F-16 CJ Fighting Falcon - Tamiya 1/48

[@Hossman757]

The "probes" that you added on the trailing edge of the Elevons and Wings are actually called "Static wicks". They allow the discharge of static energy build up on the fuselage.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Ah yep you're correct!

[@robbo1068]

Amazing build....the PE certainly adds an extra dimension to the whole model. Your videos are extremely enjoyable.....your calm commentary really sets the tone for the whole build from start to finish. Thank you.....will be looking forward to see what next transpires on your bench.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks! Im finding it hard to build without photo etch or resin because Ive become accustomed to the enhanced details. Im currently working on a CRJ-700 and Poe's X-wing fighter...we'll see which one gets finished first.

[@robertwarren2403]

Amazing detail. Your attention to the wheel wells and cockpit blew me away because of the patience involved with installing so many photo etched parts.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thank you! The wheel wells were wild. Took a lot of planning to figure out the best order between assembly and painting. Just wish I could see that section while it sits on the shelf

[@jrftworth]

Great job overall. As an Air Force Veteran who worked around F-16's I must admit that the weathering is a bit much on this particular jet (91-0379). It's the squadron commanders aircraft and commanders aircraft are well maintained and kept cleaner than other aircraft in the unit.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks and I appreciate the honest critique!

[@josearavena6384]

I had the opportunity to watch this video today... it was a fantastic piece of work. Thanks for sharing. I have no doubts i will use some of your techniques to improve my next model.... which is a viper as well... from this corner of the world thanks again..

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍👍👍

[@sarblota6242]

Amazing work

[@marksmodellingmadness]

Beautiful work. I kinda want to build another one of these myself, I built my first one over thirty years ago (yes, i'm old :) and this one looks different to the Tamiya one from back then. In fact I will, as well as an F-15 to put alongside the F-14 I've got :)

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks! That will be a nice side by side with all 3. I was definitely impressed with the engineering and tooling on this kit. i.e. the tail isnt glued on and just presses onto the metal rivets via some poly caps (similar to propellers on ww2 planes). Makes for a clean finish without having to worry about glue ruining the paint.

[@twall1973]

Great looking F-16!

[@raymadani270]

It showed up Just in time, I was looking into building this kit. Assassin, you are a life saver. loved your video and subscribed. Thanks 🙂🙂🙂

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Excellent!! Thank you very much

[@mattvge3985]

I bought the kit but I am very disappointed by the decals. Very thick, don't stick well even with Microset... Does anyone have the same issues ?

[@iyasalmuzanichanel1722]

Masayaallah.... Bagus sekali.. detail.. aku sangat ingin memilikinya.. 👍👍👍👍

[@angelosmelo]

Excellent work. Thanks for the sound track. Bach is the best!

[@Deathcult82]

Very nice!Btw I had the impression that Alclad paints don't go well on tamiya gloss black as basecoat(or any "acrylic") and the result is cracks and adios amigos..I haven't any experience on this but this is what I heard...

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Interesting, I havent had any cracking issues with what you described. I've cracked it before by using Mr color super clear over the Alclad (possibly on this build...I cant remember) so I use a water based gloss coat now.

[@ja37d-34]

Saving this for later, this is a kit I am interested in.. Sweet! Yeah, Mr Surfacer is NICE! Recently bough 1500 Black, VERY pleased with it, thinning 50/50 with Mr Levelling Thinner.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍 I'm still using Mr surfacer primer quite a bit. Great product.

[@kurtledesma5993]

Looks great , very realistic look , great job

[@tladrt48]

Gloriously beautiful build and finish! Stunning video quality 👍

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks!

[@juanizcue5574]

Wow, beautiful model... and thanks for the excellent music!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍👍👍👍

[@Chilicheezdog]

Enjoy your videos with the narration but the background music is very distracting. Thanks

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks and noted!

[@garypoole1658]

Awesome build ! Just wondering what you're wrapping around the brake lines @5:08 to hold them to the undercarriage legs ?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍 The part youre asking about is photo etch and it came attached to the brake line part. Kind of like a 2 in 1 piece with the single part having the brake lines and the bands that wrap around the legs.

