The Northrop F-5A originally tooled by ESCI has been re-released by Italeri and with a stunning new decal sheet, as CHRIS CLIFFORD reports.
One of the best moves that Italeri could have made was to acquire the moulds from fellow (defunct) Italian firm ESCI. The latter’s 1/72 jet kits from the 1980s were ahead of their time, and still stand up well today, even if they need a little extra detail. So, it’s particularly pleasing to see ESCI’s F-5A back on the market, courtesy of Italeri (item 1441), and especially as it’s just the second time it’s happened… the last being 20 years ago.
Like its 1/72 ESCI brethren such as the F-100, A-7 and Sea Harrier FRS.1, the F-5A features very fine panel line engraving, to which some current kit manufacturers would aspire. And while it might lack depth somewhat, the attempt to replicate cabling/piping in the undercarriage bays is worthy, although the bays themselves do appear to be slightly shallow.
Above: Like many other 1/72 vintage ESCI jet kits, the panel line engraving is splendid for the era.
Above: Note that ESCI's rendering of the auxiliary air doors - midway along the fuselage - feature just five louvres, rather than the necessary six. They can be re-scribed.
Starting with the cockpit, …
