CF-5A Freedom Fighter Kitbashed 1/48 Monogram F-5E

[Crimea_River]

Username: Crimea River
Name: Andy
Category 1 Advanced
Model: CF-5A Freedom Fighter
Scale: 1:48
Manufacturer: Monogram
Aftermarket add ons: Belcher Bits Decals, tons of scratchbuilding

Well, it's taken me some time to build up the courage to do this one. With thanks to Wiki:

Originally designed by Northrop as a low-cost, low-maintenance fighter jet, the F-5 was intended for use by air forces that had limited resources and technical expertise to maintain a sophisticated aircraft. For Canada, which had an extensive aerospace industry, selection of the F-5 was seen as a step backwards and soon received the derisive RCAF nicknames, "Tinkertoy" or the "Supersonic Tinkertoy." Selected originally to provide a tactical support role based in Canada, the CF-5 was also committed to NATO's northern flank to act a rapid-deployment force. However, the role for the CF-5 throughout its service with the RCAF was changed frequently and eventually, the diminutive fighter would serve as a light attack strike fighter, reconnaissance platform and trainer. Initially 433 Squadron and 434 Squadron were the only two squadrons to operate the CF-5. It was intended that three squadrons would fly the aircraft, but due to budgetary restrictions, the excess aircraft were put into storage in CFB North Bay and CFB Trenton, some later being sold to other countries. 434 squadron was assigned to do lead-in tactical fighter training for the CF-104, but was transitioned to the role of a rapid reaction squadron, being ready to deploy to Europe at a moment's notice in the event of hostilities. The squadron moved to CFB Bagotville with 433 squadron, for a short time, and then on to CFB Chatham.



The training role was adopted by 419 Squadron in CFB Cold Lake; it would continue to provide jet training, dissimilar air combat training (wearing quasi-Soviet "aggressor" paint schemes similar to USAF, USN and USMC F-5Es), and serve as a lead-in fighter trainer for the CF-18 until the aircraft was retired in 1995.

I'll do one of two paint schemes below but am leaning toward the 419 Sqdn bird with Ghost camo and Agressor Markings.

This will be a severe kitbash which I'll describe in more detail in threads that follow. In fact, to do this model justice, I'm not sure that I'll get it done before the end of this GB but will give it a go any way. Stay tuned.

[B-17engineer]

I've always loved the look of this plane....I want a supersonic tinkertoy!!!

Looks good

[pbfoot]

Radio call sign for 419 was Rut as in Moose Mating

[vikingBerserker]

Excellent choice Andy!

[Crimea_River]

Thanks guys. I'm with you there Harrison. I always thought the F-5 had nice lines.

Kitbash feature #1. I created a scale drawing of the CF-5A and overlaid the top half of the fuslage/wing assembly as shown below. Note the position of the elevators, which will need to be moved.

100522 Top overlay on Scale Dwg.jpg

Next, kitbash feature #2. Check out the line of the fuselage taper behind the cockpit between the kit part above and the plan view drawing and photo of actual CF-5A below. The CF-5A fuselage tapers to a point intersecting the leading edge of the fin whereas the kit part doesn't taper as much. This whole area will need to be cut out and modified.

CF-5A 3 View.JPG
800px-Canadair_CF_116_CF-5A_Freedom_Fighter.jpg

Next, kitbash feature #3. The kit does not contain wing tanks and I have scoured the internet for after market parts. Take a look at the below shot and note how the wing tanks are an odd ball shape. I'm going to need to scratch build these, perhaps trying to make my own resin parts, (gulp!).

IMG_0387.JPG

Next, kitbash feature #4. Note the curved lines of the actual CF-5A undersides at the wingroot with what has been provided in the kit in th epics below. I'll need to replicate the curve and modify the wheel wells to make this area correct. This won't be fun.

CF-5A%20Cold%20Lake%20017.jpg
100522 Bottom half.jpg

That's it for now. More butchery to come!

[Airframes]

Nice one Andy! Always liked the F5/CF5, and I'm planning a 'what if' for a RAF one!
I'm fairly sure I have some details and scale plans I got from a Canadian friend back in the early 80's if they'll be of any use.?
I might also have a pair of the 'peanut' wing tanks, from the old Esci kit - I'll let you know if I find them.

[T Bolt]

Nice choice Andy But looks like a lot of work!

[bemay]

great choice andy!

[Wurger]

A good choice Andy. Is the elevator problem a matter of re-positioning of them only or of the fuselage length?

[Vic Balshaw]

Nice little selection Andy, lovely clean lines and always reminded of Dinky Toys. We had the alongside the F.53 Lightning's at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

[Lucky13]

Nice one Andy boy!

[Wayne Little]

Very interesting Andy....hope it goes well mate!

[Crimea_River]

Thanks guys.

Terry, I have tons of detail pics as there's a CF-5 mounted on pedestal not far from my home. That's where Itook the pic of the wing tank. The plans would be very useful if you still have them and so would the tanks - OBVIOUSLY.

Wojtek, I'm still checking and hope that it's just a matter of moving the elevators but I suspect there's a section of the rear fuselage to be added. I'm looking into it.

I'm looking to this build as gaining some experience with major rebuilding. It only cost me 8 bucks and if it turns out looking like something a dog ate, that won't bother me much.

[B-17engineer]

My first model looked like it caught on fire and someone tried to put it out with an axe......

[kgambit]

You've got some major work ahead Andy. Looking forward to see how this one progresses.