j-basset

Thanks for the additional info, Griz. Great looking piece of work-in-progress Jarrod. Thanks again, guys. Jason C.

Dave & Mike, Just what I needed to know. Guess that's a green light - Greatmodels is selling it for USD21.40 for their boxing week sale. I have the US boxing of the RF-4C, and agree that the cockpit sidewalls are simply screaming for some detail. Thanks for the feedback. Jason C.

With you on this, Ben! I just got a Monogram F-84F thru E-bay - looks exquisite, although I can't say anything at all about accuracy, since I know next to nothing about this aircraft. Jason

Been thinking about buying this for a while now, but was probably not convinced enough by the photo on the box showing the contents. Can anyone who has bought the same set give me their opinion on whether the set is worth the $$$? What does it actually provide for the cockpit? TIA Jason C.

For me,... Late production slatted F-4E F-4G F-4S Jason C.

Been on an A-7E kick lately. This is good news! Would this decal be produced in 1/48 scale as well? Jason

Animal, I built one as a Malaysian F/A-18D, which was on the Aug 31 gallery. The plus of this kit is that it allows you to build either single or two seat jets. The kit does build up as a pretty good representation of the F/A-18 (with minor shape problems), but a lot of elbow grease was needed to remove the grainy texture and rescribing the vague lines especially on the lower main fuselage (ageing molds?). The breakdown of the kit did IMO, cause some assembly problems. Exercise lot of care when attaching the canopy to the canopy frame. You have to correct the trailing edge flap panel lines

Hi, I've not had any problems to date with Paypal. But, one curious point is that my credit card company has without fail, called me to verify every payment transaction made via Paypal. I don't know why, but they say it is just standard procedure (for Paypal transactions?). Jason

....aaannd, in this corner of the world, F-4DableModels still has some stock of the JR History sheet - just under 12 sheets left. Jason C. F-4DableModels Malaysia

GG, The Italeri (ex-Esci) MB326 has Italian AF jets, with prancing horse tail emblems. Not sure if it is the Ferrari logo. Jason C.

It is Esci's own mold - very crude model kit. I believe it started out as a model of an F/A-18 FSD prototype aircraft. They probably modified the mold to incorporate the production leading edge flaps, etc. The Italeri kit is miles better. The local hobby hobby shop still has the Esci kit - in the bargain corner. That's where I managed to open up one to see the contents. Jason C. F-4DableModels

Iron Eagle, Another bit of info for you: - ESCI 1/72 #9047 Leatherneck F-18 Markings given for: F/A-18A VMFA-323 F/A-18A VMFA-531 Jason C.

Frank, Really good to know about the noses. I ordered a Tamiya nose last year, and then went and bought the F-4EJ. It'll come in handy for my Revell F-4E's. Jason

Thanks, Joe & GEH737! Just want I needed to know. Jason C.

Iron Eagle, The Esci F-4S had markings for: 1) F-4J (UK) RAF 74 Sqn. 2) F-4S USMC VMFA-451 'Warlords' Jason C.

Dave, I bough a set from Greatmodels few months back - same thing as you. There were no slat actuator fairings provided. Bummer. Jason

I think this is an issue that affects me too. To some extent, the fear of getting hosed big time for coming up short is almost paralyzing. I've spoken elsewhere in the forum about an upcoming USN F-4S in TPS colours decal sheet before. Very honestly, the "10%" we struggle with is the crew names on the canopy frames & NLG door. BuNos., modex nos. and tail markings are no problem. Jason C. F-4DableModels

Hats off to you, docpepper! Great build! Jason C.

Joe, Great F-15C! Can you tell me whether the Aires tailpipes are drop in replacements for the Hasegawa F-15, or whether some mods were needed? A bit worried about the diameter of the ring & the engine bay opening.... Thanks, Jason

Hear, hear! I second that suggestion. Been hoping that someone would produce a good (e.g.- accurate) 1/32 slatted F-4 wing conversion set. I've got both CE F-4E and CAM F-4S conversion sets and I'm not too impressed with either one. IIRC, the CAM set did not include any of the actuator fairings, although it was shown in the photos. Don't know if it was short packed or what. Have to dig out my set to confirm. Maybe F-4DableModels could fund the design & master for one, so we can also produce our future F-4S sheet in 1/32 scale? Any takers? Jason C.

Jay, The same idea has been floating in my head the last couple o' days too. The Italeri F canopy hinge is in the wrong position, though. I did however rob the parts of an Italeri F to convert a Monogram A-18A to a F/A-18D last year, in Malaysian markings. Jason C.

Jamal, Not into flight sims, but hey it's an outstanding piece of work. Even down to the weathered finish ....... Great stuff. Jason

Skyraider, The Finemolds PE set also includes the IFF bird slicer antenna, as well as the swept back UHF antennas. How well they go on to the model is a big question - the IFF parts are tiny, look fiddly and above all, two dimensional. The GPS dome - Black Box included it in their now out of production Late Lot F/A-18C cockpit set. Not too difficult to scratch build out of sprue. When I researched the Export Bugs decal sheet, I think only one aircraft had been fitted with IFF (J-5022, I think), but no doubt there're many more now. Jason

Skull Leader, Hey, that's an excellent piece of work there. The weathering looks great - not overly done, or otherwise. I've got the same Italeri kit sitting somewhere at home too. Regards Jason C. F-4DableModels

Guys, I'm grateful for the feedback so far. I'm actually bursting to say which squadrons are to be featured, but don't know if I'll shoot myself in the foot doing so. I will however say that it isn't for squadrons that have been totally neglected but we are doing it different by filing in the 'gaps' and going for accuracy, as best as we can - we have spoken to former members from the relevant carrier air wing who have been extremely gracious in helping. These sheets will be a tribute to them and the rest who served with the air wing. I will also say that it isn't entirely low vis, since