1:72 F‑15 Eagle/Strike Eagle (A, B, C, D, E early, J) F100-PW-220 closed exhaust nozzles for Academy kit

The real subject

The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is an American twin-engined air superiority fighter. The A and C versions are single-seat, the B and D two-seat; the E Strike Eagle strike version is two-seat as well, and the designation J belongs to machines of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). The set is intended for the A, B, C, D, early E and J versions, that is for machines with the F100-PW-220 powerplant. Later Strike Eagles were given a more powerful rendering of the same range, which looks different at the rear.

Why change the nozzles

On a twin-engined machine the exhaust nozzles are one of the few parts a viewer has wholly in front of him when looking from behind, and at the same time they are among the most involved shapes on a model. The injected part is usually assembled from halves and its walls are too thick in 1:72 scale. Replacement nozzles bring a thinner edge and the division of the outer petals in one piece. The closed position matches a machine with its engines shut down, that is how an aircraft looks parked on a ramp.

Building and painting tips

• Before gluing, compare the position of the nozzles with a photograph of the machine you are building, so it fits the scene as a whole.
• Cut surplus material away with a sharp blade a little clear of the part and carefully sand off the remainder.
• Glue for polystyrene may not hold on these parts; super glue is more reliable.
• Wash and degrease the parts before painting.
• Grade the metallic shades; the panels around a nozzle have differing shades and toward the mouth the color darkens.

Terms of supply

Replacement nozzles are supplied as itemized on the packaging. The kit of the aircraft, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.