This sheet from Caracal Models covers the F-5A "Freedom Fighter". The F-5 was one of Northrop's most successful aircraft, in part because the USAF showed how useful the aircraft was in combat. Few if any aircraft will attract sales if it is not used by its national air force, as Northrop found out when marketing the superb F-20 "TigerShark".

This sheet covers seven different aircraft from four different nations. Those looking for kits will probably choose the old, but still very nice ESCI kit that has been repackaged by Italeri. I also believe that PM has done a model of the F-5A in 1/72 as well. Hasegawa did this aircraft as one of their initial offerings.

Starting with the Greek aircraft, it is from 348 Mira in the 1980s. It is typical of the type in Greek service and was painted in "Aegean Blue" (Intermediate Blue) over aluminum. Apparently these aircraft rarely carried tip tanks.

Next are three Spanish airframes. The first is from Esc 211 in the delivery scheme of overall silver lacquer. Next is the first of two in the camouflage scheme and is from Ala 21 during the 1980s. Moving to the 2000s is one from Ala 23

Two Turkish aircraft are next with the first in SEA camouflage during the 1988 when attached to 152 Filo. The other is from 2003 with 133 Filo in FS 36118 and 36375. These latter airframes have been modified with new avionics and new seats.

Finally, a USAF aircraft as in the "Skoshi Tiger" program during Vietnam in 1967 when attached to the 10th FCS. It is, of course, painted in the standard SEA scheme.

The sheet contains stencils in case you wish to replace those in the kit. The sheet itself is superbly printed by Microscale so all your normal setting solutions will work with this sheet.

It is nice to see aftermarket for aircraft like this and I'd encourage folks to buy this so they can do more. You can get this sheet direct from http://www.caracalmodels.com/cd72007.html.

June 2012

Thanks to www.caracalmodels.com for the review sheet. Get yours today from the link or have your local shop order it for you.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.

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