PLATZ [ MORE REVIEWS ] [ WEBSITE ] [ NEW STORIES ]

In-Box Review
1144
F-5E/N Tiger II
F-5E/N Tiger II
  • move

by: Wiggus [ WIGGUS ]

Introduction
This review looks at the Platz/F-Toys 1/144 F-5E/N Tiger II, kit numberFC-13.

History
When doing a little research of the Northrop F-5E Tiger II for this review, I was shocked that its design stretches back to the mid-1950’s. The F-5A was introduced in 1962. The F-5E Tiger II was released in 1972. It easily looks 20 years ahead of its time. This elegant and nimble fighter was designed to be cheap and reliable. It was primarily purchased by allies of the United States, but the USAF did order many variants, the T-38 advanced trainer.

Being that they were so widely used there are many finishes available; Brazil, Ethiopia, Iran, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore and Switzerland all used them. This kit offers decals for three versions, a grey Swiss aircraft, and two U.S. Navy “Fighting Saints” planes — one black and one in tri-camo.

IN THE BOX (two complete jets)
    17 parts (2x) in grey styrene
    1 clear sprue with canopy and nosecone
    Black and white instructions
    Full color paint and decal guide
    Decal sheet

The last kit I reviewed of a Platz/F-Toys collaboration (Panavia Tornado) was pretty bad and I could not recommend it. This one however is fairly…OK? It is not quite to the level of the Platz P-47 Thunderbolt or P-51 Mustang, but still a quick fun build. It is difficult to tell when this kit was first made. It is almost certainly not manufactured by Platz. Both Revell and Dragon had 1/144 scale Tiger kits, and both originated back in the 90’s. This is probably one of those toolings.

Instructions, Decals, Paint
As always with Platz, the box art and color illustrations are gorgeous. What little build instructions there are perfectly clear. Paints are called out for Model Master and Mr. Color.

The Kit
I almost forgot to mention that there are two complete Tigers in the box, with plenty of room left over. Decals are printed by Cartograph and they are still legible despite how tiny they are. There are not enough markings to build two of the same plane though. There are only enough Swiss crosses to build one of that scheme. The same is true for both Navy jets.

Conclusion
Test fitting showed nice tight-fitting parts. There will still be some seams along the fuselage if you want to bother filling them, but the air intakes fit much better than I anticipated. Each kit only has 14 parts, so you’ll be to the painting stage pretty quickly. There is nothing in the interior. It’s nice that you can choose to build with the gear down or in flight, though no stands are included. This would be a nice quick kit to build with, or for, a child. There are not many parts that can get broken off while being played with.

VEDICT: If you love the Tiger and need one in Braille scale, go for it. Otherwise there are better 1/144 kits to choose from.

Thanks to Platz for supplying this kit for review.
SUMMARY
Highs: Fits pretty well, quick build, Cartograph decals, attractive selection of finishes, can be built gear-up.
Lows: No interior, panel lines are thick, no in-flight stands.
Verdict: If you love the Tiger and need one in Braille scale, go for it. Otherwise there are better 1/144 kits to choose from.
  Scale: 1:144
  Mfg. ID: FC-13
  PUBLISHED: Nov 23, 2019
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 0.00%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 88.47%

Our Thanks to Platz!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

View This Item  |  View Vendor Homepage  |  More Reviews  

About Wiggus (WIggus)
FROM: PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES

Like a thousand others here, I've returned to the sport after a 20 year hiatus, primarily building planes. The first kit I ever built with my dad was MPC's 1/16 Petty Charger with the clear body. I'd love to have that kit again. I am thrilled to see how the hobby has grown, and the generosity of its...

Copyright ©2021 text by Wiggus [ WIGGUS ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



Comments

The F-5E - in my eyes, the most beautiful military jet airframe to take to the sky. Thanks for showing this model to us.
NOV 22, 2019 - 03:39 PM
   
ADVERTISEMENT


Photos
Click image to enlarge
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
ADVERTISEMENT