youngtiger1 Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 Hello Gang, Few days ago, I received this fabulous little set in mail that has been created by ZactomodelsWe all know the fabulous items Mr. Wilson has produced to help us create flawless models. So, I thought I share a quick review with you all of his new product... Academy F-16CG/CJ kit has been around for several years and many modelers know of its pit falls. Though, there are several items has been addressed by the AM industry (cockpit, exhaust, wheel well), but no one has focused on its dreading intake issues...that is until now. Chris Wilson of Zactomodels recently released a F-16C NSI small mouth intake for the Academy F-16 kit, and soon to follow with a Large mouth intake for the same subject. It will fit just about every Academy Viper kit as I have tried it on three different variant produced by them, but for the purpose of the review I have used their original release F-16CG/CJ (item #12101) because several modelers have it. Upon receiving a well packed you will find typical high quality Zactomodel resin set. The resin set itself was flawless and smooth like a babies behind. One page instruction clearly shows assembly steps for those that might like to read...instructions. Although, its pretty explanatory correction set, but for those feel comfortable with it..well, there you. Major parts have molding tabs that will need to be removed before install and they only take few passes with a modeling razor saw. On my parts I used JLC004 Micro Saw (http://umm-usa.com/onlinestore/product_info.php?cPath=21_28&products_id=37. I tell ya, this thing cuts through resin like a knife through a butter...smooth. The assembly of the two parts is so simple that I can do with my eyes closed....with one hand tied behind my back...and jumping on one foot...well, you got the picture... it's simple! I did not glue the parts together for I'm not building this kit at the moment. So, the parts are held together by Scotch tape. I learned my lesson last time with that blue tape...makes the photos looks back. The Academy will require minor prep work and its completely covered in the instruction sheet. I followed the guided step and removed the tabs on the back side of the wheel well that hold the kit intake in place. Again, very simple step and will not take much time. A minor modification I had to do that is not mention in the instruction, that's because its probably my fault, I had to shave some plastic of the end tips on the inside of wheel well spine...the side facing forward. Afterward it made for a smooth fit. And now, the intake is in its place.... The fit is superb. Again, careful and precise craftsmanship of Zactoman pays off in the final result. I do remind you again for this review I did not use any glue and so do keep in mind that minor gap in my next photos will disappear after the superglue has been applied to the intake body. Front shot to show inside of the intake... In conclusion, this is a great set and will benefit every modeler that has this kit. So, its time to pull these kits out of your basements, storage sheds, or attics and start building. Will kit be 100% accurate after this resin set...hell no, but for a change it will be nice to give the underdog a chance to fight. It's simple and straight forward and in the words of Bob Barker.... It can be purchased directly from Mr. Wilson (http://www.zactomodels.com/html/F-16/F16_NSI_intake.htm) Thanks for looking. Mike Bhangu 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave J Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 Nice review Mike! I have moved it in the the aircraft area too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youngtiger1 Posted July 28, 2014 Author Share Posted July 28, 2014 Thanks Dave. I was going to list it under Aircraft kit reviews but it didn't let me list there. So, that's why it went in tools and misc. Thanks for placing it in the right place. Mike 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulster Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 Chris makes some really great stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave J Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 Thanks Dave. I was going to list it under Aircraft kit reviews but it didn't let me list there. So, that's why it went in tools and misc. Thanks for placing it in the right place. Mike No worries! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonathanReed Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 Thats beautiful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One-Oh-Four Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Thanks for your nice review, Mike! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youngtiger1 Posted July 29, 2014 Author Share Posted July 29, 2014 I knew you guys would like it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingco57 Posted August 2, 2014 Share Posted August 2, 2014 Very nice review Mike. Cheers Cees Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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