1:32 AN/APG 63 F-15 Radar For TAMIYA

The AN/APG-63 radar for an F-15 model, 1:32 scale

This add-on set captures the AN/APG-63 radar of the F-15 aircraft in 1:32 scale. According to the name it is cut for the kit from the Tamiya brand.

What the set is for

The radar sits in the nose of the aircraft under a hinged cover that the ground crew open for maintenance. It is precisely this view that is rewarding on a model: a machine with the nose open looks like an aircraft on the apron rather than an exhibit in a display case. A large scale favors detail like this, because the nose is big enough for the radar to be legible in it and the viewer looks inside without effort. The set replaces workshop improvisation with a ready-made shape.

The AN/APG-63 is the onboard radar of the F-15, that is the device with which a fighter searches for targets at long range and guides missiles onto them. The antenna has the shape of a flat plate with concentric rings and with a mounting frame; these are inconspicuous elements, but it is they that settle whether an open nose looks believable.

Building and painting tips

• The parts are not polystyrene and ordinary cement for plastic models will not join them; use super glue.
• Cut the excess material away with a sharp blade a little way from the part and sand the remainder down.
• Wash and degrease the parts before painting, otherwise the paint will not hold.
• Try the set in the nose dry before you start gluing; there tends to be little room and the fit of the cover has to be checked in advance.
• The particular procedure for preparing the parts is given by the maker in the instructions.

Who it is for

For builders of large scales who like opening a model up and showing what is inside. Count on work on the nose of the kit, that is on a step that is hard to undo.

The set is an add-on for a kit. The model, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.