were painted metallic grey.

There is not really much else to say. This kit builds quickly and easily into an accurate replica out of the box. The kit has since been released to include a bomb bay and weapons, as well as the very eye-catching stars and stripes version.

Craig