Well everyone, being
the Viper fanatic that I am, I couldn't resist doing this scheme. In my opinion,
the camo scheme on the Venezuelan F-16s is the most beautiful out there. It's
certainly the most unique. What other F-16 scheme has a green in it? Let alone
two greens? For the 10th anniversary of F-16s in the Venezuelan Air Force, it
was decided to cover several of the birds with a special commemorative scheme.
Two A model Vipers and a B were painted in two version of this special
commemorative scheme. The sole family model painted in this scheme was a/c# 2337
as you see here. It is a Block 15 B model, with several small upgrades.
Added to the kit
was the Black Box F-16B cockpit and the excellent Aires P&W exhaust
nozzle. The center tank was swiped from an F-2 kit, as were the LAU-114
Sidewinder launchers on wing stations 2 and 8. Some Eduard PE bits were
used, and the wheel wells were detailed with copper wire. The canopy was
detailed with some spare canopy rails, and the actuator had some
scratchbuilt bits added. |
Click on
image below to see larger image
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When I first saw the
scheme I fell in love with it. I found a good contact in Venezuela, the
photographer of the many pictures I had seen of this aircraft-Ivan Pena Nesbit.
He provided me with ample and exquisite reference pics. I cannot thank him
enough for all he provided. It is due in no small part to his generosity that I
was able to make an accurate kit. About the time I decided to make it, Aztec
Models of Mexico announced the release of the decals. In a rare twist of fate, I
was in Mexico City that very week, and was able to get the first sheet hand
delivered.
I wanted to built it
as I saw in the many reference pics. Thus there was no ordnance put on it, just
empty pylons and one fuel tank. The air brakes are usually half open when at
rest, as well as drooped stabs and flaperons.
Finding the right
paint proved to be a big headache. As it turns out, no two schemes are alike on
the FAV Vipers, which again adds more uniqueness. After buying several colors I
finally settled on: FS34079 Dark Green, British Interior Green, Skin Tone Base
Light, Piping Pink, and FS36495 Light Grey. I mixed the skin tone with the pink
to get the right patina I wanted on the tan color. Trial and error got me to the
right shade.
The build was well
documented in the forums for you guys, so any more info can be found there, as
well as in-progress pics. As for me, I've found a new favorite air force to
model
This was the first Venezuelan aircraft I built, quickly followed by two 1/72
F-5s. It certainly won't be the last, nor the last FAV Viper I do. So stay
tuned.....
Huge, mad props, and
many, many thanks to Ivan "Thud" Pena Nesbit for the photos. This
project is dedicated to you and your country's air force!
Daniel
"Habu"
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