This is still an excellent kit for its age in this scale and although it requires some attention in a few areas, these are easily rectified. Firstly the two forward nose intakes need to be shortened by 3mm so that they do not extend over the radome, the rear exhaust cone panels require some filling and realignment, the outer folding wing panels need to have their dihedral corrected to 12.5 degrees, which and can be set using a template and all the battle damage repair patches need to be removed. Once I completed the latter, all the panel lines were then rescribed and the fasteners redrilled to ensure a consistent uniformity across the entire model.
The overall assembly of the model was very straight forward and as I intended to blank off the air intakes I was able to forego any work in this area. However, to improve on the kit supplied parts, I did replace the exhaust cones with a set from Aires (AIR2074), the ejection seats with a set from Quickboost (QB32069), the pitot and AOT probes with a set from Master Models (AM32-043), the wheels with a set from Eduard (ED632005) as well as a set of FOD covers from Quickboost (QB32089).
As the kit had been bought second hand, I also found that the decals were completely unusable, however I was able to source a new set from Print Scale (PRS32-004) for the aircraft markings and from Two Bobs (32-027 & 32-028) for all the missile markings.
The model was painted using SMS colours of Camo Black, Forest Green (FS34079), RAAF Dark Green (FS34102), Camo Brown (FS30219) and Aggressor White Grey (FS36628). The rear exhaust area was painted using a range of AK Extreme Metal colours and weathered to replicate the distinctive pattern and staining in this area. The model was then sprayed with a coat Mr Hobby, Mr Super Clear UV Cut Gloss from a rattle can, the markings then applied and the panels lines treated to various washes, followed by a second coat of gloss to seal everything in. The model was then sprayed with a final coat Mr Hobby, Mr Super Clear UV Cut Clear Flat.
It was then just a matter of removing the canopy masks, fitting the canopies, the undercarriage, all the underwing stores and finally the boarding ladder.
With some care and a few aftermarket additions, this is still a very impressive model that can more than hold its own, despite its age.
