The first TUDM
F/A-18D I kit-bashed from the Revell-Monogram F/A-18C was featured in ARC’s
line up for 31st August 2003, as part of the 2003“Merdeka Parade”.
Shortly after that,
a local hobby shop asked me to build one more for their display, using the
remains of 3 Monogram A-18A kits found in their store room.
I obliged, and decided to kit bash it using the then new Italeri F-18F as a
source for the cockpit and the canopy.
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images below to see larger images
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I don’t think the
‘D’ & ‘F’ use the same canopy, but it is pretty close, and the
hinges of the F canopy frame need to be removed and replaced. The F-18F
kit cost the same as the old Italeri F/A-18A/B overhere, and so was a natural
choice.
I used just the ‘F’ spine fairing, canopy, canopy frame, canopy bow frame,
cockpits, ejection seats and the rear instrument panel coaming from the F-18F
kit. All other parts needed to bring the A-18A kit to ‘D’ standard
were scratch built from sprue, rod, card, strip and putty, etc. No dropped
flaps this time, though.
I painted this kit
in FS36118 using Humbrol enamels and Gunze Mr.Color lacquer paints, followed by
a coat of Future thinned with Isopropyl Alcohol. Decals werethen applied. I used
the TUDM McAIr F/A-18D Hornet decals from F-4DableModels. Finally, I coated the
model with Xtracolour flat varnish.
Weathering was then introduced in the form of patches and streaks using various
shades of FS36118, and some soot & grease stains (to simulate leaks) using
diluted black paint.
Click on
images below to see larger images
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Anyone game for a F-18E kit bash
using the remains of the Italeri F-18F?
Postscript – the hobby shop decided that they preferred my first F/A-18D, and
ended up swapping me this one for it. This model has since been presented to a
member of 18 Squadron’s ground crew.
Jason
Click on
images below to see larger images
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