[@djurgens76]

great video, thanks for all the details and instructions. Most of us are here to learn. Model looks great, inspires me to keep building

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Awesome, thank you!

[@goldenmanuever1176]

Mr assassin you did a fine job on the turbine outlet. Looks very real.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thank you!

[@icervoid]

When you place decals you put underneath them a Markfit or you put nothing ? And why ?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

I use either water or microset underneath the decal. I can't tell much difference between the 2 and they both work equally well for me. Adding the liquid before you place the decal on the model helps keep the decal wet and makes moving it into position easier. It will decrease the chance of it tearing.

[@Goldarr1900]

Do you sell some of your finished model kits? Those would sell like hot cakes at an expensive price.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

I'd be willing, but I haven't sold any. Main thing holding me back is the shipping effort and fragility of the models. Building a proper shipping box would be an effort in itself.

[@ben_scale_arts]

Very decent work 🫡🇺🇸

[@Neplixition]

Toy story redesigning be like

[@michal.michalak]

Hey! I would like to ask you about the correct sequence in building. Painting, covering model by sidolux or something related, decals, wash? Correct order? How much you're waiting after wash the model to use a paper towell to remove wash. Thank you.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

After the decals I use another gloss varnish coat to protect them before doing the wash. After the wash Ill use a flat clear coat. With an oil wash like I used on this plane, you dont need to wait very long (about 30 min)

[@tladrt48]

Perfection achieved!!!

[@90582741]

Your works is great, but I think that it's weathering a little bit overdone.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

fair enough, thanks for the feedback!

[@furiz1-1]

Great work! btw at 17:00 you are mentioning some antennas on the F-16 on the horizontal stabilizers, those are not antennas those are static dischargers :)

[@bubbapipe]

That looks incredible! Thanks for put up the video.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍👍👍 Thanks!

[@joenuts7265]

When using ak real colors, did you thin them? If so what thinning ratio did you use? Thanks and beautiful job done on the model!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Yes I thin them. I don't recall the exact ratio but it's around 50:50 so id recommend starting there and seeing how it sprays. I've been using Mr color leveling thinner.

[@joenuts7265]

@@ScaleModelAssassin thank you!!!

[@firepriestgaming4604]

So in order to make it look like the picture in the package you need to paint it?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Yes you'll definitely need to paint it

[@ВладиславМайло]

as I can tell from this video, presheading is useless

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

haha sometimes yes

[@蔣宗諭]

Tamiya not included PE in the box?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

No you have to purchase it separately

[@Jacky_man542]

First time I have watched your channel.Fantastic build and great attention to detail 👍

[@spruetherapy]

Loved watching this build. I have the Tamiya 1/72 kit awaiting build, I dare say it won't be as detailed as yours! :D Thanks for the excellent videos. Dan

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Awesome, thank you!

[@tptaco]

Hello, beautiful work. I am currently working on the same model, I have same PE Eduard parts. My question is, what kind of CA glue are you using for photo etched parts? I have real problems to fix the small parts fast (meaning mainly gear wires etc). On your video I can see it fix the part realy fast. Thank you!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thank you, Im using Zap extra thin CA glue for when I need quick setting.

[@paolocapecchi5182]

Thank you for this excellent video. Amazing details. Superb soundtrack.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍👍👍👍

[@paulwarren1173]

Nicely done. Is there supposed to be that haze around the decals? It’s mostly noticeable on the vertical wing. I’m currently building this same kit and struggle with decals. I’m going to try a different decal set. Spectacular paint and use of PE.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks! Unfortunately the haze you see was unintended. Its the first time its happened to me and so Im not entirely sure what caused it. I think its related to using many coats of decal softener and possibly reacting with the gloss coat

[@pretzelogic2689]

Several times I caught myself "holding my mouth right" as I watched you apply parts. I'm stressed out. Great job. The cockpit is beautiful.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thank you very much!

