Hasegawa 1:48 Scale F-16CJ Fighting Falcon Model Kit

hasegawa makes another winning model kit

I've built a fair number of Hasegawa kits in the past, as well as a few F-16s. Hasegawa has a tendency to try to "stretch" their kits, with cutouts and inserts in main parts (like the fuselage) so they can use it in as many variations as possible. This leads to Hasegawa's reputation for having some "fiddly" kits - and this lives up to that. You really need to watch the instructions to be sure you drill out or open up spots for scoops and other little details.Hasegawa also has a reputation, at least with modern jet kits, of not including weapons, forcing you to raid other kits or buy one of their "weapons sets" for the loadout you want. That's not the case here - they do include both AIM-9 Sidewinders and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles (though you need to modify things a bit for the -120s to fit on the wingtips, if you want that loadout - and they're missing a few little details, but not something most casual modelers who just want a nice F-16 on the shelf will probably notice.They do also include both clear and "smoked" canopies, which is a nice touch.As mentioned in another review, the radome (nose) is just butt-joined to the fuselage, which makes it very easy to misalign. This is compounded by the fact that this is also where they tell you to add weight to keep it from being a tailsitter. You *do* have room to add some weight in the fuselage. But this join could be better.Probably my biggest gripe with this kit is that they open up the holes under the wings for all the pylons. It's something I prefer to be my choice ("Cleaner" or "loaded" aircraft, or somewhere in between,) and I'd prefer not having to fill in holes for things I won't be using.I have two of this kit, one of which was fairly warped. Even after taking time to straighten it, some warping made itself evident in the fit of some parts - test fit everything.This should probably not be a first or second kit. That said, it builds up into a decent replica. Just have some putty handy - you won't need a lot, but you will want some. If you want just a fast build, look at the Monogram (now Revell) kit - at the very least the wings and upper body are one piece. This one's probably more accurate and detailed, but takes more attention. And for a Hasegawa kit, this is a decent price.

I have built 3 of these kits and have nothing but praise for TAMIYA engineering. The detail incorporated in this design is over the top. Overall fit is good and does not require a lot of filling and sanding. Decals are top notch though I did use aftermarket decals for Air National Guard aircraft. Pilot figure and weapons are very detailed. Trick when building is to follow the step by step instructions to the letter.

Not happy at all, missing parts and a few pieces were broken

Great looking model and a fun build! Got it for the Misawa WW decals. I had to use superglue for the nose because it was just a flat on flat surface, and there was no way I could hold that perfectly flush long enough for the cement to dry. But it still ended up slightly off and I notice it every time I look at it.

Its not the best model that I have made, but its the only model I can get the Matches the F-16's from south Korea at Kusan Air Force base which is the Wolf Pack 8th fighter wing. There are some problems with parts fitting together. Some parts don't match as good. I use body putty to hide the mismatch. If your good at making model this kit is a challenge to make, but if you can make this right it looks good when finished.