DaveJL Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 Hello all, Here is my entry for this GB - Hasegawa's 1/48 E/A-18G refitted as an F/A-18F of VFA-103 'Jolly Rogers' during Operation Inherent Resolve in 2016. The Growler boxing has all the necessary bits in the box to make an F model, details of which I'll highlight during the build as it will involve ignoring the instructions at certain points. It also comes with the added bonus of moulded late-style ECS pipes Kit: Extras: I'll be using Phase Hanger seamless intakes, Quinta cockpit set, Pavla seats, canopy rails and details from an Aires cockpit set, Eduard mask, Attack Squadron GBU-32s and Furball decals. I've also ordered a set of Brassin GBU-38s, which will complete a load out of 2x GBU-32, 2x GBU-38, 1x GBU-12 (from the spares), 1x AIM-9X and 1x fuel tank. Decals: Will be going for a low-viz option - BuNo 166613 which looked to have had a busy cruise! References: Here's a shot of 166613 during the cruise: Note the gloss black tank....may give me an idea 🤔 And a general shot of the load out. You can just about see the 2 GBU-38 on the right wing as you look at it: Cheers and stay safe Dave 14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelling minion Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 Looks like a nice project Dave, think you're throwing more aftermarket at yours than Rich! That decal sheet looks really nice and has a couple of options I wouldn't mind building myself at some point, it should also provide you with the markings for the fuel tank which will look good on an otherwise grey jet. Popcorn at the ready! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bertie McBoatface Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 Well there’s a whole bag full of goodies. I’ll be interested to see how it all comes together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted January 3, 2022 Author Share Posted January 3, 2022 Thanks chaps! @modelling minion, I won't be using the sheet after this build so you've first dibs on it! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelling minion Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 15 minutes ago, DaveJL said: Thanks chaps! @modelling minion, I won't be using the sheet after this build so you've first dibs on it! Cheers Dave, just need to get a kit to go with them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trickyrich Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 very nice selection/choice Dave, gets the trickyrich stamp of approval!! My only comments would be to ditch the Aires cockpit, it's bound to be painful and the Quinta will tart it up very nicely with a lot less pain.... and not having to reduce everything to paper thin thickness to get it to fit! I didn't think about the seamless intakes. The only other thing I could think of adding is new exhaust cans, the kit ones do look very basic. Only issue here is no one makes them for the Hasegawa model, and if you try to fit one for another model you then have the issue with the rear elevators (I found that out with the Superbug I built last year!). I have made the mistake this time again, bought some only now to realize they are for the Revell model! That said I have found a set of nozzles only from MK1 Design, on evilBay of course , that should do the trick just nicely. Anyway, good luck with this build, really looking forward to seeing what you do with it, this has to be one of Hasegawa's better/great models! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted January 3, 2022 Author Share Posted January 3, 2022 13 minutes ago, trickyrich said: very nice selection/choice Dave, gets the trickyrich stamp of approval!! My only comments would be to ditch the Aires cockpit, it's bound to be painful and the Quinta will tart it up very nicely with a lot less pain.... and not having to reduce everything to paper thin thickness to get it to fit! I didn't think about the seamless intakes. The only other thing I could think of adding is new exhaust cans, the kit ones do look very basic. Only issue here is no one makes them for the Hasegawa model, and if you try to fit one for another model you then have the issue with the rear elevators (I found that out with the Superbug I built last year!). I have made the mistake this time again, bought some only now to realize they are for the Revell model! That said I have found a set of nozzles only from MK1 Design, on evilBay of course , that should do the trick just nicely. Anyway, good luck with this build, really looking forward to seeing what you do with it, this has to be one of Hasegawa's better/great models! Cheers Rich! I'm not using the Aires tub or IPs, only using the canopy rails and details. I've had the set for a ages so may as well make some use of it! I've built a few of them and always find a bit of filler is needed, particularly around the LEX and nose areas, but other than that as you say, it's a fine kit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lex77 Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 Nice collection of Aftermarket Dave! Looking forward to this build. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted January 3, 2022 Author Share Posted January 3, 2022 Cheers Lex! