Faux Pas Five: 1/48th Kinetic CF-5D Freedom Fighter

This 1/48th Kinetic CF-5D Freedom Fighter release in 2022 (and previous F-5B release in multi-national markings in 2013) was a great addition to the scale, as the type was woefully underrepresented to date. This release featured the RCAF Aggressor schemes as well as a couple of examples of the Aluminum Lacquer high-vis types from 419 and 434 squadron.

Notable Kit Features:

• Detailed cockpits with nice raised instrument details

• Nicely done panel lines and surface detail

• The inclusion of open / closed canopy supports

• Boarding ladders provided for open canopy option

• Full length intake ducts with J85 compressor faces

• Choice of open or closed auxiliary engine intakes

• Clear lights for wings, tail and landing included (but not wingtip)

• Positionable speed brakes, rudder, stabilators, ailerons, slats & flaps

• Good depth to interior exhaust details

• Optional Photo-etched formation lights

• Pylon stores include tanks, bombs, rockets and Sidewinders

• Decals provide three different Aggressor and two silver lacquer aircraft options

CF-5D Freedom Fighter in the "Faux Pas" Aggressor paint scheme of RCAF 419 Squadron

Build Inspiration:

As you may know I am fond of Aggressor aircraft finishes. Canada utilized the dual seat CF-5D in the Aggressor role (later in its life), so I picked up a couple of these 1/48th Kinetic kits for my collection. I had already built their earlier release of the single seat CF-5A and had done that one up in an Aggressor scheme, so these two will eventually expand that collection out to a full compliment of RCAF "Opposing Force" schemes. This particular example is one from RCAF 419 Squadron which wore this scheme in the 80's.

Heads-Up Report:

• This modular series kit is broken down into forward and rear fuselage sections, however I deviated from the build instructions and joined the front and rear sections first, making for a more traditional construction joining process (which I believe is the better option)

• Dry-fitting in several areas is required - the fuselage behind the rear canopy, intakes and underside areas in particular

• For an open canopy version I suggest installing the canopy supports at a late build stage to save potential breakage.

• Careful installing the intake ducts to get them properly orientated (left / right) (as they will appear to fit at first if you reverse them)

• Parts for different F-5 versions are still provided in the box, so be careful which parts you use for your CF-5D build (E.g. Nose Gear)

• Careful which tabs you cut off to achieve dropped or raised control surfaces

• Ensure the slots in the wing (by the flaps) are cleared of any flash as the fuselage will fit in at these points

• At this stage (step 11) I fit the wing to the fuselage first, followed by the rear underside panel (ensuring the horizontal stabilizer holes lined up) and lastly placed the forward underside panel in place ( you can add tabs or use a chunk of Blu-tack in the interior to assist in keeping the panel from being set in the fuselage too far)

• Only a small amount of filler was required on this kit around the intakes and other seams

• To their credit, Kinetic corrected the "two left feet" issue with the wing-tanks on this CF-5D release

Kit Additions / Modifications:

• Added seat harnesses

• I did not install the formation lights as indicated in the instructions, as my reference photos showed these aircraft without them

• In my previous CF-5A build I replaced the tip tank lights with custom made clear plastic ones, however in this build I painted them on (first using a white base followed by a translucent ink topper colour)

Finishing:

For this CF-5D Aggressor, I went with the Faux Pas scheme (as my CF-5A was done in the "Ghost" and my next D will most likely be done in the "Lizard" scheme to round out the set). Kinetic colour calls were Mig-224 Sky Blue (FS35250) Mig-F516 Light Gray (FS35630) and Mig-236 Gray (FS36293), however every reference photo I had showed the Light Gray considerably lighter. (I later found a document that had this shade listed as FS35488.) I would go with a lighter shade of light gray.

Wrap-around camouflage schemes are always a challenge to accurately mask off and it didn't help that my kit instructions had the upper right wing and tail section washed out. In the end I managed to get something reasonably close (or at least close enough not to warrant a correctional repaint). Colours were applied (as is my standard) using an airbrush building up thin coats until paint coverage is achieved. Lightest colour first working to darkest colour last. Initial paint weathering was done by varying the tone of the paint slightly (as per reference photos showing typical wear).  A gloss coat was then sprayed using Pledge floor finish to prepare for decals and washes. After curing for a couple of days, I next proceeded to flow on the various gray panel washes followed by the traditional wipe-down with the airflow to gain the final weathered paint detailing. A final Model Master matte coat was sprayed over everything to seal the decals in and complete the dull finish.

The After-Build Report:

This 1/48th Kinetic CF-5D kit introduced the best option to get a dual seat F-5A/B/D series into your collection. Due to the modular aspect and level of detail of the kit, it is not a quick build (suitable for intermediate or better model makers), however with some patience in places, an excellent model can be produced. Definitely recommended in my books, although I may be swayed by the fact that I like the Aggressor finishes.

Completed build #303 - July 2026 using the 1/48th scale Kinetic #K48123 kit.

Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers