Entry 8: Tamiya 1:48 Scale F-16CJ Block 50 Fighting Falcon Aircraft Model Kit

 

The F-16CJ Block 50 Fighting Falcon is a variant of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a multi-role fighter aircraft developed by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin). The F-16CJ is part of the Block 50 series, which represents a series of upgrades and improvements over earlier models, particularly in avionics, weaponry, and mission capabilities.

Key Features of the F-16CJ Block 50:

Role: The F-16CJ is primarily a suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) aircraft, designed to target and disable enemy radar and surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. It is used in tactical operations to help clear the way for other aircraft to operate safely by neutralizing threats from air defense systems.

Engine: The Block 50 variant is powered by the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine, providing greater thrust and improved reliability over earlier engines, which contributes to better performance in high-demand operations.

Avionics and Radar: One of the main upgrades in the Block 50 is its AN/APG-68(V)9 radar, which provides enhanced range and resolution compared to older systems. The radar supports air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The Block 50 also includes improved electronic warfare (EW) systems for SEAD missions.

Weapons and Payload: The F-16CJ Block 50 is equipped with a wide variety of precision-guided munitions, including the AGM-88 HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile), which is a key component in its SEAD role. It also supports air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM and air-to-ground weapons such as GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs.

Upgraded Cockpit: The cockpit of the Block 50 variant features a glass cockpit with advanced displays, which allow pilots to manage multiple targets and threats simultaneously. This includes a multi-function display (MFD) for better situational awareness and easier integration of sensors and weapons.

Tamiya 1:48 Scale F-16CJ Block 50 Fighting Falcon Aircraft Model Kit

Accessories Options

Hasegawa 1:48 Scale U.S Aircraft Weapons E Model Kit 

Brengan HAUBRL48164 1/48 General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon TER-9A Triple Ejector Rack Plastic Model Parts

Entry 7: The case of a more powerful Sturmtiger?

 Tiger tanks and their variants are well known throughout the modelling world as one of the must built, especially for AFV modellers. This was the case for the Sturmmörserwagen 606/4 mit 38 cm RW 61 otherwise known as the STRUMTIGER. The rare variant released initially as resin kits in 1987 and 1990 and was followed by the first release in plastic by Tamiya in 1994. Kit Number 35177 was a sensation back in the mid 90s in terms of quality, it reigned supreme until AFV Club's release 12 years later.

Tamiya 1:35 Scale German Assault Mortar Sturmtiger Model Kit, 38 cm

Two was purchased in Hong Kong back in 1997, together with turned aluminium mortar shells and a edurard PE set. These sat on storage until mid January 2025 (29 years!) until i decided to have a crack at it. I 've to admit what put me off all these years was the photo etch set and the need to want it done correctly. Rye Field model released its beautiful version in 2018 was also a kick in the pants to start so stash built. With the rising cost of model kits, what better idea to save money and build those kits purchased. 

Therefore, i set about motivating myself to start..... part of me does not want a stock built. How do i make it interesting?

The Sturmtiger armed with a 380mm RW61 mortar on a Tiger I chassis was a German assault gun used for urban fighting. Built byAlkett  or (Altmärkische Kettenwerk GmbH), a German company that played a significant role in the development and production of armored vehicles during World War II such as the Sturmgeschütz III and IV and of course, the Sturmmörser Tiger.

Coming back to the kit, i decided to research more about the fearsome 380mm RW61 rocket-propelled mortar. ..."The barrel was radically different in design to other guns, with a cast outer body and a liner inside made from steel about 12 mm thick. Into this liner were cut nine rifling grooves into which splines on the rocket would sit and then rotate during firing."... "together with the splines which went into the rifling of the gun caused the shell to rotate clockwise in flight for stability."... (Source: https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/nazi_germany/sturmtiger.php)  And hence since barrel length affects accuracy and flight stability of a shell round. IT will be interesting to see a Sturmtiger with a lengthen barrel. 

The first bit was to create the length mortar using a surplus barrel saw off using a razor saw. The two part was taped down before gluing them together.

Lengthen Mortar Barrel

Compared to the Orignal Mortar Barrel.

With the modification completed, its to to add the Photo Etch to the select location and paint the interior and weathered them to give a used look.

AFV Club 1/35 38cm RW6-1 L/5.4 Assault Rocket for Sturmtiger Plastic Model Kit

1/35 Resin Figure Model GK Kits Sturmtiger Crew 5 Soldier Unassembled and Unpainted kit

Interior 

Model Casten SK-3 1/35 Tiger I Tank Track Transportation Movable