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coneheadff Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 Nice collection Dave! Started almost the "same set" couple of years ago, but the Aires pit and the idea to fit resin early ECS outlets halted the build and it went back to the shelf. I just can't remember which resin exhausts I planed to use...only remember that they were blue coloured 🤔 I will try something similar only this time using the MENG kit and Fightertown decals for an early OIF bird. Good luck with your build Dave! Will definitely follow you. Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Moff Posted January 4, 2022 Share Posted January 4, 2022 21 hours ago, DaveJL said: Hello all, Here is my entry for this GB - Hasegawa's 1/48 E/A-18G refitted as an F/A-18F of VFA-103 'Jolly Rogers' during Operation Inherent Resolve in 2016. The Growler boxing has all the necessary bits in the box to make an F model, details of which I'll highlight during the build as it will involve ignoring the instructions at certain points. It also comes with the added bonus of moulded late-style ECS pipes Kit: Extras: I'll be using Phase Hanger seamless intakes, Quinta cockpit set, Pavla seats, canopy rails and details from an Aires cockpit set, Eduard mask, Attack Squadron GBU-32s and Furball decals. I've also ordered a set of Brassin GBU-38s, which will complete a load out of 2x GBU-32, 2x GBU-38, 1x GBU-12 (from the spares), 1x AIM-9X and 1x fuel tank. Decals: Will be going for a low-viz option - BuNo 166613 which looked to have had a busy cruise! References: Here's a shot of 166613 during the cruise: Note the gloss black tank....may give me an idea 🤔 And a general shot of the load out. You can just about see the 2 GBU-38 on the right wing as you look at it: Cheers and stay safe Dave Looks great - our tastes just keep colliding ! I have ordered the same decals to go with an Academy/Italeri kit....as ever I will watch along, I have yet to decide which airframe to build but note you are going low profile! Some great pics on this site: https://www.seaforces.org/usnair/VFA/Strike-Fighter-Squadron-103.htm I was thinking about the Quinta 3D decals for mine, not sure if they will fit the Italeri moulds - will need to check...my kit did come with the Hase masks so hopefully they will... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted January 4, 2022 Author Share Posted January 4, 2022 21 hours ago, coneheadff said: Nice collection Dave! Started almost the "same set" couple of years ago, but the Aires pit and the idea to fit resin early ECS outlets halted the build and it went back to the shelf. I just can't remember which resin exhausts I planed to use...only remember that they were blue coloured 🤔 I will try something similar only this time using the MENG kit and Fightertown decals for an early OIF bird. Good luck with your build Dave! Will definitely follow you. Alex Cheers Alex, retro-fitting the resin ECS pipes is a royal pain In the backside, that's why I'm glad the E/A-18 has all the right parts and now of course we have the Meng/HB offering so can finally get nice single seaters with the late ECS pipes! 3 hours ago, Tim Moff said: Looks great - our tastes just keep colliding ! I have ordered the same decals to go with an Academy/Italeri kit....as ever I will watch along, I have yet to decide which airframe to build but note you are going low profile! Some great pics on this site: https://www.seaforces.org/usnair/VFA/Strike-Fighter-Squadron-103.htm I was thinking about the Quinta 3D decals for mine, not sure if they will fit the Italeri moulds - will need to check...my kit did come with the Hase masks so hopefully they will... Cheers Tim, I'm sure the Quinta set will fit with some careful fettling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Maas Posted January 5, 2022 Share Posted January 5, 2022 4 hours ago, DaveJL said: Cheers Alex, retro-fitting the resin ECS pipes is a royal pain In the backside, that's why I'm glad the E/A-18 has all the right parts and now of course we have the Meng/HB offering so can finally get nice single seaters with the late ECS pipes! Cheers Tim, I'm sure the Quinta set will fit with some careful fettling. Somewhat ironically, if you want to build a late F from the HB offering, you need to buy their G as well (or an aftermarket pit). They only put the ACS pit in the G so their F is only correct for the very small number of airframes with the early pit and late ECS pipes. Meng got it right 😉 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coneheadff Posted January 5, 2022 Share Posted January 5, 2022 15 hours ago, Adam Maas said: Somewhat ironically, if you want to build a late F from the HB offering, you need to buy their G as well (or an aftermarket pit). They only put the ACS pit in the G so their F is only correct for the very small number of airframes with the early pit and late ECS pipes. Meng got it right 😉 Really???? Oh boy...I don't need the late ECS stakes, but the ACS. But I think I have a late resin pit. Have to check the decals and the aftermarket stuff I have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted January 5, 2022 Author Share Posted January 5, 2022 16 hours ago, Adam Maas said: Somewhat ironically, if you want to build a late F from the HB offering, you need to