Small Scale Military Headquarters

Specs wise that is. I've just stopped over at f16.net & on the following thread:

http://www.f-16.net/f-16_forum_viewtopic-t-1816.html

one of the members has indicated that BBI has depicted a Block 30. Here's his view:

"I haven't seen one of these kits in person but, after looking at the pics on their website, I have the following observations:

The model has the NSI (small mouth) inlet and a GE engine nozzle, a WAC HUD and the ASPJ scoops on the base of the vertical tail. This means the model depicts an early Block 30, before they started using the MCID (big mouth) inlets.

Now, looking at the tail markings and serial numbers:

- EF 83-1147 = Block 25 (NSI/PW/WAC, no ASPJ scoops)

- Cal ANG 84-1234 = Block 25 (NSI/PW/WAC, no ASPJ scoops)

- NY 84-1255 = Block 25 (NSI/PW/WAC, no ASPJ scoops)

- FW 84-1377 = Block 25 (NSI/PW/WAC, no ASPJ scoops)

- FS 87-0299 = Block 32 (NSI/PW/WAC)

- AL 88-0399 = late Block 30 (MCID/GE/WAC)

- WP 89-2013 = Block 40 (MCID/GE/WAR)

- SC 92-3911 = Block 52 (NSI/PW/WAC)

This means that NONE of the markings chosen by BBI accurately reflect the airframe depicted by the model.

They do offer a kit sans decals.... Hmmmmm."


I was abit doubtful at first as the final product is in the colors of the Wolfpack based at Kunsan? Which as I recall flies Block 40s. Then again, I remebered that the initial promo pics had the 'MJ' (Misawa Japan?) markings. To my knowledge the Misawa -based Viper wing now flies Block 50 CJs with the 'WW' ie Wild Weasel tailcode. A similar 'MJ'tail-coded viper was the first DML Warbird & was supposed to be a C-model. IIRC its serial was 86 or 87 something which means that its probably a Block 30/32. Based on this , I think it would be logical to conclude that BBI simply changed the markings w/o reworking the relevant parts to reflect & different production Block. I'll still get the Viper, been waiting too long, way too long in fact for one, just curious about its 'true' identity.

Thanks for the info buzzard. You just can't please grogs, you know!

-Ski

Few if any 1/18 scale planes or tanks can stand up to close critique. All have various little inaccuracies, flaws and inconsistancies...

Roger that Ski. The fact that an array of markings are available is already good news for those desiring more variety (kudos to BCA). Inaccuracies aside fact is BBI did a great job, not perfect yes, but a great effort nonetheless.

Thanks for pointing that out Aferg. I realise that however good these toys/models are they will, to some extent or other have some flaws. I just tend to be curious as to actual version depicted.