Mini F-16s

[WeeVikes]

About 15 years ago, before I'd actually discovered paper modeling, I picked up a couple copies of this book, "Modern Fighters (to color, cut out & fly)" from Bellerophon Books, to build and fly with my sons. The models in it were designed by a gentleman named Nick Taylor. As it turned out, the only model I ever ended up building was the F-16, which I thought was a fun, simple, good looking model. And as my first paper model, a new world was opened to me.

Before I built the kit, however, I scanned the pages into my computer so I could build the plane again. (Yes, I know, copywrite violation...) I decided I wanted to play around with the design and see if I could improve upon it. It was missing some details I wanted to add (ventral fins, wingtip missile rails, forward portion of vertical fin) and I wanted to be able to play around with different paint jobs, squadrons, etc. I used PowerPoint to "trace" over the scans, to design the new parts, and to tweak existing ones. I then used Microsoft Paint to do the "paint jobs". While playing around with the models, I found that building them half-size (about 5 inches) actually worked pretty well and made for a cool little airplane.

This first one is a US Air Force jet from the Wolfpack, based in South Korea. It's pretty representative of a typical F-16C, I think.

I decided to get a little flashier next and did the Thunderbirds. And, of course, I did all 8 numbered jets.

This last one is the IAF's F-16I, their latest version of the aircraft, a strike fighter, if you will. For this I not only had to do the camoflage paint job, but also had to design from scratch the dorsal electronics bay, the two-place canopy, and the conformal tanks. I was pleased with the results.

I found that adding a little ballast, in the form of a little roll of masking tape, just inside the inlet gets the CG positioned correctly to let these little beauties fly pretty decently -- better than I would have thought.

I'm contemplating which squadron to model next. I grew up in Ft Wayne, IN, and was thinking about building one from their former squadron, however, I'm open to suggestion.


Mike, aka "WeeVikes"

[vbsargent]

Good looking little planes! Would love to see the original from the book.

vbsargent

[ashevilleangler]

As I recall these models have gray shading that doesn't really help with the coloring. So if you want something like the cover you'll really have to work for it.



Curt

[willygoat]

There are so many options for colors for the F-16. Being from Iowa originally, I'm partial to the 132nd FS markings of the Iowa ANG. The South Dakota ANG F-16s are pretty cool too. The Lobo looks mean.

[WeeVikes]

ashville -- yeah, that's it exactly! A cool model, but I wanted different graphics.

willy -- those are great pictures. Just way too many options...