Zotz Decals

1/72, 1/48, 1/32 Dutch F-16 NATO Tiger Meet decal sheet

Product #  ZTZ72022 $10,  ZTZ48022 $13,  ZTZ32022 $17

Product Article by Steve Bamford on Aug 2 2005

 

 

 

This latest sheet from Zotz Decals features one very special Dutch F-16 in Tiger Meet markings. 

This specially painted F-16 J-366  was used as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations for 313 squadron.  Shortly after the 50th anniversary celebrations this aircraft went in for maintenance and didn't appear again until the NATO Tiger Meet at Schleswig, Jagel AB.  this aircraft still wears these fantastic tiger markings.  

I love Tiger Meet markings so I was particularly pleased when Eli at Zotz chose to release this set of markings.  

The decals were flawlessly printed including the tiniest text on 3 decal sheets and in perfect registration.  The graphics on the artwork is beautifully done.....you will be pleased when you see them.  There are white decals to place under the tail art tiger artwork to ensure no colour bleed through.

The instructions are clear and include 4 view drawings of this aircraft showing placement of all markings and camo scheme layout.  The sheet includes national insignia and and all stencils for one aircraft.  This particular F-16A is a MLU (Mid Life Upgrade) bird so you will need to factor in that as you build your model.  Revell has a MLU F-16 in 1/72 and conversion sets for 1/48 and 1/32 a Dutch MLU F-16's are available from PWMP by e-mailing this address plasticworld@skynet.be   

This sheet rocks!!!  If you like Tiger schemes.....you'll love this one!!!

I would like to thank Zotz Decals for providing me with this review sample.

Steve

Click on images below to see larger images of the instruction sheets


Sietse Postma from Holland had this info regarding kits to use to make Dutch F-16's.

In 1/72 scale, the Revell F-16 is the correct one to use in every detail (it even includes the right launchers).   

In 1/48 scale, the best model to use for the job is the F-16A (which includes the para-brake-housing) from Hasegawa. To convert this aircraft into a F-16AM (the official name for MLU) you need either the F-16A MLU Cockpit Set from Black Box (CS48005) or the detail set from Eduard (48 391).  I used both sets to get the best result. That only left me with the problem of getting the right launchers for carrying the AMRAAMS.  I borrowed mine out of the F-16CJ kit from Hasegawa, which also contains the AMRAAMS.

The 1/32 version gives more problems.  For the conversion from PWMP you only receive the para-brake-housing, the new landing lights and the nose antennas.  Only a F-16C Cockpit matches the best with a MLU cockpit. Future releases for the MLU are on their way and contain AIM 120 AMRAAM + new launchers, Mars recce pod and an ALQ 131 ECM pod. Black Box updates can also be used for the cockpit area. At the moment I have here a 1/32 F-16C from Hasegawa, but I still want to check out the new Academy  F-16 for its possibilities.  I hope you find this information helpful.

Sietse

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford