Academy 1:48 FD F-111C Aardvark RAAF - Issues and Some Advice Please !

[Tiger331]

Hi Folks,

Just having a sort through some kits which are surplus to requirements and came across an Academy 1:48 F-111C…This is the recently re-issued version of the original kit with new improved parts. I was about to ditch the kit (apart from the decals which I plan to use on a Hobby Boss kit) when, on further examination, I realized that it looks like quite a nice kit. I bought it secondhand and the previous owner has, very kindly, already addressed one of the issues that I am aware of which is the very weak join between forward and rear fuselage. If I do make the kit, I have already decided to mount it 'on a pole' which alleviates one of the other issues associated with a poorly rendered undercarriage. Is there anything else I need to watch out for ?. As I say, if I go ahead, I am planning to make this a relatively simple project shown the aircraft in 'flight mode' and sporting the overall Gunship Grey colour scheme but I would still like it to be as accurate as possible.

I would be very grateful for any advice from F-111 aficionados out there !

[Andrew Perren]

The reissued kit has some nice additions. Be careful with the decals because although they look great on the sheet the walkway lines are wrong. They might look black (correct) but when applied they are dark grey ( incorrect) & barely noticeable on the Gunship Grey.

[S5 modeller]

Hey tiger.

Glad you decided to save the aardvark, and not bin it.

If you have a look here:-

http://www.f-111.net/

You will find a wealth of info on the vark, from a chap who worked, flew lived and breathed them for years.

Hope it helps, it helped me a lot on mine.

Matt.

[rickshaw]

The F-111C in RAAF service was not known as the "Aardvark". It was nicknamed "the Pig" because it always had it's snout down in the weeds.

[Panoz]

The F-111C in RAAF service was not known as the "Aardvark". It was nicknamed "the Pig" because it always had it's snout down in the weeds.

Neither was in the USAF for that matter. You can thank the kit manufacturers for that...

Edited August 8, 2014 by Panoz

[ElectroSoldier]

In USAF service the retirement ceremony was also the naming ceremony.

She retired with a name. Aardvark, but I always knew it as a "Vark" or a "F One Eleven".

[Jennings Heilig]

And I *never* heard anyone in the USAF call it a "switchblade".

The 380th Bomb Wing intel officer was put out when I asked him whether he didn't honestly think FB-111A nuke missions to the WARPAC or the USSR would be suicide missions...

[ElectroSoldier]

I remember the guys an LN being very confident about their ability to do their job and return.

The confidence they had in her was very reassuring.

Of course these days I realize it was all western propaganda...
The Berlin wall was there to keep us out!

[tonyot]

While working in Air Support Comms we only ever referred to the thing as an F One Eleven,...never anything else but it was the same for all USAF fast jets! I`ve got the newer release of the Academy kit and I love the RAAF F-111`s,........they look great in all grey and in the earlier Vietnam scheme,.....which one are you going for?

Cheers

Tony

[Gordon Branch]

The man you want is Pappy (Anthony Pappadis). He worked on real 1:1 RAAF F-111s and knows the best way to make 'em. He appears to be a member here.

Alternatively you could go to Aussie Modeller International. Search there and you'll find something.

Edited August 12, 2014 by Gordon Branch