| In July
1965, The Canadian government ordered the Northrop F-5 as its new Tactical
fighter. The aircraft had very limited range and was totally unsuited
for the job at hand.
The aircraft was not the RCAF's first choice however the government was
determined to disregard technical advice and purchased an inexpensive
weapons system in spite of its effectiveness. |
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| 419
Squadron RCAF was chosen as the training unit for the new CF-5A built by
Canadair. The Tactical Fighter Squadron training was carried out at
Cold Lake, Alta. Classic Airframes F-5 became the basis for 419 Squadrons
colour aircraft, nicknamed "Bruce the Moose"
|
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| The plastic
and resin kit needed a few bits of improvement in the tip tank and drag
chute housing areas but this was minor. The cockpit and wheel wells
are cast resin with plenty of nice detailing. The decals were from Arrow
Graphics. The fit was perfect except for the underside decal and the
paint colour match was also exact. |
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| The large
Maple Leaf decal was not sized for this kit so the Tamiya masking tape was
used to outline the leaf and Testors Chrysler Engine Red was sprayed on.
After the red dryed, I masked and sprayed the wheel wells Aluminum.
The underside scoops and arrestor hook came from an old kit. |
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