F-16C "Gridiron Viper"

This kit is from Academy and despite what you may think about Academy, I feel this kit makes a good model. Aside from the poor fit in places (intake-to-fuselage and wing halves) and a vanilla cockpit, one can make a good F-16A Block 15 or C Block 25 from this kit. The biggest problem that I could not fix was the main gear are set too wide and too low, tipping the tail down too far.

This kit was built OTB, the only thing I scratch-built was the HUD box. It was way too shallow on the instrument panel, so I simply extended it outwards. I chose to put the pilot in so that I could paint the helmet like an Indianapolis Colts helmet. I think it looks rather unique.

I chose the markings because my father-in-law is a big Colts fan, and I wanted to give this model to him. The subject is the show bird (an early Block 30 but my father-in-law wouldn't notice the difference) that was painted up to perform fly-overs at Colts home games after their Championship season in 2007. The decals are Two Bobs, which is a good sheet. It comes with the same markings in 1/72, 1/48, and 1/32 scales. I still have the 1/72 and 1/32 decals, so if anyone wants them they are more than welcome to them. Just leave a comment and I will get in touch with you.

As mentioned before, I think this kit is good, especially for someone who wants a good early F-16 version, and doesn't want to shell out a lot of cash for a Hasegawa or Tamiya kit. The cockpit can be updated with aftermarket pieces, and with a little research and ingenuity, one can get the version they are looking for up to an early Block 30 by replacing the exhaust pedals or Block 32 by adding or deleting a few vents.