nirvanagr Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Hi everybody. I'm trying to find out what the external defferences between F-18B and D are. I've searched a lot in the net but couldn't get the right info that i need. So, can anyone help me understand if these two types have external differences and, if any, what are these? I'm planning to buy an F-18D in order to convert it into an F-18B (1/48), if there is a need to do so. It's easier to get an F-18D in 1/48 scale rather than an F-18B. Sorry for my mistake English, guys. I hope you can understand me. Thanks a lot in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 The main changes are the tail fin tops, there is one less fairing on the trailing edge above the rudder on the B. Also the B lacks the ECM lumps on the nose and spin found on the C/D. There is also a fairing ahead of main gears bays on the B, this position on the C/D has flare/Chaff dispensers. There other small things but these are the main ones. Shaun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nirvanagr Posted October 24, 2012 Author Share Posted October 24, 2012 Thanks Shaun! Very interesting info. Can i modify a Hobby Boss or Hasegawa F/A-18D into a B? What do you think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Have a look at this Zone 5 forum thread- http://www.zone-five.net/showthread.php?t=250 Shaun 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charley420 Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Id say it could be done quite easily, either shave off the unwanted fairings on the fins, or just obtain some fins from the hobbyboss A boxing, and follow shauns post for the other differences Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nirvanagr Posted October 25, 2012 Author Share Posted October 25, 2012 (edited) Thanks you guys! I would also request your help about the ejection seats, as i am a little confused. What is the seat's type for the F/A-18B plane? Is the SJU-5 the correct type? Also, Do all F-18's use the same exhaust nozzles? If not, what resin nozzle should i purchase for my F-18B? Is the following appropriate? http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/AIRE4383 Thanks again mates! Edited October 25, 2012 by nirvanagr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nirvanagr Posted October 26, 2012 Author Share Posted October 26, 2012 Guys, please help me choose the correct type of ejection seat for the F/A-18B because i've seen different types in some pics and been a little confused. Is this the right type for my kit? http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/QB48001 Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun Posted October 26, 2012 Share Posted October 26, 2012 What colour scheme / user / time frame F/A-18B are you planning to build? Shaun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nirvanagr Posted October 27, 2012 Author Share Posted October 27, 2012 (edited) Hi shaun. I'm planning to build the following plane. http://www.flickr.co...rth/5909027797/ VFA-125, Green/White camo. Not sure about the serial number, yet. I'm going to purchase some goods for my kit, such as aires cockpit and two bobs decals. But i need to know the ejection seats' type. Thanks mate! Edited October 27, 2012 by nirvanagr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parabat Posted October 27, 2012 Share Posted October 27, 2012 I did this to my Hasegawa F/A-18C fin to bring it back to 'A' config: ECM antenna to be removed. Shaved and smoothed: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nirvanagr Posted October 27, 2012 Author Share Posted October 27, 2012 (edited) Thanks for the pics and advice, Parabat. I think that the top end of the tail fins is different on each type. These pics show what i mean: It seems to me that the vertical stabilizers of the F-18D are taller and a little thinner than the ver.Stabs of the F-18B. If you save these pics and make the comparison, you'll see what i mean. Of course, someone would tell me that these are only color profiles and not actual pics of the real planes, but i can't compare two photos if they do not show exactly the same thing. Unfortunately, I lack of pics of the Green/White F-18B. I only got 3-4 pics at all. Another thing i would like to clear in my mind is the type of the seats of the F-18B. I'm not sure if i must use the SJU-5 or the NACES seats. Thanks again for your help! Edited October 27, 2012 by nirvanagr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parabat Posted October 27, 2012 Share Posted October 27, 2012 Not seen that before... Will have to check it out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loki Posted October 27, 2012 Share Posted October 27, 2012 Read this. It contains all the answers you need. http://www.zone-five.net/showthread.php?t=250 Right down to the ejection seats relating to each airframe build number. Half of the fun of modelling for me is the research. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loki Posted October 27, 2012 Share Posted October 27, 2012 They are pretty different aircraft. Both in terms of avionics but, more importantly for you, externally. If you're building the B start with a B not back date it. http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/HA09956 There are plenty available. They also post worldwide so there's no issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nirvanagr Posted October 27, 2012 Author Share Posted October 27, 2012 Loki, thanks for your help. I've read the zone-five's post about the F-18 but i don't know what serial to put on my kit, so it's a little difficult for me to understand some things. By the way, i find the SJU-5 the correct seat for the 'B' type. As for the Hasegawa F-18B model...No way, mate. It's extremely overpriced! This is the reason i didn't decide to purchase this kit. I've bought the hobby boss F-18D instead. I hope i'll make it to convert it into 'B' at the end. Thanks again, Loki! I much appreciate your effort and interest, guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loki Posted October 27, 2012 Share Posted October 27, 2012 (edited) Hi The serial number is the description of the photograph. BuNo is 162402 NJ-400 F/A-18B. YES Analogue fuel display, large square centre MFD in cockpit SJU-5/6 ejection seat - All F/A-18A/B Doors 5L and 5R (forward nose, aft of radome below windscreen) F/A-18A/B AN/APX-111 IFF (5 blade antenna on nose) Stiffening 'cleats' at interior base of vertical tails where they meet the fuselage NO SJU-17 NACES ejection seat - F/A-18C/D BuNo 164196 thru 165532 Dual AN/ALE-47 chaff/flare buckets (two under each intake) - BuNo 165171 thru 165532 GPS Dome - BuNo 164945 thru 165532 Antenna on nose strut door - F/A-18D BuNo 164279 thru 165532 Antenna on starboard forward nose wheel well door There are other airframe differences so make sure that you check references from photos. If you go to Airliners or Airfighters, you will see different angles. These will also help with your painting. Best of luck. Edited October 27, 2012 by Loki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nirvanagr Posted October 27, 2012 Author Share Posted October 27, 2012 Thanks Loki!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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