1/32 Academy F/A-18C

Gallery Article by Steven Blair on July 25 2003

 

This is my first ARC submission. As it currently stands, there aren't many finished Academy F/A-18s out there. I'm happy to share my 2 projects with what I consider the focal point website for aircraft modelling. These projects include the VFC-12 decals from Two Bobs and the VFA-192 decals provided.

Get ready to build this magnificent kit more than once. It sports all the plus factors we're looking for: properly recessed lines, robust decal sheet, outstanding fit, and best of all.... a magnificent arsenal of current air to surface ordnance. For those of you fortunate to be in close proximity to a Hobby Lobby store, watch the Sunday papers like a hawk. You can often times secure this kit for 1/3 or 1/2 off (about $65 USD). 

I am particularly fond of the weapons included in this kit. It has it all: 4 x AGM-88s, 2 x JDAMs, 2 x GBU-10s, 4 x AMRAAMs, 2 x AGM-84E (SLAM), 4 x AGM65s, & 2 x GBU-24s. Be prepared to make some very difficult decisions on what loadout you want to employ. I changed my mind a dozen times. In light of the cost of after market ordnance, this kit is a windfall of hardware that will certainly augment the Tamiya F-15E and other 1/32 tactical fighters. The decals for the ordnance warrants its own page.

Click on images below to see larger images

Interesting observations:  

1).  There are provisions for a rear seat, but no extended canopy or second pilot.  I'm not aware of the after market industry working on F/A-18D components, but it would certainly be easy for this kit to accommodate a "double cab" version.  

2).  I had only 1 problem with proper fitting, the intake pieces required some fill & sanding. Otherwise, he tooling and fit is perfect...  a pleasure cruise.  

3).  The instrument panel is very well detailed, but the engraving is somewhat shallow.  It wasn't easy to work with.  

4).  The canopy requires some minor sanding if you want to close it.  To mate the windscreen with the main canopy shell, you will have to shorten the front part of the shell by a very small increment.  

5).  There were a few dimples in the plastic molding. I build aircraft for very specific reasons... to use as a model for aviation art.  In that respect, I don't go too excessive with aftermarket detailing.  I can't wait to compose an art project with this aircraft.

Enjoy the photos.

Steven Blair

      

Photos and text © by Steven Blair