[@EdBert]

She's beautiful! Were the light gray surrounds by the tail insignia intentional?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks, and unfortunately those were unintentional.

[@EdBert]

@@ScaleModelAssassin Apologies if that was offensive. I've never once finished a kit without mistakes, but I keep trying!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

No worries, no offense taken!

[@theblackwhisper]

After learning to fly the F16 in DCS, my wife got me the model for my birthday. Just watching this video fills me with dread though as I don’t think I’ll get mine to look anywhere near as good as this.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Neither did my first F-16 model! Just use this video as a guide and once you're finished you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you built it yourself. Thanks for the kind words and good luck.

[@PhuVet]

In the 16 years of building I have put exactly 2 sets of foot pedals on, both were helos. Modern drop tanks don't have filler doors, those are inspection ports. They get filled through the central fuel port. Good job on the exhaust. You may want to try carbon black and burnt sienna oil paint for the body wash. Good call on leaving the tires off til later, I knocked them off on the last 2 commissions I have done. I like the static dischargers, most people forget how slick the nonconformal version of this plane really is. Most have horrible panel fit but are still twice as efficient as most planes.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks for those tips and interesting point on the drop tanks. I do always hate how my pedals are never visible in the end, at least I've got pictures of them along the way. I avoided breaking off the tires but now the challenge is not breaking the static dischargers whenever I dust or move the model...so fragile

[@ernest160772]

Great job... especially the painting process and the "washed" effect...,

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@evan.zecchino]

This might be a dumb question but do you need paint? Like that paint sprayer? It says it comes with paint but idk can’t find a clear answer. Thanks

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

The model doesn't come with paint so you will need to buy it separately. If you buy a paint sprayer (airbrush), it may advertise that it comes with paint, but I would recommend buying your own paint separately from a modelling store. Its better quality and you can get military colors.

[@evan.zecchino]

@@ScaleModelAssassinthank you so much. I’m actually leaning towards hand painting it with a brush instead and also wanted to ask what colors I should get. Any specific brand? I heard the manual gave an outdated 3 tone color code. Thanks again

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

@evan.zecchino Many years ago I used a paint brush and even built this exact plane. I think I was using Model Masters enamels at the time. Using Tamiya brand paints like the instructions specify can be tough to brush paint since they dry rather quickly. It would be hard to get even coverage over a large plane like this. Its been a long time since Ive used a brush but if I were going to do it again, Id look at water based acrylics or enamels. Either way, the key is to thin your paint. Id recommend checking out the "Quick Kits" channel as he brush paints his models and youll be able to pick up some techniques. Theres an infinite number of "grey" colors you could buy so just remember you only have to get close. Colors always look different under different lighting, weathering, layering/thickness of paint, base coats, etc.

[@evan.zecchino]

@@ScaleModelAssassinthank you so much for the thoughtful response. Appreciate it, will help a lot

[@paulknipe3246]

Great work! I have been looking for a good fine paintbrush for some time. What brand and size is the brush you are using at 1:48? Thanks.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks, its a Flex-I-File brush. size 5/0

[@raymadani270]

I came back today to watch your work again. An amazing build video and very informative. Than you again.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thank you!

[@degenetron7590]

Thats crazy, I wanna get into modelling but it seems like you need so many types of tools and paints.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

You can start out fairly cheaply, and then collect the tools over time. I didn't start with everything you see here on day 1. Didn't have an airbrush for years which is probably the most expensive single item. Its a cheap hobby compared to golf lol

[@degenetron7590]

@@ScaleModelAssassin i thought airbrush is a must have, is there any other ways to paint models? I cant imagine its gonna look pretty if you use a brush

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

@@degenetron7590 Check out the "Quick Kits" channel. He does a good job of brush painting. That said, I do use an airbrush think it helps improve the look. You can get some low cost airbrush/air compressor combo kits on the internet which is what I started with. They do a good job for beginners and I actually still use the air compressor.

