OK, I have been wanting to add an F-16 to the stash of kits as I have never built one. the local shop had the 1/32 scale Tamiya F-16CJ but it was tagged at $184.99 which was too much for me at this time. I see that Sprue Bros has the same 1/32 kit for $175.99 and the same kit in 1/48 scale for $52.99.
I have read through some reviews, but was hoping someone could shed some light on is shelling out over $120 more for the 1/32 worth it? Of course Eduard makes a Big Ed set for the 1/32 that would add another $70 or so.
I’ve never built the Tamiya 1/32 F-16CJ but I have built 2 of the 1/48 scale versions and I have a 3rd in the stash. I’ve also built a Hasegawa F-16 and am building an Italeri F-16C now. As far as the 1/48 versions go the Tamiya kit is light years ahead in terms of accuracy and engineering. They practically build themselves.
And the Tamiya 1/48 kit is basically a scaled down version of the 1/32 kit but with less details like positionable leading edge slats. The Tamiya F-16s, both 1/32 & 1/48, are universally regarded as the best F-16 kits out there.
If you really want that 1/32 kit then then maybe you should check out eBay and hold out for a kit at the right price. It doesn’t happen alot but it does happen.
I just cracked open the Academy 1/32 F-16 C/J which I got a few years back for ~$60 with a Hobby Lobby Coupon. While not up to Tamiya’s engineering, it is proving to be a nice-fitting, adequately detailed kit. It does not include the engine of Tamiya’s kit, nor does it have all the bells and whistles but it is a pretty good kit for far less than what you’d pay for a Tamiya viper.
OK, that makes a lot of sense. You are paying a lot for the engine. I looked and the 1/48 Tamiya doesn’t seem to have an engine either. It sure looks nice though when it is that big, but where to put it would be a problem:)
If 1/32 is your first choice and you don’t care 100% accuracy I would consider an Academy kit, though I’m not sure that they box a CJ version.
The pro’s of the Academy is that you can get it for a bit cheaper. The pro’s of the Tamiya kit are that it has Tamiya on the box. You’re not paying extra for the engine…you’re paying extra for the engineering. The kit is going to fall together. If it were me I’d go for it basically OOB with a resin seat…and perhaps PE interior bits from Eduard.
A 1/32 F-16 isn’t that big itself…but it’s all about what you want. The Tamiya 1/48 Falcon is equally good as the 1/32. Frankly, I think the 1/48 jet market as a whole is better all around…most 1/32 modern jets on the market are poor and poorly supported in the AM world…so if scale continuity is important I’d consider 1/48. If you just want an all out balls to the wall Falcon…Tamiya 1/32
Of course in the end pocketbook is the biggest deciding factor for a lot of people.
I may be a little late on this one but I scored a 1/32 Tamiya F-16 on eBay for $100. The deals are there if you’re patient! Good luck in whatever you decide on!
Pilotjohn - hlj.com have the 1/32 Tamiya in stock for around $98. I suspect you’d have to add another $20 - $40 to that for shipping, but may be worth investigating, if you have you heart set on it.
For what it’s worth, I’ve bought from hlj many times. I’m located in Australia (hlj in Japan) and shipping charges still make it cheaper than buying the kits here in Australia.