buy their G as well (or an aftermarket pit). They only put the ACS pit in the G so their F is only correct for the very small number of airframes with the early pit and late ECS pipes. Meng got it right 😉 I'll avoid HB then! The Meng E model looks very nice indeed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coneheadff Posted January 5, 2022 Share Posted January 5, 2022 Aaaah...right, Adam ment the HB kit. I'm on the safe side cause I have the Meng kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted January 5, 2022 Author Share Posted January 5, 2022 1 hour ago, coneheadff said: Aaaah...right, Adam ment the HB kit. I'm on the safe side cause I have the Meng kit. It looks to be the best of the single seaters given that it has both types of ECS pipes/vents and plenty of ordnance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coneheadff Posted January 5, 2022 Share Posted January 5, 2022 1 hour ago, DaveJL said: It looks to be the best of the single seaters given that it has both types of ECS pipes/vents and plenty of ordnance! The F has both ECS versions too. Can't await to start that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Moff Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 (edited) On 1/3/2022 at 7:45 PM, DaveJL said: Hello all, Here is my entry for this GB - Hasegawa's 1/48 E/A-18G refitted as an F/A-18F of VFA-103 'Jolly Rogers' during Operation Inherent Resolve in 2016. The Growler boxing has all the necessary bits in the box to make an F model, details of which I'll highlight during the build as it will involve ignoring the instructions at certain points. It also comes with the added bonus of moulded late-style ECS pipes Kit: Extras: I'll be using Phase Hanger seamless intakes, Quinta cockpit set, Pavla seats, canopy rails and details from an Aires cockpit set, Eduard mask, Attack Squadron GBU-32s and Furball decals. I've also ordered a set of Brassin GBU-38s, which will complete a load out of 2x GBU-32, 2x GBU-38, 1x GBU-12 (from the spares), 1x AIM-9X and 1x fuel tank. Decals: Will be going for a low-viz option - BuNo 166613 which looked to have had a busy cruise! References: Here's a shot of 166613 during the cruise: Note the gloss black tank....may give me an idea 🤔 And a general shot of the load out. You can just about see the 2 GBU-38 on the right wing as you look at it: Cheers and stay safe Dave Interesting loadout - you mounting the GBU-38s on a twin mount or singularly on each pylon? Theres a good link below showing how USAF/USN versions are slightly different if interested http://thecombatworkshop.blogspot.com/2018/04/gbu-38-500-lb-jdam.html Edited January 6, 2022 by Tim Moff 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted January 6, 2022 Author Share Posted January 6, 2022 33 minutes ago, Tim Moff said: Interesting loadout - you mounting the GBU-38s on a twin mount or singularly on each pylon? Theres a good link below showing how USAF/USN versions are slightly different if interested http://thecombatworkshop.blogspot.com/2018/04/gbu-38-500-lb-jdam.html Individual, the dual racks were more commonly seen on later cruises, VFA-213 during 2017 comes to mind! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anatol Pigwa Posted January 7, 2022 Share Posted January 7, 2022 Great to have you with us Dave, this is promising to be a very interting build with quite a loadout. The VFA-103 in quite popular in this STGB who would have though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted January 7, 2022 Author Share Posted January 7, 2022 9 hours ago, Anatol Pigwa said: Great to have you with us Dave, this is promising to be a very interting build with quite a loadout. The VFA-103 in quite popular in this STGB who would have though! Thanks mate! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted January 12, 2022 Author Share Posted January 12, 2022 A bit of a start made while I'm working on the F-14. The Eduard GBU-38s arrived: Very nicely detailed with subtle thermal 'paste' on the bomb body. Quickly built up alongside the rest of the ordnance. The GBU-32s were a pain with the fiddly etched vanes. The kits AIM-9Xs aren't great so I replaced it with one from Hasegawa weapons set E. The GBU-12 is from a Tamiya F-14 and as you can see, the fuel tank and targeting pod require some filler to clean up nasty seam lines. That's it, I'm sure you're delighted you checked in for that update More soon and stay safe Dave 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingerbob Posted January 12, 2022 Share Posted January 12, 2022 9 minutes ago, DaveJL said: That's it, I'm sure you're delighted you checked in for that update Well, it did make me appreciate once again my choice to do a nice clean subject, without stuff hanging all over it! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted January 12, 2022 Author Share Posted January 12, 2022 1 minute ago, gingerbob said: Well, it did make me appreciate once again my choice to do a nice clean subject, without stuff hanging all over it! Some use at least! As I was applying that etch, I was considering the same Don't know how I managed to build 10 of the blighters on a previous Super Hornet build! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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