Anyone upgraded the Italeri 1:72 A-10 Thunderbolt kit ?

[Tiger331]

I've just purchased the latest boxing of the Italeri 1:72 A-10 Thunderbolt and, being a realist, did not expect for one minute that it would match the billing on the box top, which suggests it can be completed as the latest A-10C variant. It does not, for example, have the round fairings found on the lower section of the outer fin surfaces or the RWR fairings on the rear of the fuselage. So, the question is, has anyone attempted to upgrade the Italeri kit and if so, can they share their experiences.

Many thanks

[tonywood]

The RWR fairings were also present on late A-10A's, Olimp did an upgrade set for an Afghanistan A-10 that included the tail and wingtip RWR fairings, chaff / flare dispensers for the rear of the undercarriage fairings and the circular fuselage antennae. I believe the biggest problem with upgrading the Italeri A-10 is the new shape of the A-10C's cockpit.

Hope this helps.

Tony

[TBP1538]

Modern Hobbies makes an A-10C update Italeri kit, which includes a replacement cockpit. Check it out here http://www.modern-hobbies.com/cockpit-sets/a-10c-update-set-for-italeri-kits

[LanceB]

The Modern Hobbies set is nice, however the Italeri kit is a pre-LASTE A-10A, but the Modern Hobbies set will only update a LASTE-equipped A-10A to an A-10C.

First you have to add the LASTE antennas.

I finally gave up and just bought a Hasegawa A-10C and will use the tailplanes and antennas from that to build a late-model A-10A.

And the intakes... Italeri's have a lip that is too "sharp".

[tonywood]

The Quickboost intakes fit the Italeri kit.