F-16C Block 40

The gray model plane on the clear acrylic stand is a 1/72 scale Academy MCP USAF F-16C. The kit number is 12541 The brand is Academy Hobby Model Kits–Academy for short. The product line is Multi-Colored Parts (MCP). Here are some characteristics of the MCP priduct line. Each piece is molded in color, except for the clear canopy and the pieces of the stand. The model is a replica of a Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 40.

The pieces of the kit come attached to a plastic frame called a sprue. To detach the pieces from the sprue, a pair of sprue cutters–similar to a pair of scissors–is highly recommended. When the pieces are detached from the sprue, there will be at least one excess plastic stub (also called a gate) attached to each piece. The assembler will need a metal fingernail -file or a mini-file (also called a needle-file) to remove the gate. The assembler might also use the file to push the pilot’s seat into a slot. A knife is not necessary to prepare the pieces for assembly or assemble the kit.

The pieces of the kit snap-together tightly, except for the smallest piece in the kit–a gun port. The gun port is about 1/8 inch by 1/8 inch, The gun port is supposed to snap into the fuselage in front of the gun; however, the snap on the inward side of the gun port is not sufficient to hold the gun port tightly in position. Since the gun port is a superficial detail, the assembled kit looks good without it. Someone over 14-years old can be enlisted to cement the gun port in place with polystyrene cement.

The kit comes with peel-and-stick stickers of national insignia, and so forth.