EF-111A Spark Vark **Finished **

[Romeo Alpha Yankee]

This will be entry number 2 for me and as it is already started will be in Inspirational build

 

I am using a Wolfpak decal sheet to do a Desert Storm jet that claimed an Iraqi Mirage F-1 kill by manoeuvring it into the ground.

 

Here is what it looks like at the moment.

 

[modelling minion]

Great choice of a second build Ray, I have very fond memories of tour around Upper Heyford which was home to both EF-111's and F-111E's and I got to have a good look round them. 

Looking forward to seeing this finished as she looks great so far. 

[81-er]

Nice to see an Aardvark making an apppearance here  I'd not heard of that Mirage kill, that's quite something!

 

James

[bianfuxia]

This is a nice kit - as far as I know they never made other F-111s? 

[81-er]

3 hours ago, bianfuxia said:

This is a nice kit - as far as I know they never made other F-111s? 

According to Scalemates it's originally an ESCI/ERTL tooling, which has been released in a couple of other marks from various companies

 

James

[Romeo Alpha Yankee]

8 hours ago, 81-er said:

According to Scalemates it's originally an ESCI/ERTL tooling, which has been released in a couple of other marks from various companies

 

James

Yes, some also released under the AMT label. I built this AMT F-111A back in 2019 which was the ESCI/ERTL tooling. While the fit is OK it does include a posable canopy that the Hasegawa kits don't offer.

[81-er]

That's a nice build, Ray

 

James

[Rob Sutto]

Nice choice, Ray. I do like the Raven 

[Jabba]

On 31/07/2025 at 12:15, 81-er said:

Nice to see an Aardvark making an apppearance here  I'd not heard of that Mirage kill, that's quite something!

 

James

 

A bit of a famous one James. The Mirage tried to follow the EF-111A at low level and did not make it hitting the ground. 

[Romeo Alpha Yankee]

It's the 9th here in the antipodes so I have continued with this build.

 

The canoe fairing and MLG have been added

 

I noticed a gap when I added the instrument panel dash, so it was shimmed

 

The cockpit has been fitted out and painted, might do some more in this area once the paint dries as it look a little average.

[modelling minion]

Some good progress there Ray. 

[81-er]

Definitely a good step forward

 

James

[Romeo Alpha Yankee]

I just found an interior etch set for the Hasegawa kit, but with the cockpit so far along I am not sure if I will use it.

 

Stand by to stand by...

[Romeo Alpha Yankee]

So not much has progressed, I am still thinking about using parts of the etch set. I had a great idea of trying to use a  Hasegawa canopy on this build as it is a single piece. Rather than compare the canopies beforehand I decided to modify the area around the dash to take the replacement screen Turns out the shapes were out and now I have had to undo the mods. The horizontal stabs are fitted now. once I get the cockpit sorted it will be time for some paint.

 

[81-er]

A shame about the canopy, but she's still looking good, Ray

 

James

[modelling minion]

I agree with James, while it is a shame that the canopy idea didn't work she is taking shape very nicely indeed Ray.

[Romeo Alpha Yankee]

Thanks guys,

 

I have been keen to work on this one again, I decided to add the PE. Nothing flash paint wise. Just a grey base coat and some dry brushing. Looks better than blank consoles and the basic decals for the IP.

 

First attempt to fit the windscreen did not go well with some wicked glue marking the lower edge so it came off. The wheels are painted and just pushed on for now as well as the burner cans

 

Finally the intakes are on and just need a tidy up

[81-er]

Edging ever closer to completion there, Ray

 

James

[modelling minion]

Taking shape very nicely Ray, excellent work. 

[Romeo Alpha Yankee]

Some minor progress

 

This arvo I dipped the canopy parts not attached to the model in future and masked the windscreen

 

I also moved the pylon mount point outboard as the location supplied in the kit was too close to the fuselage. If any store was fitted in this location and wings swept back the fuselage antenna would be struck.

[modelling minion]

Very neat work Ray, she's taking shape very nicely indeed. Good spot on the need to move the pylons. 

[81-er]

Nice work there, Ray

 

James

[Romeo Alpha Yankee]

Thanks!

 

Paint started

 

Which has shown a few filling issues

 

So back to sanding

[modelling minion]

Ahh! More sanding and filling! I imagine you have had enough of that at the minute Ray, though it will be worth it in the end. 

[81-er]

Always the way when you get the primer on, hopefully it won't take an age to sand those back so you can get on with the fun of painting soon

 

James