In the mid-1950's, the USAF was looking for a replacement for the T-33 to be used by air training command. The bidding was fierce as it was anticipated that this would be a rather large contract. Northrop had been working on a lightweight fighter design based on two small afterburning J-85 turbojets. These were then incorporated into a slim 'wasp-waist' fuselage with short, broad wings. The aircraft was over-engineered to improve structural strength as it was designed to be fully aerobatic. The landing gear was also made stronger than needed, and allowed the use of the aircraft on unprepared surfaces. This aircraft became the T-38. It was the first dedicated trainer to be capable of speeds in excess of Mach 1.

Boosted by the success of this project, Northrop then turned its attention into modifying the design into a lightweight fighter. Using much of the same design components as the T-38, Northrop started work on the N-156F. Emphasis was placed on ease of maintenance, especially engine changes. The F-5 has a track and trolley system built into the engine bay to allow easy installation and removal of the engine once the tail cone is removed. In addition to modifying the forward fuselage for a single seat and 20mm cannon, the wings were enlarged by adding a forward fillet and changing the intake design.

As history has shown, the N-156F then became the F-5A and was a huge success. Though the USAF did not buy the expected number of aircraft, preferring larger, more complex aircraft like the F-4, the F-5 was proven in combat in Vietnam, the initial deployment going under the name Skoshi Tiger. This USAF combat evaluation was a huge success, showing that a small, lightweight aircraft was fully capable of operation in a combat environment. After this, the F-5A was chosen by a large number of foreign countries, several of them choosing to undertake production licenses. Even today, forty years after first flight, the F-5 continues to provide service.

ESCI's kit is undoubtedly one of the finest F-5 models available in any scale. If you are modeling the F-5A it IS the best in any scale. Initially released in the mid-1980's, the kit has superb detailing consisting of finely engraved panel lines. The kit is designed in a modular fashion to allow for other variants to be kitted using common parts. The cockpit is well detailed with an ejection seat, tub, control stick and instrument panel. Decals are provided for the instrument panel and side consoles. There is adequate detail in the wheel wells and the speed brakes can be displayed in the down position if desired. The kit also has alternate nose landing gear for the Dutch NF-5A. There are also additional rear fuselage scoops for the NF-5A.

You have a choice of either fuel tanks or Sidewinders for the wing tips. There are also underwing pylons, though there are only fuel tanks for the inner pylons supplied with the kit. You'll have to come up with ordnance for the outer pylons from the spares box. There is also a centerline fuel tank provided.  The cockpit canopy can be displayed in the open or closed position. While not included in this boxing, there are other boxings of this kit that offer a recce nose option.

The instructions are very good, giving a 13 step construction sequence. Colors are shown for each step. The color chart is very good giving not only a common name but also the FS 595 equivalent. As is befitting a kit of this aircraft, there are four camouflage options, all of them European. The decal sheet includes options for a Dutch NF-5A in NATO camouflage, a Norwegian F-5A in overall silver, a Spanish F-5A in overall silver and a Greek F-5A in a pseudo SEA camouflage scheme.

Overall, this is a really nice kit. I have built several and have always enjoyed the experience. Unfortunately, with ERTL/Racing Champions, the owner of all the ESCI molds, in financial trouble, it is unknown if these kits will ever be reissued. If you can find them, buy them.

Northrop F-5/F-20 by Jerry Scutts, Ian Allen, 1986

Review kit courtesy of me and my wallet!

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