HASEGAWA 1:72 F-16A PLUS FALCON

Reviewer: Myself  (braithy@bigpond.com)

This appears to be a re-release by Hasegawa of an earlier F-16A plus model and I am fortunate enough to have made the earlier version as well.  In fact I still have the box for the previous release, in its "red series" band and it acts as a storage place for some left over decals.

Back to the review:  On opening the box you are presented with what can only be described as standard "Hasegawa Issue", a plastic wrap containing four sprues of crisp light grey parts and one sprue of clear. It's nothing more or less than you would expect with Hasegawa kits (if you have bought heaps of them like I have).   At this point things are a little confusing.  In my box, I can only assume it's not a one-off, there are two sets of instructions.  One catering for the previous release of this kit (you soon find this out when you are trying to look for parts which don't exist) and the other for this one.  In fact it's interesting to compare the two instruction sheets and see the way it has evolved over time.  Forget the previous instructions, they are useless, and also have paint schemes and decal instructions not intended for this kit.

The correct instruction sheet is set out in step by step straightforward directions and is easily followed.  There is a diagram included detailing how external stores are generally arranged, plus a few small photos promoting "Aircraft in Action Series". The sheet is set out in English and corresponding Japanese instructions which is the norm for Hasegawa and paint guides are included for Gunze Sangyo and Mr Colour schemes. There is also a diagram showing the sprues and where the numbered parts can all be found. According to this diagram there is only one part on the sprue which will not be used (exceptions of course if you choose a flying or static display model)

Assembling parts is pretty hassle free, as with most Hasegawa kits.   The parts fit together extremely well and you are provided with finely engraved panel lines.  Accuracy is also pretty good.  The cockpit detail is quite basic, you are supplied with a "bath tub" (nickname for the base and side arm panels where you attach the seat to), a control stick and instrument panel.  You are also supplied with decals to fit over most of these areas to simulate cockpit controls.   This part is pretty fiddly and messy, you might find it frustrating lining the decals up properly.  You will need to paint on such other details like side panels, seat belts and so forth.  You are also given a small clear part which you can mount on the "dashboard" as a Heads-Up-Display.  A pilot figure is included in the kit and is "reasonable".

Unlike it's previous release, the engine forms part of the fuselage, with only the intakes and exhaust to assemble.  In the previous release you were able to assemble the engine separately and optionally have it external to the aircraft to simulate a maintenance diorama.  The wheel wells are of reasonable detail and with a bit of fine painting you should be able to have them looking rather nice.  The cockpit assembly comes in two clear parts, and you are also provided with a hinge to have the cockpit displayed open, rather than closed.  A ladder and rail are also included in the kit to hang from the cockpit and adds a bit of authenticity to the model as a static display.  No doubt, this would also look good when combined with the "aircraft in action series" diorama with support vehicles and maintenance crew.   Personally, I left mine in flying configuration.

There is an abundance of weapons included in the kit and it's up to you how you wish to configure your finished product. I settled on a high-speed air-to-air configuration with wingtip sidewinders, outside pylon AIM-120's and drop tank.  This makes for a very attractive and menacing pose.

There are three sets of Hasegawa decal options to choose from.  Two low-vis markings USAF fighters with one based at 50th TFW Hahn airbase, West Germany "Gun smoke '83" and the other based in Korea as part of the 8th TFW "Wolf Pack".  A 311th Sqn, Royal Netherland air force version is also provided, based at Volkel AFB in Netherlands.

Overall this is a very good kit.  The only bad point is the price tag, with Hasegawa models being at the more expensive end of the scale.  But if you are looking for an attractive, hassle-free and enjoyable model without sparing expense, then you should be quite happy with this effort. 

Related Reviews:  Italeri 1/48 F-16B Fighting Falcon 

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Photo Credit: Unknown

An F-16A, similar example to what the Hasegawa kit will produce