CivyPilot79 Posted July 22, 2009 Share Posted July 22, 2009 Hi all - I have been trawling this and other sites for a while now trying to find what I need, but to no avail, so here is my first post on ARC. I recently received my Hasegawa 1/48 F/A-18C kit, which I will be reworking as an RAAF F/A-18A. The only problem with the kit as it arrived was that the metal nose landing gear assembly has (what appears to be) the hydraulic actuator bent at an ungodly angle. I have to straighten it, but haven't had a metal part before so am cautious of damaging it further in the process. The bent part is the thinnest part of the piece. I was thinking of soaking it in hot water for 30-sec or so and then straightening it, but wonder if there is a better way. Also, I am having trouble finding some reference photos of certain parts of the Hornet. Specifically, I am still seeking a close-up photo of a 'spike'-type angle-of-attack probe, rather than the vane-type. Further, the RAAF Hornets had stiffener or reinforcement plates installed for the engine mounts, visible forward of the stabilators, aft of the wing trailing edges. The stiffener on the port-side vertical stabiliser is no problem - found a great photo of that. If anyone can assist, I would really appreciate it. This build has been a long time coming - the 20th anniversary scheme for Hornet service in the RAAF. I have held of until I had more kits under my belt and my skills improved, so I am keen on getting this one picture perfect. Cheers, James Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MoFo Posted July 22, 2009 Share Posted July 22, 2009 Can't help with the references, but the metal part will just bend back into place. Hot water won't do anything (good or bad), so just bend it by hand. The metal used is very malleable - that's how it got bent in the first place - so you won't have any problems fixing it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
72linerlover Posted July 22, 2009 Share Posted July 22, 2009 Hi, CivyPilot79, and welcome I'm sorry I don't know the kit you mention, but I guess the metallic part could carry the little stress of bending. Nevertheless I tell you how I've always made actuators, when not included. Take a piece of unifilar (or monofilar) electric wire used in electronics Remove the insulation plastic sleeve and replace it with a plastic tube you may find in the Plastruct or Evergreen sortiment. Your actuator is almost ready, just add the pivots or brackets you need. Most of this tiny section wires are chrome colored, so… Hope this helps Can't be of help for the other questions you post. Please forgive me for that. Regards Euge Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Huey Gunner Posted July 22, 2009 Share Posted July 22, 2009 James- First off, welcome! Newbie buys! Coors Light please :lol: Second. Post this in the "Jet Forum" You'll get ton's o' help as the site is loaded with gifted "Bug" modelers. Third. Don't try to hard for perfection. Remember. It's a hobby. Have fun! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CivyPilot79 Posted July 22, 2009 Author Share Posted July 22, 2009 Cheers all. Euge, I am just starting at scrathbuilding pieces, so if I have troubles I may call on you again for extra guidance. Paul, when you are in Brisbane, Australia next, it'll be my shout. I'll post in the Jet Forum, as you suggested, and the enjoyment I get lately from doing these kits isn't so much reaching the finishing line, but the time taken to reach it. Thanks MoFo, too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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