Freedom Models F-20A Tigershark

Just completed this 1/48 Freedom Models F-20A Tigershark as a comission. The kit was a delight to build having delicate details and great fitting parts except the join under the fuselage where the forward fuselage meets the rear. It had a medium sized gap that was easily filled with stretched sprue and all melted solid with Tenax.

I opened up the intakes for a better look. I used mylar discs punched out from a potato chip bag as the reflectors in the landing lights and secured with Future then the back side of the housings were painted the belly color. The gunsight glass included with the kit was a bit too thick so I cut my own out of clear plastic and secured with Aleene’s.

The model was painted with MM enamels. The paint was then polished out with 3,000 grit pads, then two coats of Future were hand brushed on and set aside to cure. The decals came next receiving some Solvaset to melt them down. Another light coat of Future was brushed on and set aside for a couple of days. Flory washes came next and most of it was wiped off with a water dampened paper towel. After curing for over a week or so, several light coats of Testors flat lacquer were sprayed on to kill the gloss followed with some light streaks and staining with artists oils.

I must admit that the F-20 is one hell of a sleek good looking plane and it looks fast just sitting there on my bench.

Double click on the picture for closeups. Thanks for looking.

Check out the mylar disc reflecting the light

I love that light! May redo the one on my T-38 as yours looks the part perfectly.

That is a super clean build. Crisp and well-detailed. You’re right, too, it does look fast.

Also thanks for the twenty-minute Wikepedia dive – I was totally unaware of this a/c. Interesting political history.

Hey thanks guys! I think it looks like something out of Star Wars.

Looks great!

PJ,

Wow! Very well built, and yes, a very attractive aircraft.

Just the right touch of color vs weathering. It look super nice. Well done.

BK

Thanks Don, Bruce and BK!

Awesome work! This kit is on my wish list.

Thanks Fly. I highly recommend this one, excelent model.

I remember building the Monogram 1/48 scale one in the Anthracite Grey Metallic finish. Nice looking plane, and a great job on the model.

John

Thanks John. I also built the old Monogram one but this one is light years ahead in fit and details, I highly recommend it.

Very neat little jet[Y] …

These are the jets they use for the fly-overs at the Daytona Coke 400 race in July. Very nicely detailed build Ernie.

Thanks Crown and Jay!