1:48 General Dynamics F-16 (B/C) block 29-39

Wheel set for the F-16 (B/C) block 29–39, 1:48 scale, Reskit

A resin set of replacement wheels for a model of the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter in production blocks 29 to 39. This is not an airplane kit but a detail accessory — the set replaces the wheels from the plastic box with more accurate castings carrying a sharper rendering of the tire tread, hubs, valves and brakes. The tire and the hub are usually arranged so that they can be masked and painted separately with ease. It is meant for more advanced modelers who want to lift the landing gear above out-of-the-box level.

The real subject

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American single-engine fourth-generation multi-role fighter with its distinctive bubble canopy and excellent view from the cockpit. Aircraft from these production blocks serve with a number of air forces around the world; the two-seat version is used for training as well as on combat missions.

Building and painting tips

First wash the parts to remove any mold release agent left from the mold, cut the casting blocks off carefully and clean up the surfaces. Resin is bonded with super glue (cyanoacrylate). Tires are not a deep black — a dark gray shade with a light dusting looks more natural; paint the hubs according to the particular aircraft. Protect your airways when sanding resin.

Who the set is for

• For modelers of F-16 fighters who want more faithful wheels than the box provides
• For more advanced builders used to working with resin
• For builds shown on the ground, where the wheels are clearly visible
• As a quick landing gear improvement without photo-etched parts or conversions

Supplied as an unpainted resin wheel set for more experienced modelers. It is not an aircraft model; the plastic kit, paints and glue are not included in the package.