Northrop NF-5 - Modelling information

Of the Northrop F-5 quite a few different models are available. Most of these kits are of a different type F-5 than the NF-5, which differs at some points of the F-5.
In fact, the only correct models are those of ESCI / Revell / Italeri.
In the scale 1/48 as far as I know, no models of the NF-5 are issued. You may convert an existing model of an F-5A/B.

1/72nd Scale

Kits

• Airfix
  • Kit 123 / 01043 / A50081: Northrop F-5A, missing several items of the NF-5, such as tip tanks and nose gear.
• ESCI
  • Kit 9032: a (N)F-5A kit.
  • Kit 9038 : a RF-5
    • Both kits 9032 and 9038 were released early eighties and are based on the same moulds. With both kits one is able to built a quite good and adequate model of the NF-5A. Both are equipped with two types nose gear, two adequate tip tanks, one centreline tank and two underwing 150 gallon tanks and also two sidewinders. Paul Gols mentions some minor shortcomings in MIP nr. 1, 1986, such as the hinges of the canopy, the incorrect location of the passive ECM on the vertical stabilizer and the lamps are to large.
      • Check building of a model of the NF-5 by M. De Vreeze for more information.
  • Kit 9035 A NF-5B.
• Hasegawa
  • kit number AO16:250;N is also a model of the original F-5, though this kit has decals for an aircraft of the RNLAF, but the tip-tanks are not correct, you'd better replace them with those from the Hasegawa T-38 Talon model.
• Italeri
  • Kit 1275 this is the same kit as the ESCI NF-5B kit.
  • Kit 1241: this is the former ESCI kit no 9032
• Matchbox
  • Kit PK-16: A Northrop F-5A; it has the same shortcomings as the hasegawa kit, though the tiptanks are better.
  • Kit PK-39: A Northrop F-5B; same kit as PK-16, with extra parts.
• Pioneer
  • Kit PM203: Northrop F5A Freedom Fighter
• Revell
  • Kit 4343 a release dated in 1986 of originally ESCI kit 9032. This kit was equipped with decals for an aircraft painted in the first display scheme. The blue colour on the decals is to light of shade. Some years ago Revell re-released on of the former ESCI kits
  • Kit 4314: The same as the former NF-5B kit of ESCI
• Wolfpack
  • Kit 17201: Northrop F5A ''Freedom Fighter'' (ex ESCI)
  • Kit 17203: Northrop F5A ''Skoshi Tiger'' (ex ESCI)

A model of the Northrop NF-5A in the default delivery scheme.
The kit used is the ESCI kit; the decals used come from several sets from Superscale and the kit.

A model of the Northrop NF-5A in the last overall grey colour scheme.
The kit used is the ESCI kit; the decals used come from several sets from the kit and of Dutch Decal set 72010 and 72016.

A model of the Northrop NF-5B in the default delivery scheme.
The kit used is the ESCI kit; the decals used come from several sets from Superscale and the kit.

A model of the Northrop NF-5A in the default delivery scheme.
The kit used is the ESCI kit; the decals used come from the kit and Dutch Decal set 72010 and 72016.

A model of a Northrop NF-5B, the ESCI model, built by Adri Kleijn.

A model of a Northrop NF-5A, the ESCI kit, built by Adri Kleijn.

A model of a Northrop NF-5A, the ESCI model, built by Adri Kleijn.

A model of a Northrop NF-5A, the ESCI model, built by Adri Kleijn.

Modelling add-on

Many sets are intended for a Northrop F-5A/B/E and not specific to an NF-5A / B
Parts of these sets might be useful for the NF-5.

• Aeroclub
  • Set V163: Northrop F5A/B Undercarriage
• Eduard
  • Set SS168: Detail-set F5E Tiger (Italeri)
• Flight Path
  • Set 72-126 / 72-126B: European Air Force Access Ladder Set (Macchi 326,G91, F5) / F5 Freedom Fighter/T38 Talon.
• Model Technologies
  • Set MT0058: F5E,F/F20/X29 Canopy Detail Set
• True Details
  • Set 72404: Northrop F5-T38 Ejection Seat

Decals

• Allmark
  • set S6: a set representing the 'Double Dutch'-team in 1988. The set offers two versions, the early scheme, without the "Double Dutch" badge on the fuselage and the later scheme. Decals for 5 x NF-5A's of the 'Double Dutch'-team are provided, K-3012, K-3014, K-3042, K-3054 en K-3072.
• Modeldecal
  • Set no 97: the same subject as Allmark S6
  • Set no 30: provides decals for an Dutch NF-5 in original standard colour-scheme.
• Dutch Decal
  • Set 72010: provide decals for Dutch NF-5's.
  • Set 72016: provide decals for Dutch NF-5's.
  • Set Dutch museum planes 2: provide decals for Dutch museum planes such as Seahawk FGA50, Sikorsky S58, NF5B, Do24.
  • Set72080: Dutch Jets (Meteor F MK4/8, Lockheed T33, NF5A/B).
  • Set72081: Serial and registrations KLu Meteor F MK4/T7/ F Mk8, Lockheed F104G/TF104G, NF5A/B, F16A/B).
• Super Scale set
  • Set no 72-135: provides decals for an Dutch NF-5 in original standard colour-scheme.

1/48th Scale

Kits

• Tanmodel - Tigerhobbies
  • Kit 48002: Northrop F5C Skoshi Tiger
  • Kit 48001: Northrop F5A Freedom Fighter
• Testors
  • Kit 7521: Northrop F5A Freedom Fighter
• Kinetic Model Kits
  • Kit K-48021: Northrop F5B Freedom Fighter

Modelling add-on

• Scale Aircraft Conversions
  • Set 48193: Northrop F5A, CF5a, NF5A Landing gear (Kinetic)
• Eduard
  • Set E49-619 / FE619: Detailset Northrop F5A Interior Self Adhesive (Kinetic)
  • Set E48-750: Detailset Northrop F5A Exterior (Kinetic)

Decals

• Dutch Decal
  • Set 48045: F86K Kaasjager and NF5A/B (KLu).