Matchbox – PK-12 – Northrop F-5A

Description:

Northrop F-5A

Unassembled plastic model kit in 1/72 scale of a U.S. light fighter aircraft Northrop F-5, introduced in early 60s had a big success in export sales (it was a private venture of Northrop) and initially was produced in two main variants, A, single-seat fighter version and B, two-seat trainer version but retaining offensive armament capabilities.

Matchbox tooled the F-5A kit firstly in 1972, with subtle variations same box art and content was released again in 1973 and 1973. In 1980 introduce a different box art and layout and changed this again in 1982, but always keeping the content. During this period the kit was also released under the Matchbox-AMT range (1979), which used a variation of the original box art.

During this period the kit included a decal sheet with two markings, one for a USAF F-5A prototype and one Canadian.

In 1983 the brand re-tooled the mould and added parts for a F-5B variant, being released as Matchbox – PK-39 – Northrop F-5B.