Cairnsy

G’Day Calibre, I have a bunch of 1-32 Supers and Growlers to do myself (some would say too many..) so I’ll be watching with interest, but I dare not touch electronics I struggle enough with getting the plastic to behave for me! During research for my own builds I stumbled across some YouTube videos of a Trumpeter F/A-18F model build complete with lighting so that might be worth as a starting point. Clonefox80 is the owner so if you search for that hopefully you’ll find it. looking forward to seeing some progress mate. cheers Cairnsy

Hey mate loving the progress on your Bushranger I have one to do myself in 1-35 whenever I get around to it. Just a small note those 4x door guns pictured from the Hamilton set are MAG-58 which wasn’t used until the 90’s I believe and even then I don’t think they had them on the gunships only the slicks. Try to track down some M-60’s if you can. looking forward to seeing some more pics at it gets closer to completion. Cheers Cairnsy

GDay Neil, If you are keen to build an Operational aircraft from the Iraq deployments you have a few options. The early deployments (around 2014) generally carried 3x tanks centreline and both inboards (stn 4/8) 2x GBU-38 500lb JDAM on the mid pylons (3/9) and 2x GBU-12 on the outboards(2/10). 2x AIM-9X on the wingtips and sometimes an AMRAAM on the right hip station with the ATFLIR pod on the left hip. (All these weapons are in the Revell E kit) https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/Home/Search?Query=20141106raaf8202385_0165.jpg&Type=Filename later in that deployment there seems to be some occasions of 3 tanks with 4 GBU-38 on 2/3/9/10 with the -9X on the tips, Pod and https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/Home/Search?Query=20150323raaf8161446_0219.jpg&Type=Filename there are also some images with 2xGBU-38 on 2/10 and 1000lb JDAM GBU-32 on 3/9 https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/Home/Search?Query=20150323raaf8161446_0079.jpg&Type=Filename the later deployments (around 2017) Carried the 2x asymmetric tanks centre and right hand. And 4x or 5x 500lb JDAM in a mix of GBU-38 and GBU-54 2x -9X on the tips and the Pod and AMRAAM on the hips. If only 4 were loaded the empty pylon was usually the outboard on the RH wing with the tank . https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/Home/Search?Query=20171114raaf8537509_013.jpg&Type=Filename If you wanted to do a training aircraft then there are a boatload more possibilities laser guided GBU-10/12/16/24 JDAM GBU-31/32/38/54 GP bombs MK-82/83/84 Harpoon can be carried No JASSM the AGM-154 JSOW is the chosen E/F long range weapon LRASM is still being tested and cleared by the USN I believe so hasn’t hit Fleet or RAAF units. if you have some time head to www.defence.gov.au go into the image gallery and search F/A-18F or super hornet and you will find heaps of photos of both operational aircraft and exercise aircraft with both inert (blue) or live weapons and you can just filter through the pics until you find a config you like. Hope that helps a little mate I look forward to seeing some progress I have a few of the same kit on the go too. Cheers Cairnsy

Happy to help mate, The photo of that flight crops up quite often and without looking too close I believe that was 140 or 144 off the top of my head but was still part of ARDU’s clearance activities. 132 used to be “their” airframe but around the mid 2000’s it was assessed it was better used back at the Squadrons and then ARDU would just “borrow” other jets as required to support trials so it isn’t uncommon to see other jets with orange bits stuck on besides 132. As for the gun that did come out to make room for the pave tack, the G model did not receive the guns and operated right to the end with a weapons bay although other than perhaps a ferry tank and I saw images of ARDU doing stuff with ASRAAM and SDB in the bay. I believe we used AIM-9M on the jet at the end however we usually had the LAU-7 launcher fitted under the pylon as opposed to the shoulder, I have seen a few pics of them up there but was usually carried under the inboard pylons. The shoulder seemed to be more common on the USAF aircraft, I have seen plenty of photos of F-111D/F using them and perhaps if we had a genuine need to carry 4 stations worth of weapons maybe that’s where the shoulders would become a more popular choice but at a guess I’d say it was probably less stuffing around to use the pylon if it wasn’t need for a bomb so that was the preferred option. Hope that helps and I look forward to seeing some progress soon Cheers Cairnsy

G’Day Keith, I sourced mine through a local garage company here in Australia by the name of “Hamilton’s Hobbies” he’s a one man band that casts primarily subjects with an Australian flavour but it’s an informal release schedule usually available through some of the modelling forums and increasingly more on eBay but he’s not a “store” with a constant catalogue but keep an eye out. It’s obviously not the casting quality of the big resin brands but it’s a terrific starting point for the price and he does subjects that aren’t covered by any other manufacturers.

