History

The Northrop F-5 " Freedom Fighter" was conceived as a response to the ever-increasing complexity and size of fighter aircraft as the 1950s drew to a close. Developed during the early 1960s, the F-5 was selected for the United States' Military Assistance scheme, and found its way into service in many of the smaller Western-alligned Air Forces in the late '60s and early '70s. The RCAF selected it for use in the ground attack and lead-in fighter training roles in 1967. It served faithfully until the early 1990s when, in typical Canadian Government fashion, the freshly upgraded fleet was unceremoniously retired and sold off.

First Impressions

This set represents two variations of 419 Squadron's colour bird "Bruce the Moose", so named after the squadron's mascot. 16703 is portrayed as it was in 1989, and 116721 as it may be seen on display at the National Air Force Museum of Canada at CFB Trenton.

Sufficient decals are provided to do both aircraft.

decal sheets

There are two sheets in this set.

The first sheet contains the fuselage stripes, tail markings, portions of the underwing markings, and red pieces shaped to fit the speed brakes and main wheel doors. Stencils and "slime lights" complete the sheet.

The second sheet has the lower centre fuselage portion of the underside maple leaf, and the upper wing and tailplane markings. Curved blue outlines for the rear fuselage marking complete this sheet.

instruction sheets

The instructions come on one 8 1/2 X 11 sheet printed in full colour. It shows top and bottom, left and right side views of both subject aircraft. The top and bottom views are split in half so care needs to be taken when following them.

The instruction sheet mentions that the decals may be harmed by strong setting solutions. I did a test using portions of the incorrect fuselage flash and my poor old knocked-about Revell 1/72 Voodoo.

• 1. Solvaset
  
• 2. Micro Sol
  
• 3. Micro Set
  
• 4. No setting solution
  

The results show that used carefully, Solvaset did not damage this decal, and that used without any setting solution at all, the decal still conforms to the moulded detail. These days the question is moot given that Canada Customs does not allow Solvaset into the country, so obeying the instructions about its use is an easy decision.

This decal sheet is available for purchase directly from Canuck Model Products' website. The site mentions that this is a "very limited run" sheet, so don't hesitate too long if you want to buy it.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.