Tamiya 1/32nd F-16C

By Niels Sørensen

After a very long build time (started last summer) with a few months away from the modelling bench altogether. I have managed to finish my "Raven".

This is the Tamiya F-16C/CJ kit converted to a Block 52 using a wealth of aftermarket parts. Besides having this on my short list (yes, I actually do have a list of the F-16´s I plan to build) I wanted to build a kit using as many of the available aftermarket parts out there. Quite a number have been released over the last 1-2 years I haven´t tried to use yet - the full (long) list is at the end of this post.

The overall conversion is done using the Block52 conversion set from Grand Models. It contains all you need to convert the airframe to a Polish or Greek F-16, including the Conformal Fuel Tanks which I decided not to use. The NSI intake comes from a Tamiya Thunderbirds Kit (spare from an earlier build where I used a resin set instead)

The model was finished using MRP Paints and the Masking Set from Model Maker. I already had the old set portraying the WX plane but I wanted to build the QH Raven so when they released that set I jumped on it. The decals are not included but luckily Model Maker also have a generic decal set for the Polish F-16´s. The decals are super thin and very prone to breaking. The stencils are also very hard to see and could probably benefit from a slightly thicker font line.

This view also shows to great effect the very nice Horizontal Stabs from Kopecky. There are two different versions so be sure to check your references. They also come complete with plenty of static dischargers and their mounts for the entire plane. ( I can see from the picture that I managed to break one off during the photo session...)

The cockpit is based on the kit. I added the Quinta Studios set, Grand Model Instrument Panel Cover, Minicraft Collection Ejection Seat (This is one of the nicest 3D printed sets I have ever seen! - I wish they would make a version without the sheep skin seat cover as well). The area behind the seat is homemade using some copper wire and some connectors from ANYZ models.

The Canopy Frame is also from Minicraft Collection - Top top quality.

I used the complete Aires wheel bay set and the 3D printed resin Landing Gear set from 3D Chute Expert. Super nice and very sturdy. Hardly any scratch build details are added so this is what you get if you decide to add them. The Centerline Pylon is from Kopecky.

The model is armed with Eduard GBU.39´s, Reskit AIM-120´s and an Eduard Sniper Pod.

Complete list of aftermarket used:

Hope you like it; thanks for looking!

© Niels Sørensen 2026

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This article was published on Friday, May 22 2026; Last modified on Friday, May 22 2026