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F/A-18F, 166842, VFA-41 'Black Aces' 2009


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Hello all,

Here is my first entry for this GB. Hasegawa's 1/48 F/A-18F in the markings of VFA-41 'Black Aces'

The kit:

IMG_4392_zps072d4c55.jpg

The aftermarket:

IMG_4394_zps0d8c1816.jpg

Will be using an Aires cockpit set, TwoBobs decals, Steel Beach ECS pipes and Steel Beach ACS upgrade.

The jet itself, over Afghanistan 166842

Dave

Edited by DaveJL
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  • 2 weeks later...

Started today. The lovely Aires cockpit set was assembled and painted, along with the Steel Beach ACS (Advanced Crew Station) coaming for the WSO:

IMG_4480_zps827329ec.jpg

IMG_4481_zpsea94646a.jpg

IMG_4482_zpsb12440e2.jpg

IMG_4483_zps643b7b5e.jpg

Also assembled the ordnance:

IMG_4477_zps65d15836.jpg

Going for 2x Fuel tanks, 2x GBU-38's, 1x GBU-12, 1xGBU-31, 1x AIM-9 and an AN/ASQ-228 targeting pod. Seems the norm was to carry only 500lb bombs, but I have seen/heard of GBU-31's being carried.

Next up is to close the forward fuselage and start work on the intakes.

More to come.

Dave

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More progress to show. Added the cockpit to the upper fuselage halve, but made a slight hash of the cut for the Aires coaming, so will need a dab of filler. The tub fits very well:

IMG_4494_zps38f8a0fe.jpg

Front fuselage section made up:

IMG_4495_zps7e621787.jpg

Added the lovely Rhino seamless intakes:

IMG_4490_zps9c9112f2.jpg

IMG_4491_zps5d2c01ba.jpg

IMG_4492_zps4148b5fe.jpg

Made the necessary cuts to the kit side panels:

IMG_4496_zps85668993.jpg

Next up is to finish off the nose section, add the intake side panels and attach all the fuselage parts.

More to come.

Dave

Edited by DaveJL
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Both coamings added today and a dab of filler to clean up the front section. The rear coaming is the Steel Beach ACS.

IMG_4506_zps5b26b286.jpg

Side panels on the intakes, ready to be filled and sanded flush:

IMG_4505_zps924d60a9.jpg

More to come.

Dave

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Seconded, they look great and easy to install.

Were did you get them from?

Shaun.

Cheers. Got them off ebay mate, though the seller doesn't appear to have any at the minute.

Dave

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