In the mid-1950's, the USAF was looking for a replacement forthe T-33 to be used by air training command. The bidding was fierce as it wasanticipated that this would be a rather large contract. Northrop had beenworking on a lightweight fighter design based on two small afterburning J-85turbojets. These were then incorporated into a slim 'wasp-waist' fuselage withshort, broad wings. The aircraft was over-engineered to improve structuralstrength as it was designed to be fully aerobatic. The landing gear was alsomade stronger than needed, and allowed the use of the aircraft on unpreparedsurfaces. This aircraft became the T-38. It was the first dedicated trainer tobe capable of speeds in excess of Mach 1.

Boosted by the success of this project, Northrop then turned itsattention into modifying the design into a lightweight fighter. Using much ofthe same design components as the T-38, Northrop started work on the N-156F.Emphasis was placed on ease of maintenance, especially engine changes. The F-5has a track and trolley system built into the engine bay to allow easyinstallation and removal of the engine once the tail cone is removed. Inaddition to modifying the forward fuselage for a single seat and 20mm cannon,the wings were enlarged by adding a forward fillet and changing the intakedesign.

As history has shown, the N-156F then became the F-5A and was ahuge success. Though the USAF did not buy the expected number of aircraft,preferring larger, more complex aircraft like the F-4, the F-5 was proven incombat in Vietnam, the initial deployment going under the name Skoshi Tiger.This USAF combat evaluation was a huge success, showing that a small,lightweight aircraft was fully capable of operation in a combat environment.After this, the F-5A was chosen by a large number of foreign countries, severalof them choosing to undertake production licenses. Even today, forty years afterfirst flight, the F-5 continues to provide service.

 

THE KIT

Molded in a medium grey plastic, the kit has very nicely done engraved panel lines. As is the norm with most kits of this type, there are ejector pin towers on many of the larger parts that will have to be removed prior to construction, but it is nothing that the experienced builder will have difficulty with. I'm pleased to note that there is no flash and I did not find any sink areas, this in spite of the plastic of some parts being a bit on the thick side. There is a two-piece canopy, also of plastic that is a bit thick, though it also quite clear.

A bag of resin accompanies the kit and that is used for most of the delicate or detail parts. It includes a superbly molded cockpit tub and seat along with exhaust bits, instrument panel, speed brakes and the speed brake well along with a few other interior pieces.

This particular boxing includes all of the optional bits that will be in with the early single-seat aircraft. These consist of tip tanks or Sidewinders, various pylons, a centerline tank, two napalm tanks and two M117 750 lb bombs. The pylons are butt joined and no placement markings are provided other than what is normally there on the real plane. That way, if you don't want to mount pylons or ordnance, you don't have to fill anything.

Probably the only part of the kit that may need a bit of extra work would be the landing gear and gear doors. While all is there, the detailing is just a tad on the 'soft' side compared to mainstream kits from Revell or Tamiya. Again, nothing major and something that just goes with the territory.

Instructions are  well done and show any color or alignment information needed. Also shown is the need for about 1/4 oz of nose weight. Color information is generic with no FS 595 or paint company information given. It is obvious that these instructions are meant for multiple kit boxings as it states that not all parts shown in the parts diagram will be in all kits. This boxing seems to have everything shown.

Decals are superbly printed by Microscale and there are markings for three aircraft. First is the box art plane from the USAF at Bien Hoa in 1965. It is in the standard SEA camouflage scheme and the proper FS 595 colors are provided as well as a few notes on the camo. Next is a South Vietnamese AF aircraft in the same scheme. Finally a Spanish SF-5A from 211 Squadron in the early 1970s. This plane is in the original Aluminum scheme, which may have been aluminum paint. In addition to the unit specific decals, a sheet of data and stripe decals is included and a good placement guide for these is provided.

CONCLUSIONS

For years there have been pleas for a really nicely done early F-5 series in 1/48 to replace those ancient Hawk and Fujimi kits. Now they are here and all you have to do is go out and get one, or two, or three......

Review kit courtesy of Thanks for your support.