F/A-18C 1/32nd Academy kit

[Ponti]

Well here we go

Haven't built an aircraft this size for a while. Will post pictures as and when bits are done, if there are any bits over looked, painting mishaps or other parts to paint that I've missed or added detail that you think I can add on the way please say.

Oh yeah forgot to say what scheme.

Edited November 6, 2007 by Ponti

[Ponti]

Nose gear bay done I think?????

Nose gear painted today ready for a bit of detail

[entlim]

I'm watching this , as I fancy a 2 seat night version....

[Loki]

There are numerous builds all over the place on the F-18 in 1/32. I hate to say this, but "Richy" on ARC did an amazing build of the F-18. I have saved all the threads if you would like them sent as email, let me know.

It is such a task, I would seriously suggest getting the Daco Productions book as a guide and reference and really do your research on the internet.

Inside the nose gear bay for example, there are no red pipes or wires, they are all silver, white or black with blue / yellow / silver connectors etc. It will be little things like this and especially in this large scale that will let the build down.

I am no authority on the F-18, but I do have extensive research material on this as I shall be building one when my Mohawk is done. Maybe - as it is such a huge task to the plance justice.

If you need anything please let me know, I will do my best.

[Alan P]

Nose gear bay done I think?????

Good start!

If you have the original boxing of the kit with the non-Cartograf decals, make sure you use a strong decal solvent or preferably Klear (Future) to apply the landing gear decals, or they will split by not conforming to the tubular shapes of the struts.

The most disappointing thing about this kit for me was the decals - there were loads of them for all the amazing array of weaponry provided in the kit, but it led to many frustrating hours of remedial work to apply the damn things.

I've heard the Night Attack and Iraqi Freedom boxings had Cartograf decals which went on like silk.

[entlim]

That's the one I want...

[Bandwagon 106]

The three latest versions, Iraqi Freedom, The D and Chippy Ho do have the Cartograph decals, as does the F-16. They are very nice to use and are excellent. Got Chippy Ho this weekend, the decals are fantastic. This kit is one of my all time favourites

Joel

[Ponti]

I'm watching this , as I fancy a 2 seat night version....

Hope you're not watching to hard. Don't want you to give yourself a headache.

There are numerous builds all over the place on the F-18 in 1/32. I hate to say this, but "Richy" on ARC did an amazing build of the F-18. I have saved all the threads if you would like them sent as email, let me know.

It is such a task, I would seriously suggest getting the Daco Productions book as a guide and reference and really do your research on the internet.

Inside the nose gear bay for example, there are no red pipes or wires, they are all silver, white or black with blue / yellow / silver connectors etc. It will be little things like this and especially in this large scale that will let the build down.

I am no authority on the F-18, but I do have extensive research material on this as I shall be building one when my Mohawk is done. Maybe - as it is such a huge task to the plance justice.

If you need anything please let me know, I will do my best.

Ah, B****R was using this pic as reference for bay along with couple of others

Would be great if you could email me the threads as I'm short of beer tokens and can't afford the book.

Good start!

If you have the original boxing of the kit with the non-Cartograf decals, make sure you use a strong decal solvent or preferably Klear (Future) to apply the landing gear decals, or they will split by not conforming to the tubular shapes of the struts.

The most disappointing thing about this kit for me was the decals - there were loads of them for all the amazing array of weaponry provided in the kit, but it led to many frustrating hours of remedial work to apply the damn things.

I've heard the Night Attack and Iraqi Freedom boxings had Cartograf decals which went on like silk.

Thanks for that not sure how many of the kit decals i'll use as, I'm using the Year of the Golden Dragon kit and will be getting the Zotz decals to give me the Swiss markings.

[Alan P]

I'm using the Year of the Golden Dragon kit and will be getting the Zotz decals to give me the Swiss markings.

I ended up using an aftermarket decal option, but used the kit stencils and weapons markings - they are fine on flat surfaces and don't silver, but they are so brittle they don't conform to uneven surfaces at all without lots of MicroSol in multiple applications and Klear varnish to seal them down.

I must say other than that i had a great build with this kit, it's a beauty. (If you want to have a look it's here (LINK)

The only area you really need to watch is the intake lips - a lot of people claimed to have problems with fit, but i suspect it is because they are very easy to assemble upside down! (I had no problems at all, they fit perfectly!)

Also - the fuselage halves at the rear by the slime light mountings need careful positioning to avoid a slight gap on one side or the other - this is best avoided by gluing the halves together progressively (an inch at a time) rather than all in one go.

Look forward to seeing your further results - then i will cave in and get the Night Attack version from EricYY's!

Al

Edited November 7, 2007 by PHaTNesS

[David_in_Fremont]

This is an odd little coincidence...

I just ordered that kit and those decals a few days ago! I will be following this build with much interest for whenever I feel ready to tackle mine.

Too bad there aren't any weapons in the box though.....

[ColinR (aka ARC Scotsman)]

The intake lip fit problems can be ured easily by throwing away the suggested build sequence .. (I'm on my 4th F-18 build at this point!)

Assemble the intake trunking , and fit it to the lower fuselage , before the wings/upper fuselage gets fitted , that way you can adjust the fit to get everything square , once set , then add the rear fuselage side pieces, and add re-enforcing strips round all the inside of all joins , and TAKE YOUR TIME here - otherwise your in for a long re-scribing exercise .

Also watch the upper /lower fuselage pieces, the panel lines become fairly faint where the pieces curve round from the horizontal,and you way want to enhance the lines there before you start gluing

the front and rear fuselage join can also be a pain , however remember that most of it is hidden after the LEX's are added , but take a lot of time to offer the pieces up , and don't be afraid to clean un the joint areas , its one part of the kit that can make or break a build -

Oh and have fun! - its a great model - take your time , and enjoy it!

[Ponti]

Well having returned from Telford with my major shopping Not really, managed to get hold of the Zotz Swiss tiger meet decals, they look good. Sorry for quality of photo as taken on my phone.

[Bandwagon 106]

I noticed the Zotz decals, whilst I was looking for the Miss Molly sheet. They looked very nice. There were some good deals on the Academy Hornets, including Chippy Ho yesterday, up to £20 off at some stalls.

I found that if you sand a little off the intake lips, you can get a better fit.

Joel