Sheet:

FCM 32-04: F-5E Tiger II

Units: See review

Price

$

Reviewer:

Scott Van Aken

Moving on to something really big is this sheet for the Hasegawa 1/32 F-5E Tiger II. This kit has been reboxed by Revell AG and copied by Kangman. Some of these markings are similar to what was on their 1/48 sheet, but others are new. This sheet also uses FCM's new application method that produces superior results to standard water-slide decals. For more info, see this review.

First up is a Brazilian F-5E celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 'Jambock' squadron. It is in scheme reminiscent of the unit's P-47D Thunderbolts of old.

Next is another anniversary scheme for the 'Pampa' squadron. This one has a huge tiger on the fuselage spine. and is in the current air superiority grey scheme.

#3 and 4 are both Chilean F-5Es; one in the full color scheme and other with low-viz markings. In both cases, the rudder will have to be painted prior to the application of the star decals.

#5 is a Saudi Arabian F-5E from 17 Squadron in the standard desert scheme.

A Tunisian aircraft is #6 and it is from 15 Sq near Bizerte. This carries a modified desert scheme.

The final aircraft is From Singapore with 149 Squadron. This is in the 'glop' scheme of three greys.

In addition to the excellent decals, the instruction provide full camouflage markings diagrams in full color and also give you the proper FS 595 numbers. What is not given is whether or not the aircraft in question have the 'shark' nose radome. I'm not conversant enough on F-5s to know which ones do or not, though I'd suspect the Chilean, Brazilian and Singapore aircraft to be so equipped. (Late Note: I've been informed that the Tunisian aircraft does have the shark nose and perhaps the Singapore version as well.)

Thanks to FCM for providing the review decals.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly by a site that has nearly 300,000 visits a month, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.