What-If X-29/F-29

[MattP]

Hello all,

I'm a new member and been building models for 30 years.  I've got several projects underway and looking for some ideas on one of them.

I picked up an Attic X-29 conversion kit cheap in 1/48 scale.  One of the reasons is the kit is complete save for decals.  I have all of the parts to do the conversion and looking for some ideas on how to do it up.  Rather than do the prototype with my own printed decals or custom paint, I think I'd like to do a "What-If" build instead.  So I'm looking for thoughts on what an operational fighter variant would be suitable to model.

Initially, I was thinking just an Aggressor paint job with wingtip rails and ACMI pod but basically the prototype.  Now I'm thinking a more operational concept and realistic.  So instead of grafting an F-5A front-end, use an F-5E or F-5F front-end.  I have sufficient conversion parts on hand to do it stock or fully superdetailed with PE cockpit, engine and resin gun, avionics bays and adapting a late-model F-16 radar to fit the nose.

Any ideas on paint scheme and operator?  I'm a big Canadian Forces modeler and a CF-129 "Lynxclaw" might be cool to do in any scheme but I'd like to do something plausibly believable with a suitable air-to-air, ferry or multi-mission stores load.  Or a two-seater with an F-5F front-end as a US Air Force T-38 replacement?  I have only one so I'm willing to put in the effort to make it look good.

Matt

[Hobbes]

I'd go for an A-A loadout, as the X-29 was research into more maneuverable aircraft which would be most useful in dogfights.

[perttime]

I, too, would go air-to-air.
For nations, just like for the F-20, any nation that has used the F-5 would be a potential customer.
For air-to-air, it would probably be in a grey or pale "color" scheme. I'm not sure if any nation does more interesting greys than others.... http://www.f-16.net/gallery_item52.html has lots of F-16 photos, there might be something for color inspiration there.

[NARSES2]

Firstly wellcome aboard 

Secondly I have to agree with Hobbes and perttime. Go for an A to A aircraft, possibly somewhere in South America ? Brazil ?

[MattP]

Thanks all!

On further research, I'm opting for a Brazilian F-29 as they've done a update program on their F-5 fleet to keep them flying.  So as a "What If", assume they acquired F-29 fighter derivatives in the late 80s to augment the F-5 fleet and they received the same updates for air superiority.  Details here: http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Brazil-Finishing-F-5BR-Fleet-Upgrade-Program-06837/.

I'm still torn on single seat or dual seat.  I'm leaning towards a two-seater because I think the longer nose and canopy will look better and two seats are twice the fun!  I have a couple of Monogram F-5Fs in storage so I can sacrifice one.

Loadout is shaping up.  Underbelly tank, wingtip Python AAMs and underwing AIM-120C or Derby AAMs.  I'm debating whether single or dual rail launchers for the underwing pylons would be realistic.  I think two underwing pylons with the inboard set carrying the AMRAAMs would be appropriate and the outboad set omitted.  I'm also thinking an ECM spine and tail antenna might be an option. I want to leave the nose open with an AESA type phased array radar and open avionics bay.  Per the link provided, I'll omit one of the 20mm cannons.

Probably a two-tone grey scheme or maybe I can find something inventive.  Adapt a Brazilian F-5 commemorative scheme.

Matt