[@zsoltkonkoly1250]

Absolute perfect working amazing modell

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks! 👍

[@lcm9352]

Looks absolutely amazing. I bought the same kit in 1/72 scale and wondered if following the same techniques you used could work?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Yep they should work

[@Golf_Kilo45]

Very good result and attention to detail, especially with the photo etched! What glue "brand" did you use for cementing the p.e and resin parts?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thank you! I use Zap extra thin CA glue for quick drying and Gorilla CA glue (blue cap) for slower drying.

[@tedshirai6747]

Wow 😳 amazing detail

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍👍👍

[@712erik]

the model looks way beyond average, very good quality of video, like the way you talked trough it. have a like, hope you get a few thousand more

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thank you very much!

[@matgof03]

Nice build! 17:04 those are there to avoid static electricity ( idk what probes are, its maybe what im describing)

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

ooooh thanks!

[@LagoAZ]

Beautiful build! I got back into scale models last year after about a 20 year layoff. So i'm still trying to learn a lot about the "do's and dont's". I was curious about your approach to using the photo etch for the landing gear door as opposed to using the kits landing gear door. Would it have been possible to use the kits landing gear door, but sand down the inside of it and then glue the photo etch half to that? Or would that be too much work? Once again, beautiful build. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thank you! Yes you could sand down the plastic parts but I felt it would be easier (and less work as you mentioned) to roll the photo etch into the correct shape.

[@VonDrinkoften]

Thats awesome

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks!

[@StringerCourier]

Great video. Those little "probes" you put on the tailplane edges are, I believe, static discharge ports.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks, youre right. One of my benefits of posting videos is learning these little things I never knew

[@McCorduRoy1972]

Thank God no hard guitar music and great commentary. Fantastic build this kit is waiting for me in the stash and having a great reference. 👍👍👍

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

lol thank you! Good luck on your build!

[@garyjohn1956]

Wow, great work, I have all the tools you have yet I wouldn’t even try to do something like that. How long did that take?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thank you! I always say I should time my builds but I never do. Id guess ~50 hours spread out over a couple months

[@ck1737]

Very awesome.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍👍👍

[@Submedia30]

Who make saw?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

company called "JLC"

[@juancarloslopez688]

Just amazing!!!. Thank you for sharing your great skills and this piece of art.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍👍 no problem, it was fun

[@Exar_Kun]

God Damn…..

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Lol👍

[@주뇨니]

i love it

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍👍👍

[@pglx68]

Great work man. I am happy I discovered your channel!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Welcome aboard! Thank you!

[@FMA678]

Excelente trabajo, impecable!!!! Felicitaciones!!!!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Gracias! 👍👍👍

[@rifledude303]

Superb work on the afterburner can!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks! Spent a lot of time looking through reference photos on that part since the instructions dont really help much with the coloration.

[@henrysanchez4810]

Awesome work, looks fantastic, does this kit come with a pilot figure?

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks and yes it does

[@henrysanchez4810]

@@ScaleModelAssassin awesome, thank you...

[@mingyl398]

Wow this is so awesome. My eyes think I can do it but my hands say no..😅

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

You can do it!

[@224lemans]

That marbling was absolutely beautiful, wow.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks!

[@FredrikHåbu]

This is art. Well done!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks!

[@f-4ephantomll271]

Amazingly Epic 👍👌

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@DrewsModels]

Awesome!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks!

[@Южныймасштаб]

Awesome work!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍👍👍

[@DrLu_channel]

master piece!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍👍

[@beauxtx1959]

Gorgeous!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thank you!

[@josecesar1639]

Gorgeous work!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

👍👍👍

[@B58Lover]

Excellent work!

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thank you!

[@sakkarem]

Amazing work.

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Thanks 👍👍👍

[@josealejandroalvaradobotei8584]

Excelente vídeo saludos desde Chile a mi también me encanta los aviones y él aeromodelismo y feliz navidad 👍👍🇨🇱

[@ScaleModelAssassin]

Muchas Gracias! Feliz Navidad 🎄 🇨🇱