Subject: Re: Aug-31 Malaysian National day Update: RF-5E
From: "Steve Bamford ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "[email-masked]"
Cc: "[email-masked]"
Date: Mon, 29 Aug 2005 15:06:21 -0700

Hi Brian and Thomas,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks for sending it in.   

Steve Bamford
Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com
 
Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ng Thomas-CTN004 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Cc: params ; [email-masked] 
  Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2005 8:29 PM
  Subject: Aug-31 Malaysian National day Update: RF-5E

  Steve,

  One last One, Please help to put in this article for the Aug-31 Malaysian National day update. the authors are
  Brian Param : Email : [email-masked]
  Thomas Ng : Email : [email-masked]

  Thank you Very much

  Best Regards,
  Thomas/ Brian

  "1/48 Italeri RF-5E Tigereye" 

  with Achtung Japan Hobby RF-5E Conversion 

  by "Brian Param & Thomas Ng"

  --------------------

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         Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 01.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 01.jpg   Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 02.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 02.jpg  

  TUDM is the launch customer of the Northrop RF-5E. A total of two were purchased in the eighties and served in the No. 11 squadrons. They wore serials M29-19 and M29-20. They were purchased to give the TUDM recon capability. The RF-5Es played multiple roles with the TUDM as they actively flew and fly other then recon mission. 

  As compare to the older TUDM F-5 fleet, the RF-5E are came with the NEW "E" configuration, Meaning externally, beside the camera nose, it was fitted with the forward and rear radar warning antenna, Fintip antenna fairing, AN/ALE-29 chaff/flare dispenser and enlarged LERX.

  In the 90's all the F-5 were consolidated into a single No. 12 Squadron, And today, the RF-5E of TUDM is still seen patrolling the sky over Butterworth Malaysia after over 20 years in service.

  The Kit

  Both the build were very similar as we were comparing note during our build, Both the kits used is the Italeri/ESCI F-5E. A basic kit with poor cockpit detail and raised lines. Kit was rescribed and built. The camera nose was from Acthung Japan, providing all the necessary external items to make a tigereye. Fitting the nose onto the ESCI kit was a bit challenging but was achieved. The enlarge LERX was the most trouble area as it was hard to sand it smooth in that area. 

  M29-19, No.11 Squadron "Cobra" by Brian Param

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        Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 03.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 03.jpg   Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 04.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 04.jpg  Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 05.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 05.jpg  

  The aircraft depicted is from 11 squadron circa eighties with round national markings and cobra insignia on the tail. It was painted following the ghost scheme using Gunze colours with the darkest blue grey a custom mix. Paint was airbrushed on using blue tac for masking. Decals were from the VFA sheet on Malaysian Tigers.  To dress up the cockpit a bit, I added a pilot which was from the Monogram A-37B kit.  Weathering took the form of pen ink and a mixture of thinned down acrylics into the panel lines.

  M29-20, No.12 Squadron "Scorpion"  By Thomas Ng

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        Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 06.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 06.jpg  Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 07.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 07.jpg  Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 08.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 08.jpg  

  The marking chosen for this model is the current TUDM marking with small square national marking. The wraparound camouflage was painted with the aid of the blue tac for masking. Paint is from the Gunze range, the decal used were a mix of Kit's, Scalenutz and VFA production.

  Photos and text © by "Brian Param & Thomas Ng"