Thanks for sharing, it’s a quality effort. I do like the removable engine , and how they set up the gear up/down options. On the Hobby Master F-16s , you cannot display them in flight with centerline stores. Calibre Wings’ solution is as elegant as it is simple.
glad i pre-ordered the USAF version. That said, I can't see buying anywhere nearly as many of these as I have of the Tomcats, as between HM and even older Witty's I'm pretty full-up on Falcons. that said, i'd definitely go for these:
- US Navy aggressors versions of all types. I'd buy every one they make.
- RNLAF "Dirty Diana" (yellow tail, showing the girl - "huntress teat" in or out i'm not bothered either is fine). Just a great livery. Witty examples rightly sell for a bundle these days.
but ultimately I'm much more keen on their "new" moulds: Su-22 and B-57.
glad i pre-ordered the USAF version. That said, I can't see buying anywhere nearly as many of these as I have of the Tomcats, as between HM and even older Witty's I'm pretty full-up on Falcons. that said, i'd definitely go for these:
- US Navy aggressors versions of all types. I'd buy every one they make.
- RNLAF "Dirty Diana" (yellow tail, showing the girl - "huntress teat" in or out i'm not bothered either is fine). Just a great livery. Witty examples rightly sell for a bundle these days.
but ultimately I'm much more keen on their "new" moulds: Su-22 and B-57.
They are making a B-57?? Or was that just a typo? I got really excited, but I am pretty sure you meant the Hustler
pics look good. i'm no F-16 expert, but it looks to be a nice upgrade and with the engine and radome options will add some nice and much appreciated shelf variety.
pics look good. i'm no F-16 expert, but it looks to be a nice upgrade and with the engine and radome options will add some nice and much appreciated shelf variety.
Totally agree. Just pre-ordered one. This could be THE best die-cast ever produced so far.
glad i pre-ordered the USAF version. That said, I can't see buying anywhere nearly as many of these as I have of the Tomcats, as between HM and even older Witty's I'm pretty full-up on Falcons. that said, i'd definitely go for these:
- US Navy aggressors versions of all types. I'd buy every one they make.
- RNLAF "Dirty Diana" (yellow tail, showing the girl - "huntress teat" in or out i'm not bothered either is fine). Just a great livery. Witty examples rightly sell for a bundle these days.
but ultimately I'm much more keen on their "new" moulds: Su-22 and B-57.
i agree with you there, USN and USMC aggressor units use many interesting aircrafts; sadly a few models are totally untochable (damn top gun movie....), way too expensive.
i am going to preorder this f16 too, it's not much more expensive then other models and the removable engine is a nice addition.
I’m pulling this thread back up because I inquired about the clean “C” version and the weathered “W” version. But now, a major retailer emailed me back that the only version produced is clean. I’m disappointed, as I wanted the Calibre Wings F-16 weathered version to be my first 1:72 F-16.
Last edited by Sean's AA DC-10; 05-06-2021 at 07:43 PM.
Unfortunately CalWings has since made the decision to make only clean or panel washed versions - not both for the same model. Most releases will be clean going forward, but some here and there, like the Top Gun releases, will be panel washed/weathered.
They're still awesome models, but I will miss the regular Weathered ones too.
Unfortunately CalWings has since made the decision to make only clean or panel washed versions - not both for the same model. Most releases will be clean going forward, but some here and there, like the Top Gun releases, will be panel washed/weathered.
They're still awesome models, but I will miss the regular Weathered ones too.
Going from panel washed to clean
Just like dragon wings before
Just like hobbymaster before
Just like century wings before
Maybe just like JC wings seems to be headed
And in all cases the panel washed / dirty versions are FAR better than the clean ones. The "problem", i highly suspect, is that panel washing and weathering in general is a bit of a random process. And, random processes can lead to that 2% of customers who are picky and argumentative and prone to return things on the ludicrous basis that "I paid x for this it should be perfect" ruining it for the rest.
