This is my Cf-116
(more commonly known as the CF-5) in 1/48th scale. This model is made
from the Italeri F-5a kit and it is the first kit I've completed since I was a
kid. I've always wanted to build one for my father Bob Lalancette "Callsign
Saguenay 76", who used to fly the CF-5 with 433 Sqn out of
Bagotville, Qc. This particular CF-5, "736" - was the
first CF-5 my father flew solo with the Squadron in the early 80's (I
verified using his LogBook). The kit itself was a bit shady - few
cockpit details (pilot figure HAS to be used), hardly any exterior detail.
Probably an old tooling kit. Fit was alright though. I used the Leading Edge
decals for camouflaged CF-5 and they worked out great. Since it was my first kit
in 11 years, I didn't want to buy the classic airframes F-5A because I wanted to
practice a bit first before spending the big bucks. This kit was hand painted
with brushes using Model Master Enamels (RAF Ocean Grey and Dark Green). Just a
few hints for anyone wanting to make a 433 Sqn CF-5 - Verify that your tail
number matches an CF-5A not a CF-5D or one of those weird CF-5's with a recon
nose (there were a few) and paint the pilot's helmet orange - oh and use the
classic airframes kit.
Hope you enjoyed the
build.