1:72 F-2 A/B - Exhaust Nozzles OPENED (for Hasegawa Kits)

Aires 1:72 Mitsubishi F-2 A/B - exhaust nozzles in the open position

A resin replacement for the exhaust nozzle on a model of the F-2 A and F-2 B in 1:72 scale from the production of the Czech firm Aires. The nozzle is cast in the open, spread position. The accessory is installed in place of the plastic parts from a kit and is intended for modelers who want the tail end of the machine dealt with convincingly.

The real subject

The Mitsubishi F-2 is a Japanese multirole combat aircraft developed on the basis of the design of the F-16, from which it differs substantially, though: it has a larger wing with a high proportion of composites, an altered fuselage and avionics of its own. The F-2 A is the single-seat version, the F-2 B the two-seater. The machine serves with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and its profile with one engine and a circular nozzle in the tail end is a key recognition feature for a model.

Why change the plastic nozzle

Injected plastic cannot manage a thin wall at the mouth and an intricate interior at the same time, so seen from behind a model looks empty and the wall of the nozzle visually thickens. A resin casting carries both a thin wall and the structure. The open position of the petals matches a machine with its engine shut down, that is the way a model most often stands on a shelf or on a display stand.

Fitting and painting tips

Wash the casting in lukewarm soapy water, cut the casting block off with a saw and level the surface with a file. Sand wet and with respiratory protection. Before gluing, try the nozzle dry so that it joins the fuselage on the same axis and does not stand out more than it should. It is glued with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue). Paint it separately while the part is freely accessible: metallic tones inside, heat staining and soot added toward the mouth, the outer petals left lighter. Only at the very end set the part into the model so that it is not damaged during further handling.

Who the set is for

• Builders of a model of the Mitsubishi F-2 A or F-2 B in 1:72 scale.
• Modelers who want a credible tail end with a deep nozzle.
• Those interested in modern Japanese military aircraft.
• More experienced builders familiar with working in resin.

The set is supplied unpainted, as resin castings for altering a model. Paints, glue and the base kit are not included in the package.