Just like dragon wings before
Just like hobbymaster before
Just like century wings before
Maybe just like JC wings seems to be headed
And in all cases the panel washed / dirty versions are FAR better than the clean ones. The "problem", i highly suspect, is that panel washing and weathering in general is a bit of a random process. And, random processes can lead to that 2% of customers who are picky and argumentative and prone to return things on the ludicrous basis that "I paid x for this it should be perfect" ruining it for the rest.
Imagine prizing perfection, then buying a model that's intentionally made to look used and/or slightly worn and complaining that it's a little off. Some people amaze me.
Just like dragon wings before
Just like hobbymaster before
Just like century wings before
Maybe just like JC wings seems to be headed
And in all cases the panel washed / dirty versions are FAR better than the clean ones. The "problem", i highly suspect, is that panel washing and weathering in general is a bit of a random process. And, random processes can lead to that 2% of customers who are picky and argumentative and prone to return things on the ludicrous basis that "I paid x for this it should be perfect" ruining it for the rest.
I do my own weathering and panel washes!!
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Just like dragon wings before
Just like hobbymaster before
Just like century wings before
Maybe just like JC wings seems to be headed
And in all cases the panel washed / dirty versions are FAR better than the clean ones. The "problem", i highly suspect, is that panel washing and weathering in general is a bit of a random process. And, random processes can lead to that 2% of customers who are picky and argumentative and prone to return things on the ludicrous basis that "I paid x for this it should be perfect" ruining it for the rest.
So Calibre Wings chooses to not sell models over selling them and receiving a few complaints...?! I hear ya, but I don’t get it.. This business/hobby might be the most sensitive group of individuals I’ve ever been around haha.
CalWings, buck up if this is the case! Come on, man - Engage! Engage!
So Calibre Wings chooses to not sell models over selling them and receiving a few complaints...?! I hear ya, but I don’t get it.. This business/hobby might be the most sensitive group of individuals I’ve ever been around haha.
CalWings, buck up if this is the case! Come on, man - Engage! Engage!
The underlying issue is that the costs associated with "shrinkage" in the diecast model business - basically, returns - is very very high. A return rate of 10% would likely be devastating to any retailer or manufacturer in the industry and even quite a bit less than this can be devastating. So, it's probably less a matter of CalW needing to "man up" and instead they making the same cold hard economic calculations that the others before them had to. And, since those calculations inevitably mean less risk, less detail, and less interest, frankly, that has so far in HM's case, seen the transformation of the company from something that was to some extent powered by passion and innovation to something that I think most of us would characterize now as rather soulless both from the company and its output.
And as such, in the end, it makes sense for us as collectors to align expectations with reality. Some idiots in these forums continue to make demands to the extent that "for that price, I expect it to be perfect" for a $100 product with thousands of variables in term of mould/shape, fit, detailing, colour, packaging, and more. In short, those idiots ruin it for the rest of us. Sometimes, you just have to accept that a niche product with production runs in the hundreds and hundreds of manufacturing steps will have issues. I'm not saying accept "crap", but what I am saying is that people who don't accept the reasonable state of output as it is, ruin it for all.
I'm not saying accept "crap", but what I am saying is that people who don't accept the reasonable state of output as it is, ruin it for all.
This trend is especially frustrating given that many of the minor defects these sorts will use as an excuse to return a model... are defects that can so easily be fixed by a spot of glue or some filing, or some other minor touch-up.
I mean I always figured that was the first thing that came to mind when you got a model that had some little issues. If I can fix it myself, I do. Only time I've gone back to the manufacturer so far was for missing parts, though I'm not nearly the stickler some folks are when it comes to model and scheme accuracy.
So Calibre Wings chooses to not sell models over selling them and receiving a few complaints...?! I hear ya, but I don’t get it.. This business/hobby might be the most sensitive group of individuals I’ve ever been around haha.
CalWings, buck up if this is the case! Come on, man - Engage! Engage!
I think the situation with washing and weathering models is actually rather different than was described above, Sean. No manufacturer will change his decisions just upon several complains / opinion of small percent of customers / small group of individuals, as was suggested. Yes, some people are picky, but honestly - its their full right to be picky. And I don´t think they should be therefore called as those who "ruined it for the rest".
