Scale 1/48
Manufacturer Caracal Models
Decal Sheet ID CD48130
Decal Sheet Title F-16C Anniversary Vipers
Types Featured F-16C

Caracal Models sheet CD48130 provides markings for two highly colourful anniversary schemes for F-16Cs from the South Dakota and Texas ANG. The aircraft are:

  • F-16C-40B 88-0428 from the 175th FS, South Dakota ANG during 2017. This carried a special schem with the fin and rudder in black, with a red fin band containing "LOBOS" in white. On the fin was a red horizonal lightning flash, outlined in white with "70 YEARS" in white superimposed. Below this was "SOUTH DAKOTA ANG" in white and the tail code in light grey. The tailerons were red and the lower stabiliseres were black with a red lightning flash outlined in white; 
  • F-16C-30E 86-0321 from the 182nd FS, Texas ANG during 2017. This carried a yellow band around the nose, extending back into a lightning flash on the fuselage, outlined in red and containing "Lone Star Gunfighters" in black. A yellow flash on the intake was also outlined in red. The forward annd upper fin were painted yellow, with a superimposed black fin band containing "149th FW" in white and the USAF 70th anniversary emblem on the upper fin. The rear fuselage and upper and lower wings carried black and white "invasion stripes".

Both aircraft were painted in the standard two tone grey F-16 scheme comprising Gunship Grey (FS36118) upper surfaces and Neutral Grey (FS36270) lower surfaces.

Decals are printed by Cartograf to their usual high standard, and the instructions comprise, left, right, upper and lower diagrams in full color, with stencil information and paint details.

These have to be some of the most colorful F-16 schemes - just a pity that this sheet is not yet available in 1/72!

Review and images by Chris St Clair