1:72 F16 PW-F110 Engine exhaust - open (Revell)

The real subject

On a single-engined aircraft the exhaust nozzle is one of the few things a viewer looks at first from the rear. It is made up of an array of movable nozzle petals that change the cross section according to the engine setting, so the nozzle can be closed as well as widely open. It is precisely this difference that catches the eye at once on a model, and a kit as a rule deals with it in only one fixed shape.

What the set contains

The box brings an exhaust nozzle in the open position for a model of the F-16 aircraft in 1:72 scale, meant as a replacement for the part from the Revell kit. The inner wall of the nozzle is drawn out, which on a part that can be looked into is the main thing.

Building and painting tips

• Cut the original kit part off and level the mating surface so that the nozzle sits on the axis of the fuselage.
• The part is not polystyrene; super glue or epoxy will join it, an ordinary modeling cement will not.
• Cut the excess material away with a sharp blade a little clear of the part and sand the rest off.
• Wash and degrease before painting, as metallic shades stain on a greasy surface.
• Inside, a dark base works well, with a transition from heat-stained brown tones at the throat to a lighter metal at the edges of the petals.

What to watch out for

The F-16 was built with two different powerplants, and their exhaust nozzles differ in shape as well as in length. Before building, therefore, compare the rendition of the set with the illustration on the packaging and with your own subject, so that you do not fit a nozzle from another rendition to the model.

Terms of supply

The nozzle itself is supplied as described. The kit of the aircraft, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.