Introduction.

This is a follow up to Eduards Brassin release of the F16 CJ Block 52 F100 PW-229 engine. See the review of that here. This Brassin set will allow you to improve the look of F16 CJ Block 50 with the General Electric F110 engine made by Tamiya

History.

As a result of the Pentagon deciding to open up competition for engines powering the F15 and F16 The USAAF started the Alternate Fighter Engine [AFE] program or 'the great engine war' developed between the Pratt and Whitney [PW] the original engine manufacturer for the F16 and General Electric [GE]. GE turbofan engine it was originally found, did not achieve maximum designed output and it was found that the inlet, if made bigger, solved the problem. To differentiate the aircraft and their power plants, PW aircraft block numbers ended in 2 [block 32,52] and GW, with their wider inlets ended in 0. The engine components supplied by Eduard are for the F-16 Block 50 large inlet aircraft currently being used by USAF. The General Electric F110-GE-100 rated at 28,000 lbf (125 kN). Later versions of the F110 including the F110-GE-129 delivering 29,400 lbf (131 kN) thrust and the F110-GE-132 delivering 32,000 lbf (142 kN).

Contents.

The title of this product is a little misleading as you are not supplied with a replica of the whole of a GE F110 engine. What you are supplied with are five beautifully moulded resin parts:

R1 the re-heat chamber.
R2 the exhaust petals.
R3 low pressure turbine fan
R4 first fan.
R5 second fan.

There are three photo etched pieces [PE1, PE2 and PE3] that represent the reheat fuel pipes.

The Tamiya kit represents a Block 50 aircraft so these engine components will suite it perfectly. The resin and PE parts come in a strong two part vac-formed transparent blister plastic package. The PE bits are backed by strong card. The resin bits are protected with sponge. Well designed to survive most journeys by post. The instruction sheet is on a A5 piece of paper and they could not be simpler. Unfortunately there is no painting guide, which would have been very helpful.
On the resin parts there are fairly substantial blocks to be removed before fitting, so you will have to exercise a little care when removing them. The removal of the block behind the first fan [R4] will allow you to see the second fan [R5]. R4 and R5 replace the front turbine of the kit, which slots into the rear of the air intake. To the rear there is some fantastic casting particularly the lining of the re-heat chamber. The exhaust is also beautifully moulded inside and out. I did not detect any flaws in any of the castings. There is some minor surgery required {see photo] and it involves the reduction in height of what could be a locating pin for the tail fin so that the re-heat chamber.
The three PE pieces represent the re-heat fuel distribution pipes. They are very delicate almost spider web like and will need very careful handling. There is a slight colour, almost gun metallish, so may not require painting.

Conclusions.

This is a fantastic start to improve Tamiya's 1/48 F-16 block 50 and it will enhance your Viper no end and so is highly recommended.

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