1:32 Lockheed-Martin F-16 (F100-PW) closed exhaust nozzles

The real subject

The F-16 is an American single-engine multirole combat aircraft, today listed under the Lockheed Martin brand. Machines of this line were delivered with two different powerplants, and that matters to the modeler: the exhaust nozzle of each of them looks different, and the petals and their linkages are arranged differently too. The F100 designation in the name says which of them this is, so check against photographs of your own machine that you have the right one.

What the set solves

The nozzle is a place on an aircraft model that can be seen into in depth. The part from the kit tends to be split into two halves with a seam down the middle, has thick walls and lacks fine internal shaping. The replacement part replaces this section in one piece and the graduation of the petals is apparent on it. The word closed refers to the position of the petals: they are drawn together rather than spread wide.

Building tips

• Cut excess material off with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the remainder down carefully.
• The part is not polystyrene; it is glued with cyanoacrylate or with a glue for metal and plastic.
• Wash and degrease the part before painting, otherwise the finish peels off the smooth surface.
• Try the fit on the fuselage dry before gluing.
• Spray the inside of the nozzle before you seat it; afterward you will not reach in there.
• The exact procedure for preparing the part is given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Terms of supply

A replacement part is supplied. The kit, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.