The thing with washing and weathering models, as I see it, is that from some reasons there are very many collectors who don´t like washed / weathered models. They want clean versions. And they are throwing emails to manus, asking to make clean versions. It was nicely seen with Calibre - after mastering production proces they started to weather their models (and nicely!). But upon collector´s requests they started to release clean versions too. It went so far that their upcoming Jolly Rogers CA72JR03 F-14 should have originally been only in clean version, and literally only a few days ago they announced also weathered version, thanks God ... and thanks to collectors who requested dirtied version on Noel.
Personally I don´t understand why still so many ppl like clean versions. For me its like difference between toy and model. Maybe it comes from the past, when some manus terribly exaggerated weathering, or they directly failed with the weathering / wash.
HM refuses to wash / weather their models just from the principle (profit on the first place - not nice model + reluctance to any risks and innovations), anyway at least Calibre and JC Wings made really huge step in weathering; their weathering looks simply awesome now.
But of course, same as to be picky, ppl have right to like clean versions. Anyway it all finally depends on the market ... and largely also on collectors who are contacting manufacturers with requests to start to weather their models.
It went so far that their upcoming Jolly Rogers CA72JR03 F-14 should have originally been only in clean version, and literally only a few days ago they announced also weathered version, thanks God ... and thanks to collectors who requested dirtied version on Noel.
This weathered version is, I think, a special case given they're bumping the price up to $250, a full $100 over the regular price. They usually only do what they call Panel Washed versions at the same price point, so that bump suggests a lot more work put into it.
According to Noel at CalWings, he explains that the factory he uses can't quite get the weathering to be consistent from model to model. He likes weathering but acknowledges the difficulty. I wouldn't be surprised if he does the weathering himself on the upcoming weathered JR F-14 units.
__________________ Ours is not to question why, ours is but to pass or buy.
Wow.. that’s a huge jump in price, and if it’s even more carefully hand done, it’s worth it if you ask me. I just started getting into 1:72, and I love the CalWings TOPGUN weathered versions. Got em both and they are so awesome. I’d get weathered every single time, and I’m going to be quite bummed if this new F-16 release becomes available in a weathered version as well.... I couldn’t hold back, and they got me! I settled on ordering clean.
So of the three entities here, and nothing against our wonderful retailers as they have money to make — manufacturers, retailers, and collectors — I would want creative control out of retailers hands as much as possible. Guess I’d want collectors to accept a no return policy too, unless there were unmanageable breakage, and I’d want manufacturers to take the request of collectors! And... none of those things are happening haha. What fun.
But I’m loving it so far. Perhaps my commercial aircraft collecting has been replaced by this new found glory
Oh, I forgot to mention (hey, I’m new to this cool military big scale!) I’ve got a HM Libyan Foxbat that has a seam down the sides of the nose and under the canopy like two tectonic plates meeting together. But I absolutely would not return it for this. It’s not a Ferrari. It’s a Ford hahahahaha (Ford guys/gals.. it’s a joke, come on, relax
And, unfortunately, how true. For me, this is a diecast crime. Victory of short-term profit over model desirability / attractiveness / beauty. Witty was able to make their models without the front "tectonics" . And also today - Prowler by HM has ugly front gap, but the (absolutely superb) Prowler mold that´s being prepared by JC Wings has nicely fluent front end.
Mig-25, Mig-29 and SU-27/35/30s from Hobbymaster are some of the most tragic examples. On one hand HM makes from the beginning bad and costly business decisions such as the Vigilante with only 5 releases made, on the other hand they do not hesitate to save money at the expense of models beauty and look. Sometimes I´m personally far from being sure that HM really understand airplane models ....
What they surely do understand is money and short sighted solutions sometimes.
