Piker38

Thanks for the extra info re the GBU-15 configuration etc. Got it! I sometimes use Nb magnets to mount ordnance, pods etc., so in theory I could add the ECM pod adaptor that way to cover all configurations. I can see how to modify the Eduards pod to allow both the whole head and the turret ball to rotate independently, so I can start that part of the project. I intend to mount the pod on a scratch/modified cradle and would also like to have the cradle able to rotate so the model can be displayed with the Pave Tack equipment in all possible positions. I won't be trying to get the bay doors to hinge open though - too fiddly for my big paws ! I just wish I paid more attention to the details of actual aircraft during the many years I spent watching the aircraft from outside the base, on static display at airshows and during base visits. Although I'm not sure that security would have been too keen on having all the intimate details of the operational Pave Tack and ECM pods being too closely photographed. Thanks for that extra info. Much appreciated.

I'd like to build one of my F-111Fs (1:48) with fully articulated Pave Tack pod. I've been playing with various kits to fully understand the movement of all the components, but I still have a couple of questions; From the 'snow-plow' position, can the optical 'ball' be rotated forward/up to hide the optics, or does the ball have to rotated backwards to do that. OOB the Edwards ball will only rotate rearwards from the snow-plow position. Is there anything available in 1:48, either aftermarket or in other kits, to provide and accurate ECM pod mount on the Pave Tack cradle ? Finally, could the cradle still be rotated with an ECM pod mounted ?

Everything I've ordered from ResKit has arrived here in the UK, mostly around 3 weeks in transit. Comms have always been good. Your stuff will arrive.

My mistake. Yes, I was referring to the Scaledown gear-bay, not weapons bay. As you say, it's hard to see in there, so I'll just do the best I can. I will definitely take your advice to use a 1/72 Hasegawa as guide for the weapon-bay doors, but do you have a slightly larger image of your own version, too ? That's a great image of the modification required to the HB canopy/module. Many thanks. Last question... how do the short Scaledown wings compare to the Paragon set ? I have both, but I'd appreciate your opinion of the two options. K

Thanks for those tips. Eventually I'd like to build two models - one model with a representative Gulf War load on the pan - with flap & slats deployed, RBF flags and bay open etc. then a second model 'in-flight' carrying one of the El Dorado Canyon loads - probably the 4x LGH option - I watched the aircraft return from that mission from outside the base on Brandon Road, a solemn day indeed. I have read through your recent guide, and some earlier posts, but I'm still unsure whether it would be better to go with the HB weapon bay and integrate the D-Mold intakes, or just scratch-build the bay using the D-Mold intakes as the side-walls. The Scaledown weapons bay looks too 'chunky' to use, but might provide a rough reference. Have you ever installed the D-Mold intakes successfully (in either kit) to represent the required additional spacing from the fuselage ? K

I have several Academy and HB kits in my stash, in several versions, and just about every aftermarket 'upgrade' known to man. So, if I wanted to go all-out for an accurate model, what route might produce the ultimate F-111F ? Still the Academy kit as a base, or the HB with lots of additional work ? K

Thanks both !

Where might I find an AN/AXQ-14 pod, in 1:48 ?

Yep, gotta a few MiG-29s that could use these. Hoping for Tamiya F-16 and F-14 cockpits next... they would be BIG sellers !

The Brigade conversion is for 1:48

Do you still have the 9SRW KC-135Q tail-bands on your radar ?

Totally !

I'd like to see these photos, too.

Here in the UK, what you call a 'dumpster', we call a 'skip'.