1:32 F-5E/F Tiger II exhaust nozzles

Aires 1:32 – exhaust nozzles F-5E/F Tiger II

A resin accessory set in 1:32 scale for models of the Northrop F-5E light fighter and of the two-seat F-5F Tiger II. It is not an aircraft model but a replacement for the end sections of both powerplants. Aires is a Czech maker of resin detail sets, and its castings have long been marked by thin walls and sharp definition, qualities that injection-molded plastic cannot reach in this place. On a twin-engine aircraft with the nozzles close together, the difference from the part in the basic box is easy to see.

The real subject

The F-5E Tiger II is a single-seat light supersonic fighter powered by a pair of General Electric J85 engines with afterburners; the F-5F is its two-seat variant with a lengthened nose. Both types share the layout of the rear fuselage, which is why detail sets for the nozzles are made for the two versions together. On the F-5 the nozzles sit close side by side in a narrow tail, so they form a prominent visible area on a finished model.

Building and painting tips

Wash the castings in lukewarm soapy water; that will remove the mold release agent. On thin-walled parts, separate the casting blocks carefully with a fine saw and sand the remainder down on abrasive paper laid on a flat board; protect your airways while sanding. They are glued with cyanoacrylate glue. Paint the inside of the nozzles before you seat the parts. A primer, metallic shades over a smooth base, a dark wash into the recesses and fine burnt tints toward the outlet all work well; take the degree of sooting from photographs of the particular machine.

Who the set is for

• Builders of F-5E or F-5F models in 1:32 scale
• Modelers who are bothered by the thick edges of plastic nozzles
• Enthusiasts with experience of resin and cyanoacrylate glue
• Those building a model with the emphasis on a faithful rear fuselage

This is an accessory set, not an aircraft model. The basic kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise. We recommend checking the match with your own kit before buying.