F-5F "ROCAF Farewell" 5398 Hualien AB 4th July 2025 in 1:72 scale
This is the F-5F "ROCAF Farewell" 5398 Hualien AB 4th July 2025 in 1:72 scale by Hobby Master.
On 4 July 2025, the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) officially retired its last Northrop F‑5F Tiger II and RF‑5E Tigergazer reconnaissance jets at Hualien Air Base, marking the end of over 50 years of service. The farewell mission, flown by the 5th Tactical Fighter Wing, featured a mixed formation of two F‑5Fs and three RF‑5Es executing a ceremonial sortie over Hualien and Taiwan’s east coast, before returning to a traditional water‑salute greeting. Colonel Hsu Chun‑jung, piloting one of the jets, reported “mission accomplished” upon landing—symbolizing more than five decades of defense from Communist threats across Taiwan Strait and rugged coastal terrain. This event stood out not just as a nostalgic farewell but as a historic transition: the aging F‑5 fleet—once Taiwan’s Cold War backbone—was officially replaced by modern platforms like the T‑5 Brave Eagle and upgraded F‑16Vs, initiating a new chapter in Taiwanese airpower modernization.
Hobby Master has earned a reputation as one of the top-tier brands for die-cast aircraft due to its meticulous attention to detail, durable metal build, and rich historical accuracy. Collectors often praise their models for realistic panel lines, pad‑printed placards, functional features like removable canopies and landing gear, and authentic detachable ordnance—all hallmarks of their popular Air Power Series. Hobbyists consider Hobby Master “top‑notch,” ideal for collectors seeking museum‑grade realism and durable craftsmanship.
On 4 July 2025, the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) officially retired its last Northrop F‑5F Tiger II and RF‑5E Tigergazer reconnaissance jets at Hualien Air Base, marking the end of over 50 years of service. The farewell mission, flown by the 5th Tactical Fighter Wing, featured a mixed formation of two F‑5Fs and three RF‑5Es executing a ceremonial sortie over Hualien and Taiwan’s east coast, before returning to a traditional water‑salute greeting. Colonel Hsu Chun‑jung, piloting one of the jets, reported “mission accomplished” upon landing—symbolizing more than five decades of defense from Communist threats across Taiwan Strait and rugged coastal terrain. This event stood out not just as a nostalgic farewell but as a historic transition: the aging F‑5 fleet—once Taiwan’s Cold War backbone—was officially replaced by modern platforms like the T‑5 Brave Eagle and upgraded F‑16Vs, initiating a new chapter in Taiwanese airpower modernization.
Hobby Master has earned a reputation as one of the top-tier brands for die-cast aircraft due to its meticulous attention to detail, durable metal build, and rich historical accuracy. Collectors often praise their models for realistic panel lines, pad‑printed placards, functional features like removable canopies and landing gear, and authentic detachable ordnance—all hallmarks of their popular Air Power Series. Hobbyists consider Hobby Master “top‑notch,” ideal for collectors seeking museum‑grade realism and durable craftsmanship.
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