1:48 F-16CJ Block 50

The real subject

The F-16 is an American single-engine multi-role fighter, recognizable at a glance by its bubble canopy with no windshield frame, its reclined seat and its side stick. The Block 50 machines are among the later production series, and the CJ designation came to be used for aircraft equipped to suppress enemy air defenses, that is, to find and silence hostile radars. The outward sign of that equipment is the pods and missiles it carries, which is why the aircraft is often modeled with a full load of underwing stores.

What the set contains

This is a set of photo-etched parts in 1:48 scale. Photo-etch is made from thin metal sheet and can therefore handle the features that in plastic are necessarily heavier than they should be: grilles, covers, placards and other small items. The number of parts, their placement on the model and the particular kit they are meant for are given in the instructions supplied by the manufacturer.

Building and painting tips

Separate the parts with a sharp blade on a hard surface, not with pliers, which bend the sheet. Level off what is left after separating with a fine file. Make the bends along the etched score lines in a bending tool or between the jaws of flat tweezers. Metal will not bond with polystyrene cement; use cyanoacrylate glue or epoxy and apply only a tiny quantity. Wash and degrease the sheet before painting and lay a primer coat on it, or the paint will not hold on the smooth surface.

• 1:48 scale, photo-etched parts from metal sheet
• the real subject is an American single-engine multi-role fighter
• the parts are glued with cyanoacrylate glue or epoxy
• the sheet has to be degreased and primed before painting
• the range of parts and the target kit are given in the manufacturer's instructions

Terms of supply

The kit, paints and glue are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.