The search for a $5 bargain at Mosquitocon

So yesterday I challenged myself to buy the best model I could find for five dollars or less, and this is what I found, a Hasegawa 1/72 F-16N for exactly $5.

Those of you who've built this model know that, despite its first release nearly 30 years ago, it's a gem of a kit. Hasegawa has released the model in too many variations to count and continues to re-release it to this day with new and interesting markings.

But here's the irony of my find. As you can see below, I already have six other Hasegawa F-16s in my stash! (Not shown are the four Revell/Monogram kits.)

Yes, I like the airplane, and thanks to the many squadron, wings, and air forces flying the airplane, there's no shortage of interesting paint schemes available to the modeler.

I almost scored a Hasegawa 1/72 B5N Kate for five bucks. I'd never studied one before, but it's a gorgeous little kit for being as old as the F-16. Oh well, maybe next year. Or on eBay.

Here's wishing you a year of value and bargains!