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Preview
1/48 Hasegawa IAF F-16DJ Block 50
Scorpionus Sinistercus
by Mark
Goh
of Horizon ModelTech (HMT)
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When I saw this bird on the front cover of Janes Defence Weekly, I knew I had to do it. Besides being a big spined Blk 40 F-16, it is also comes from the eye catching Scorpion (105?)Sqn, not to mention the ominous '666' serial.
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The model is done from the Hase 1/48
Blk 50 F-16DJ kit + some other modifications which includes the ASHM, realistic
flap settings, movable tailplanes, closed F110 nozzle from the Hase F-14D kit,
static dischargers etc. But the subject of it all is that avionics spine.
After Italeri released its very disappointing verison of the spine, we at HMT
felt that modelers deserved better. So research began in earnest, observing real
spines down to the rivet detail. After sometime enough researh was done to begin
doing a draft shape version and see how it would fit and look right with the
a/c. The result of this first try is this IAF Blk 40 F-16D. The purpose is
to test the fitting so that modelers do not have to do more than minimum putty
work at the fuselage/spine interface and more importantly getting the correct
shape, especially with the top of the spine. Of course we cannot advise at this
time where the differences lie, because we might compromise our commercial
interests. For those with eagle eyes, you might begin to spot the differences
compared to other similar big spine models.
The final HMT spine that'll be offered for sale will be a even better spine with
fine tuning to the shape and engraved details up to the rivet level, and some
multimedia extras. It will come with at least 3 versions, ie Vista, IAF and RSAF
versions. Of course more verisons might be added with the delivery of new big
spined birds to Greece/Israel/Singapore/Oman/Chile....
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So viper fans out there, if you can
wait for a while more your patience
will be rewarded very soon!
Mark
Horizon
ModelTech "products by
modelers, for modelers"
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Photos and text © 2002 by Mark Goh of Horizon ModelTech (HMT)