G’Day, Anatol You are correct in that the RAAF G model was used primarily in the training role, it was used for conversion onto the Jet before the crews started the tactical phases of course requiring the sensors of the C Models. In a nutshell Having the G models allowed them to save fatigue and wear on the C fleet and also free up more of those airframes for operations whilst the training activity continued concurrently. That said the G’s were used for bombing quite often with MK82 and MK84 generally, I believe they did drop GBU-12 occasionally (possibly others but no only saw -12’s) but they obviously required another platform (Generally a C model) to designate. The Recce jets definitely carried the AGM-142, the usual config was a missile on the outboard station of one wing with the Data link pod on the outboard station of the opposite wing with an inert MK82 inboard of the DLP as a counterweight. Some times a pair of missiles could be carried but the DLP would be fitted to at least one jet in the formation to control the missiles. AIM-9 was also good to go on the Recce jets and I am pretty sure they could use Harpoon too. Same deal as the G with regard to GBU-12/10/24 they could carry them if required but needed somebody with a laser to designate for them. The most common load outs on C and G day to day was 1 or 2 SUU-20 practice bomb carrier with BDU-33 practice bombs. The C’s also seemed to Carry a pair of BRU’s even if empty a fair bit but that seemed to be less common on the G’s As for ECM pods as previously mentioned there were some trialled over the years but the Elta 8222 was pretty common on the C models in the last decade or so of use. They could put them on the wing stations but under the backside, aft of the main wheel well was the most common position. Don’t think they ever bothered putting them on G’s Hopefully that is of some help to you, I have the HB C model and a Recce pack waiting for me to get around to myself, and it looks like Reskit might be swooping in to save the day with regard to the funky shaped cockpit/canopy area so it might even get to the bench after that is released. If there is anything else I can help with sing out and I will see what I can do. cheers Cairnsy

G’Day Victor, I am currently in the process of the same subject ( with several more to follow) and can tell you 100% the Growler kit is the better option to go with for an F Model. You have more options using the EA-18G kit as it contains the same basic airframe sprues as the F kit with the extra G model sprues added. Some of the F weapons sprues were removed and the Jammer pods and HARM included in lieu, which isn’t a big deal because most of the Trumpeter weapons are horrible and should be replaced with aftermarket stuff anyway, particularly the AIM-9X which are the worst of any kit I have seen. Pappy has pretty much covered off on the airframe differences and the good thing for you (and rubbish thing for anyone trying to build a G) is that Trumpy didn’t include most of the G mods anyway. The G kit contains both the early style aft cockpit instrument panel used in the F boxing and the ACS panel fitted to later lot number F’s (and G’s) so check your references for the Jet and timeframe you wish to build but both IP’s are present on the sprues, as is the Gun port, wingtip launchers, unfilleted leading edges. And ATFlir pod. Trumpeter were a little lazy putting together the Growler kit so In short, straight from the box If you leave off the wing fences and use the gun port you have an F! The cockpit sidewalls are non existent so I am using the Eduard interior but if you don’t go that way at least build them in with plasticard. Intakes are fiddly but with patience should look ok (I rushed mine so now am battling to get them to a pint I am happy with). I am almost ready to assemble the fuselage but I am led to believe there is a need to brace some areas of the fuse to ensure good alignment but a quick check of other online build articles cover these issues pretty well. I look forward to seeing some progress. cheers Cairnsy

G’Day Craig, Whilst i I am not sure if there are many E’s or F’s being used strictly as adversary aircraft you may be thinking of some of the VFA-122 aircraft. They had some interesting paint jobs a few years back including a Blue camo E and a desert cam F as well as the digi cam F based on the USN uniform. I believe that fightertown decals may have done a sheet for them which you might still be able to track down. A quick google images search of VFA-122 brings up an assortment of images that might help too. Good of luck with the build, always good to see more Supers. cheers Cairnsy

G'Day Mate, Short answer on the RAAF 127 Yes, I got the same kit to make an Aussie Hawk i think there might be differences in the Instrument panels and possibly certain other bits of the cockpit You would have to check references if you want to get that carried away but overall the external Airframe is good on for an Aussie Hawk. Can't comment on the Bahrain aircraft I'm afraid. Hope that helps Cheers Cairnsy

G'Day Guys, I was lucky enough to score one of the AMT U Boat kits a while back and waited long enough for Wolfpak to produce a new run of markings for it so my question is this... Is the AMT AC-130U kit really that bad? The reason I ask is I have an extra Italeri C-130E/H Kit in the stash (got it for $10) that I was umming and aahing about chopping up for a C-130J-30 conversion however I also have the flightpath fuselage extension so not a necessary requirement. My other possible plan for it was to retro-fit all the AC-130U Parts (Fairings, lumps, bumps, weapons, etc) on to the standard Italeri C-130 Kit Is there anything gained by this or am I better off just using the AMT Kit straight from the box. Cheers all Cairnsy

G'Day Andy, Ozmods here in Australia do them I am fairly sure in all 4 scales (144,72,48,32) I believe they have a website you can check them out on with mail order capacity I think, I have a set of ASRAAM in 1-32 and some SUU-20 pods from them and they are very nicely cast. Hope that is of some use to you. Cheers Cairnsy

