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1/48 F/A-18D - Jason Cheah
N0. 18 Skuadron
TUDM Butterworth |
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M45-08 No.18 SKN TUDM Butterworth |
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The first TUDM F/A-18D I kit-bashed from the Revell-Monogram F/A-18C was featured in ARC's line up for 31st August 2003, as part of the 2003 'Merdeka Parade'. Shortly after that, a local hobby shop asked me to buildone more for their display, using the remains of 3 Monogram A-18A kits foundin their store room. I obliged, and decided to kit bash it using the then new Italeri F-18F as a source for the cockpit and the canopy.
This model has since been presented to a member of 18 Squadron's ground crew. |
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I don't think the 'D'& 'F'use the same canopy, but it is pretty close, and the hinges of the F canopy frame need to be removed and replaced. The F-18F kit cost the same as the old Italeri F/A-18A/B over here, and so was a natural choice.
used just the 'F' spine fairing, canopy, canopy frame, canopy bow frame, cockpits, ejection seats and the rear instrument panel coaming from the F-18F kit. All other parts needed to bring the A-18A kit to ?D? standard were scratch built from sprue, rod, card, strip and putty, etc. No dropped flaps this time, though |
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I painted this kit in FS36118 using Humbrol enamels and Gunze Mr.Color lacquer paints, followed by a coat of Future thinned with Isopropyl Alcohol. Decals were then applied. I used the TUDM McAIr F/A-18D Hornet decals from F-4DableModels. Finally, I coated the model with Xtracolour flat varnish.
Weathering was then introduced in the form of patches and streaks using various shades of FS36118, and some soot & grease stains (to simulate leaks) using diluted black paint.
Click on images for larger image |
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