For example, take the Lybian MiG-25. I´m happy that you are happy with your model (and welcome to the military forum), but from the pure business point of view - Lybian and Iraqi Foxbats are superabundant on the market, they are available everywhere, and for super low prices. But both Russian versions were sold out literally within hours and now are on secondary market offered for absolutely crazy prices. But HM is releasing everything possible ..... save for the Russian versions, where the real "easy" money is. Even with that stoopid gap ...
Here's my review of Calibre Wings F-16. I have the first US release.
Calibre Wings F-16 is, hands down, the most ambitious massmarket 1/72 diecast model aircraft ever made. It represents a quantum leap in terms of features and design compared to not just hobbymaster, but also to calibre's previous releases such as its excellent Tomcat and SU-24. There are a LOT of moving and replaceable parts on the F-16:
* Engine removable
* Gear up/down of course
* Weapons Options
* Nosecone open/closed to reveal radome
* Speed brakes open closed (separate pieces)
* Engine exhaust nozzle convergent/divergent
Additionally, it has advanced features such as the fact that you can see the detailed engine from inside the intake in a much more realistic way than we are used to.
All of this, and the parts are exceptionally well engineered such that the gaps are basically invisible compared to a standard hobbymaster F-16. Except for the tailerons, which are problematic (at least on my examples) and perhaps the fit of the wingtip missiles, this model is a triumph of design and engineering. Noel has done a great job.
Unfortunately, even though the model is groundbreaking and basically good, however, Noel has badly miscalculated on this model and ultimately it will likely be a failure, or at least nowhere nearly the success of his F-14.
Here's the problem: the model's selling point, and the reason for the high price, is all the display options. It's legitimately cool to show the model with the engine out and the radome only. But, on your shelves, how many F-16s do you need with the radome open and the engine out? One or maybe two is enough, even if you are an F-16 maniac. The rest you will want to display closed or even gear up. And since Calibre's F-16s are externally basically similar to hobbymaster's but cost considerably more, I can't see them selling that many except where they are first to some wanted liveries.
And there's the problem. Hobbymaster's F-16s, while not perfect, are, generally speaking, really really good these days. Hobbymaster, the business, has figured out some great liveries. I have in front of me here in addition to Calibre's F-16, the Hobbymaster greek "zeus" (superb paint), the new USAF vipers display (excellent), and so forth. Hobbymaster's finishes are really good and a lower price. I'll get more HM's than calibre's because of this.
Compounding Calibre's problem is their too big box. It takes up twice the volume of HM's. Noel needs to understand that I think for a lot of collectors, box size mattes. They've made a beautiful box with magnetic clasps and a nice window, but it's awful - so much air inside. Yes, Calibre's F-16 has more parts than HM's, but still it could all easily fit into a box HM size or smaller. Calibre's big box will prevent me from buying many or potentially even any more of their F-16s.
Let's look at detail at the model:
The biggest problem: Taileron. These are shipped "off" the model for you to attach into the fuselage, and it's a disaster. This is the same mechanism that we last saw (iirc) on dragon's F4U corsair landing gear. It was a diaster there and it's a disaster here. The tailerons (all moving horizontal stabilizers) will not stay in. Its a terrible design choice and ruins the model, as these basically have to be glued in or otherwise heavily, heavily fiddled with to get to stay. The wingtip missiles also dont stay on well, but at the end of the day, they can be CA glued in. The tailerons are just a total disaster. They'll probably fix this in future releases (they have to, as this is, I'll say for the first time in nearly 2 decades of collecting) a legitimately return-worthy issue. I would not criticize anybody for returning their models if they cannot properly attach the tailerons on their example.
Overall finish: I am not a rivet counter. Going by general impression, I am impressed by a few things such as the wash and quality on the calibre F-16 landing gear. The overall level of detail of the fuselage is probably slightly better than HM's. However, on the example I have, some of the tampo has been applied with that "shiny" process that we have seen on some AF1 and similar models in the past. It looks fake in places.. this doesnt affect all the tampo on the CalW, but it does some, like the squadron badge on the lower fuselage. What I am getting at is that overall, I dont get the general impresson that CalW's F-16, when displayed in the same configuration as HM's, is that much of an improvement as their F-14 clearly is. CalW's canopy doesnt close as nicely as HM's. That also said, this probably could use more of a side-by-side point by point look.
