Kinetic 1/48 scale
F-16 Test Shots Preview

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Raymond Chung from Lucky Model has kindly supplied pre-production test shots from Kinetics' forthcoming 1/48 scale F-16 kits.

These sprues are genuinely pre-production, as indicated by the different shades of the plastic. Don't worry too much if you can find some flash or the occasional sink mark in these photos, as the final production version of the kit will feature more consistent quality moulding.

The sprues seem to be a combination of versions, featuring small and "big mouth" intakes, different undercarriage gear and gear doors, two styles of exhausts, alternate upper fuselages and fin bases, plus various avionic fits including "bird slicers". At this stage I cannot confirm exactly what combination of sprues will be included in which kit.

It is especially pleasing to see that this model features poseable flaperons and leading edge slats.

Surface detail is very good indeed, even on these pre-production sprues. Panel lines are crisply engraved. These are selectively supplemented with some very fine lines of rivets. The plastic is quite smooth, with just a hint of satin texture.

Detail parts are very impressive. Cockpit detail looks great on the sprues, while the exhausts feature gorgeous detail inside and out with some very tricky moulding.

Clear parts look good too. I have the canopy parts for a single seater, and this suffers only a very faint centreline seam.

The selection of ordnance is nothing short of stunning.

It would be unfair to draw any conclusions on the basis of these test shots alone, but first impressions are overwhelmingly favourable.

Kinetic will be initially releasing two kits. These will be available online from Lucky Model, and details are as follows:

Kinetic K48002 - F-16A MLU Block 15

Decal options for Norway, Denmark, Belgium, The Netherlands Air Force

Product highlights:

• MLU (Mid-Life-Update)/ADF upgrade parts,

• NSI (small mouth) intake,

• PW engine nozzle.

• AGM-119 missiles

• AAQ-28 Sniper Pod .

• 450+ parts
  

Weapons List included:

AIM-9M, AIM-120B, AGM-65, GBU-24, GBU-31, GBU97, Mk.82, ALQ-131, AAQ-13, AAQ-14,AAQ-28,Sniper XR

Kinetic K48005 - F-16DG/DJ Block 50 - USAF Viper 2-in-1

Decal options:

• USAF 555FS “Triple Nickle” Aviano AB, Italy - Block 40

• USAF 35th Fighter Wing/Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), Misawa AB, Japan
  

Product highlights:

• WAR HUD,

• AIM-120B and AIM-120C missiles,

• positionable slat/flaps,

• GBU-38 bombs included.

• 450+ Parts
  

"Rich" Weapons List included:

AIM-9M, AIM-120B, AIM-120C,AGM-65, AGM-88, GBU-24, GBU-31, GBU-87,GBU-12,GBU-38,Mk.82, ALQ-131, ALQ-184, AAQ-13, AAQ-14,AAQ-28,Sniper XR.

More details will be provided when they become available.

In the meantime, enjoy the photos!

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Thumbnail panels:

Thanks to Raymond Chung from Lucky Model for the test shots

Review Text Copyright © 2008 by Brett Green
Page Created 29 September, 2008
Last updated 29 September, 2008

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