Viper88

Can someone clarify if the Hasegawa 1/48 F-14B and D kits are truly accurate for carrying bombs on the pheonix pylons? I am just a bit confused as they state on the kit box F-14B or D but did Hasegawa mold new pylons with the recessed area where the LAU-138/BOL launchers attach. Seams in pictures that these launchers are sunk into the pheonix pylons. Or, are the kits really an A model with new engine parts and that is it? If this is the case then I assume the only way to make an accurate bombcat is to purchase the kit as well as purchase the Wolfpack WP48073 upgrade set?

Just looking for feedback on peoples interest whether they have a larger interest in modelling Navy or Airforce jets or both and the reasons why? From a modelling perspective I find having a Navy jet fighter interest is more expensive then Airforce jets. For example only really one high quality company that makes Hornets/Super Bugs and F-14s and that is Hasegawa. Today with the rising costs of these kits due to U.S. and Canada losing their suppliers these kits run from $90-$130 (at least for sure here in Canada), then you add a resin cockpit, decals and then of course have to buy weapons, b

I miss Ed's store also PHANTOM. He has the best deals around. Now you go to Hobby & Toy central and they want $123 to $133 for a Has 1/48 F/A-18c kit and the Tomcats are over a $100 now too. I went to Toronto to Aviation World and there prices are not much better, the owner told me that Canada lost their Hasegawa distributor so expect these high prices until we can get a new distributor. Now if we order from Sprue Brothers or Lucky Model online Bugs, Super Bugs and Tomcats are around $50-$60 U.S. dollars, so you convert this to Canadian and add shipping and they are around $75. Don't

Thanks for the resource links. I will investigate pictures and try to decide how to load up the Super Bug. The hard part will be how to determine from pictures what adapter rails are used for what weapon on each hard point. I know some laser guided bombs can just be attached to the hard point but I think there are some different adapter rails for things like harms.

NeOmega website shows they make both cockpits, corrected nose, engine nozzels and they also make air intakes. Problem is this is in Europe and when you convert the pounds to Canadian and then the shipping/tax etc, it is friggin expensive. I checked Sprues Brothers, Lucky Model, Squadron, no one carries this stuff. Does anyone know a north american company that offers NeOmega products?

What company makes the resin nose for these kits? Is there a company that offers a resin pit for both the single and 2 seater versions? Anyone make decal sheets still? I would assume later this year when Academy pops the SU-30 maybe will will see a new cockpit set and decals released.

The old Hasegawa instructions in kits use to show the weapons load out for the aircraft (what could be carried on what station). The F/A-18F kit does not have this. The kit comes with AIM9's and AIM120's and external fuel tanks. Does anyone know a website or reference I can refer to for load outs on this bird like AGM88's, JDAM's and Harpoons and what other rail adapters are needed. I have several Kinetic F-16 and other kits so I have tons of weapons to use.

Thanks so much, it is just great to have fellow modelers help and assist others. I am new to this forum and new to jet modeling so I know I will have many questions and look for advice and assistance quite often. Thanks again, much appreciated.

I am currently building this kit and the instructions call for Italian Red for the tail and provide Tamiya bomber can paint code. Does anyone know what other red I can use for this? I have access to Model Master enamals and Tamiya acrylics. Thanks.