Cutting Edge 1/32
F-16A Block 10 Stabilators

Cutting Edge has produced a nice array of 1/32 aftermarket parts for the Tamiya and Academy F-16C kits. Out of the box, the Academy kit will render a Block 40/42/50/52 aircraft, which means that it has the small mouth intake parts and the Pratt and Whitney nozzle. From there, you only need one of Cutting Edge's F-16A tails to render a Block 15, a NATO Block 15, or even an F-16A ADF. You'll also need the F-16A/early F-16C main wheels and main gear doors.

If you'd rather backdate the Tamiya kit, you'll still need the above and one of Cutting Edge's narrow mouth intakes and Pratt nozzles to get there.

After all of the above, you're still only back as far as the Block 15. The Blocks 1, 5 and 10 entered service with the USAF, Belgium, Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark. While some of these were upgraded to Block 15 standard, many remained in Block 10 configuration and have been traded off to other Air Forces in the Block 10. So what is the distinguishing feature of a Block 1, 5 or 10? The stabilator. The early Vipers had smaller stabilators, but starting with the Block 15, these were significantly enlarged. Look at the image above and see the Cutting Edge Block 10 Stabilator laying over the Block 15 (or better) stabilator. All of the increased area happened on the trailing edge of the stab.

So, if you are looking to backdate one of the new Tamiya or Academy kits into a early F-16A, here is an essential detail you'll need. This will also come in handy if you're backdating the Hasegawa F-16A as well. The parts are cast in gray resin and include a set of anti-static dischargers for each stab in the protected pack.

Highly recommended!

My sincere thanks to Meteor Productions for this review sample!