The good news for CalW: There is a road to success. There are a ton of F-16s out in the wild. HM has covered a lot of the good liveries already, but there are a few more than CalW should try to do immediately to steal a march on HM, such as US Navy Aggressor vipers which HM has bizarrely not yet done but which should be popular. FFS, they have the "top gun" logo on them and EVERYTHING with that logo, including HM's awful lazy black F-5s, have sold crazily. But the good news for CAlW is that due to covid and other factors, HM underproduced many of the popular liveries. You can't find many of their F-16s. CalW could copy many of HM's successful releases and people will buy them. Because theHMC website is down I can't look in detail easily (i've saved a copy of the old website somewhere) but the USAF ones with blue squiggle camouflage, the psuedo-russian ghost scheme, the splinter scheme, and even CAS Vipers come to mind).
So, is it a good model? Yes, except for the taiilerons, at least in my example. Will I buy many? probably no. CalW must improve (shrink) the box and fix the tailerons - these are non-negotiable. I hope that calW gets experience with this F-16 and they can put the lessons learned to other models. While nobody reading this is a fan of the F-35, a decent F-35 made with the same tech as this F-16 will instantly obsolete all HM releases and will sell spectacularly well. Probably F-22 as well.
Well, I’ll add here I’ve got the model, and unboxed it last night. I see some of the same issues as FS detailed. However my wing tip missiles stay on.
The stabilators, I get it, they’re problematic.. but I also appreciate the design intentions. If there were only a little ‘pop’ to get them in place and more secure.. Like the neck and ball joint and a hip socket... sort of.. Just an observation, but they are somewhat similar to the real function on the 1:1 jet(?) They flop around, for lack of a better phrase. But I don’t think they should flop out of place, or up and down with relation to the aircraft. The little rubber tube is fun though..
The gear.. the gear is amazingly detailed. Makes me wonder - is the gear weathered? Cuz that wouldn’t match up with the rest of the model, right?
Would I spend the money on another expensive Calibre Wings F-16? I think I would. But I like getting Low Viz, combat experienced military models. And weathered or washed.. that’s what I want. If CalW doesn’t make one that meets what I want, I’ll check HM or JCW(?) and see if I can find a wingman to my one 1:72 F-16.
So far, my 1:72 military warbirds include two F-15, two F-14, and this F-16.
I can see how Calibre Wings is a cut above. It looks and feels like it was hand made by one mad scientist of a model manufacturer!
Got my CalW f-16D today, and heartily agree with FS, the tailerons are an absolute disaster! And somebody tell me the trick to get the canopy fully down! I would have expected the plastic tab on the front on the canopy to "click" in to some part of the structure, but mine doesn't!
They have completely ruined an otherwise excellent model release! Will not be buying many CalWs from now on, for sure not the first versions off the line...
Noel needs to issue a fix for those ailerons, or tell us buyers how to fix such an obvious error!
Calibre Wings F-16; I purchased this model for quality, details put into the model. I am not disapointed, job well done! I like the ability to change the pose of the model, however it can be quite tricky, to pose it they you want. CW do provide good instruction on how to make changes on their youtube chanel. Overall I like the presentaion.
HM refuses to wash / weather their models just from the principle (profit on the first place - not nice model + reluctance to any risks and innovations), anyway at least Calibre and JC Wings made really huge step in weathering; their weathering looks simply awesome now.
Hobby Master flirted with panel line washes, but the results were mixed (at best):
No doubt, the problem with the technique from HM's standpoint was that it was time-consuming and expensive to implement...properly. Then, when collector's began to complain about sloppy applications, William and Co. dropped washes like a proverbial hot-potato. Can't blame 'em, really. Too much pain for too little gain ($$$).
9Likes
calw f-16
. And also today - Prowler by HM has ugly front gap, but the (absolutely superb) Prowler mold that´s being prepared by JC Wings has nicely fluent front end. 
