Incaroad

Glad to see some progress! Life's little eccentricities always get in the way, but you've managed to get by them with great results! Magnificent Elmo! Cheers Larry

How does one go about getting that extra 10% off on this preorder from Lucky Model Cheers Larry

I sure hope you are right Dave Roof, I agree it sure captures that look, however, it wouldn't be very hard to eclipse the Academy kit! One very important feature for me is the leading and trailing edge flaps are separate FINALLY! The area that is somewhat disappointing though is the windscreen attachment, man they could have done it like Tamiya's F4U or the new F-14A. That would have sent it over the edge for many copies for me. Can't wait to see the Intake trunk too, not having one is better than Academy's weak attempt. I can't wait to get this one in my hands! Cheers Larry

The windscreen attachment sealed it for me. I sure wish an F-4A,B,C,D,E,F,G, and so on and so forth kit manufacturer would take the hint and make it this easy to get it right! For most Tomcat lovers this should be the "Bee's Knee" and a must have for at least one or two or three... I wonder how the AMK windscreen will attach? As far as the Tamiya kit not having separate Flaps and Slats, will have to see if the Hasegawa wings would be a near drop in replacement... You'd think they would but then again. Cheers Larry

The best thing about this kit so far is how the windscreen is going to attach! The way they are doing it is going to be finely the most logical way to get that fared in look! Can't wait to see it Cheers Larry

Boy I wish there was a LIKE button for your response here Rex! This should clear it up for everyone easily. Cheers! Larry

May wanna check this site for an easy fix for the nose gear... http://www.geocities.jp/yoyuso/f86/f86e-2.html Then go back and look at the rest of the fantastic build! Cheers

These look crisp and clean just like the lines should, AWESOME! Now if only the FJ-2/3 Fury was thought about by some company out there in all scales... Oh and a F-86H in 1/48th as well. Cheers Larry

HAHAHAHA, TF-30's had a lot of THRUST? Pretty funny Jennings! I understood though...

That first AGM-88 is actually out in front of the McLean Building at China Lake. The Missile is a static display item that was painted wrong by a paint shop on base so don't use this one as a reference just like Jim is saying. The F/A-18A BuNo 163092 has VX-9 on one side and VX-31 on the other, it is there only as a display...

One source you might try... http://www.mcmaster.com/#hypodermic-tubing/=xfys7b my 2¢ Larry

Okay Elmo, its time for a HUGE update... Everyone wants to see your work, don'tcha know! How are you doin my good man? A Memorial day tribute from you & your A-6E TRAM would be GREAT! Cheers Larry

Is this who you are looking for? http://www.naritafamily.com/ Cheers Larry

This F-4S 157259 at Point Mugu has so much paint on it it's kinda hard to see the reinforcement out to the wing fold but there doesn't look to be any reinforcement on the wing fold itself... photo hosting

From the Koku Fan Illustrated American Super Fighter: 1980 (according to the caption) White, Blue, & Gold, it had a dogtooth wing, but not the stabilator. 1982 (according to the caption) White & Orange, it had no dogtooth. Hope that helps. Cheers -Larry

Yeah, those notches are a problem...at least for me. A little more to consider. As you can see in your pictures of the F-20A exhaust, the exhaust petals are symmetrically laid out. The F/A-18E/F are cranked at an angle. The good thing though is, the exhaust is suppose to be the same diameter, I've measured the opening in the Fuselage of an F/A-18A/C and an F/A-18E/F with the engines removed. There are some that disagree with that though... If accuracy is your goal then it would be wise not using the F414 exhaust. If it were me, I would find a way to use the Exhaust outer nozzle that Monog

Yes Monogram F-20A on the left, Aires for the F/A-18C/D on the right

Curt is right about this! Monogram on the left, Aries on the right. No way it will just bolt right in... Besides that, the F-20A and Early F-18A looked, on the outside anyway more like the KIT part. I would actually use the Monogram F-20A F-404 exhaust outside part for a Monogram F/A-18A if it were me...just sayin. Hope that helps. -Larry

Yes I painted this all in the same session, with the other wheel bay. All done in 15 minutes or so.

For me it's Mr. Color gloss white thinned with leveling thinner in three to four light coats without any primer. Incredibly easy to apply... My 2¢ for the discussion. Cheers -Larry

No F-14's to VX-31 ever! Cheers Larry

If you want to use a scalpel for the hobby I would suggest you watch this video by Dr. Paul Budzik. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6ZzU7udLZo I bought the handles he suggested and while expensive I do think they are worth it in the long run. The larger blades are nicer, to me, than a standard #11 scalpel blade, but you be the judge. NOTHING beats a scalpel blade for cutting decals and Tamiya Masking tape. Cheers Larry

I have looked all over the net but can't find a clear view of the rear portion of the Nose Gear, anyone have a nice hi/low res picture of this? Thanks -Larry

Ain't that the truth! But there would be something else missing for my taste on this scheme... In assembly I also found you need to file down or sand down the outer edges of the wheel wells to make the top fit to the bottom without forcing them together. Cheers -Larry