TUDM
is the launch customer of the Northrop RF-5E. A total of two were purchased in
the eighties and served in the No. 11 squadrons. They wore serials M29-19 and
M29-20. They were purchased to give the TUDM recon capability. The RF-5Es played
multiple roles with the TUDM as they actively flew and fly other then recon
mission.
As
compare to the older TUDM F-5 fleet, the RF-5E are came with the NEW “E”
configuration, Meaning externally, beside the camera nose, it was fitted with
the forward and rear radar warning antenna, Fintip antenna fairing, AN/ALE-29
chaff/flare dispenser and enlarged LERX.
In
the 90’s all the F-5 were consolidated into a single No. 12 Squadron, And today,
the RF-5E of TUDM is still seen patrolling the sky over Butterworth
Malaysia after over 20 years in service.
The
Kit
Both
the build were
very similar as we were comparing note during our build,
Both the kits used is the Italeri/ESCI F-5E. A basic kit with poor
cockpit detail and raised lines. Kit was rescribed and built. The camera nose
was from Acthung
Japan
, providing all the necessary external items to make a tigereye. Fitting the
nose onto the ESCI kit was a bit challenging but was achieved. The enlarge LERX
was the most trouble area as it was hard to sand it smooth in that area.
M29-19,
No.11 Squadron "Cobra" by
Brian Param
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images below to see larger images
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The
aircraft depicted is from 11 squadron circa eighties with round national
markings and cobra insignia on the tail. It was painted following the ghost
scheme using Gunze colours with the darkest blue grey a custom mix. Paint was
airbrushed on using blue tac for masking. Decals were from the VFA sheet on
Malaysian Tigers. To dress up the
cockpit a bit, I added a pilot which was from the Monogram A-37B kit.
Weathering took the form of pen ink and a mixture of thinned down
acrylics into the panel lines.
M29-20,
No.12 Squadron "Scorpion" By
Thomas Ng
The marking chosen for this model
is the current TUDM marking with small square national marking. The
wraparound camouflage was painted with the aid of the blue tac for masking.
Paint is from the Gunze range, the decal used were a mix of Kit’s, Scalenutz
and VFA production.
Brian
& Thomas
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images below to see larger images
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