G'Day Scott, There are currently 2 sets of RAAF Decals for the Supers available both from companies here in Australia. Aussie Decals I believe do them in 1-72 and 1-48, And Southern Sky in 1-72, 48 and 32. There Websites I have found are a little Hit and miss and don't get updated as much as they could to reflect what is actually available, New Releases etc. Have a look on E-Bay Aussie Decals also go by 'Novascale' on E Bay it is like there webstore from what I can figure and the Southern Sky boys also have an E Bay store that they are pretty accessible through you should have no problems finding your Supe Decals there. Cheers Cairnsy

G'Day All, I don't mean to hijack the thread but while we are talking Tonka colours I was curious who made a good out of the bottle match for the Overall "Desert Pink" in acrylic, Gunze,Tamiya other? I'm pretty sure Humbrol have one in enamel but Enamels and my airbrush don't have a fantastic relationship. I'm super keen to get stuck into my Big revell Gr1 but not being able to find an appropriate paint has been putting me off. Cheers All Cairnsy

G'Day All, I'm keen to get stuck into the Revell Tornado GR.1 as my next build and want to build a Gulf War 1 Jet in the sand scheme and would rather get away from 'Mig Eater' markings Which are included in the Kit as I think they are a little too busy I would prefer to do one of the slightly more Subtle Jets Maybe Emma or Nikki etc and was curious what is readily available in 1-32 for these aircraft. I recall seeing a Model Alliance set for RAF, Saudi and Italian Tornado's at war but can find no reference to it in my scale did they release them? if not what are my options? Cheers Cairnsy (Chris)

G'Day All, Well I've just about done it just a few more aerials to add, a few touch ups around windows where the Maskol lifted the paint on removal and a quick clean up of the windows and I'll be calling this one done. I'm pretty happy with how it has turned out given it is a pretty difficult scheme to replicate and that many of my skills being pretty rusty, It is far from perfect but it did what was required in getting me interested again. My 1-35 Bushranger Iroquois is next in the queue So without further ado I present my first (virtually) completed model of the past 5 years. Cheers Cairnsy (Chris) Hope you like it!

G,Day All, I'm just wrapping up my RAF Chook build and was looking to add a bit of weathering/wear to the rotor blades. It has the wider chord blades and is a Desrt Storm aircraft so lots of time in the sand! I believe these blades are a composite material? so going nuts with alluminium on the leading edges might be innappropriate but do they have wear strips along the leading edges or any thing that would begin to show through? How should the blades look? Cheers Guys Cairnsy (Chris)

G'Day All, Well it has finally happened, I finally have photos of an almost completed kit. This is the Trumpeter 1-72 CH-47D built as an RAF Chook from Gulf War 1 used in support of Special Operations. I first saw this scheme in Bravo Two Zero the McNab book and thought it looked awesome. The real aircraft were sprayed a tan over black, and for a night Camo scheme the SF Tasked Aircraft had the Techo's hand painte black streaks over the Tan with brushes. The kit went together well, I robbed a few parts from the old Matchbox Kit aerials, EW gear, etc and scratched a few. This build is far from perfect and far from accurate but I was basically going for a near enough is good enough build just to finish something and get the spark back. I noticed after painting that the RAF Aircraft have the panel in the front of the Aft pylon skinned over and usually onlt the domed window in the aft position, I'm used to the Australian Chooks which usually have them in the 2 aft positions. The paint job has a little too much black and too little Tan showing but I am generally happy with how it looks Hope you enjoy! Cheers Cairnsy

G'Day All, I am setting up for a build using the Hasegawa AH-64D With the HIDAS from the Revell Kit and Model Alliance markings to build an Op Herrick bird based as Bastion and have a few questions regarding the Hellfires used on Operation in the Sand. 1. Which Missile type is appropriate for the AAC birds and which missile is it in the Kit? I believe there is a SAL (Semi active Laser) and a Radar Variant used but which parts in the Kit is which? 2. I'm tossing up between a weapons config of either 2 or 4 hellfire (8 look too "Airshow") on the inboard stations with the CVR-7 pods outboard, What positions are the missiles carried on for these configs? Upper or lower Rails?, Symetrical load L+R? and do they fly with a mix of missile types or is there a specific type favoured by the crews? Cheers for any help Cairnsy

G'Day Guys, I too am having a crack at one of the Spec Ops Support aircraft in this scheme just want to throw a chook together before tackling my big one (1-35 as an Aussie Army D model) so picked up a 1-72 Trumpy kit as a quick build to try some new things on and test my airbrushing skills. So my qustion is what colours were these aircraft? Are hey Helo drab with the Sand sprayed on or are they sand with Black/helo drab sprayed on and what are good acrylic matches for these colours? Thanks guys Cairnsy