New 2017 Academy and GWH 1/72 F-15E

[Paul Boyer]

Apparently, "Modeler's Edition" has the new press-fit (no glue needed) assembly like the MCP editions (Multi-Colored Plastic) without the multi-colored plastic or the press-on sticker markings. So it's aimed at modelers who prefer to paint and use waterslide decals but will also enjoy the advanced technology of the tightly fitting parts and no-glue assembly. 

[Gene K]

46 minutes ago, Paul Boyer said:

Apparently, "Modeler's Edition" has the new press-fit (no glue needed) assembly ... .

 

Ah so...thanks.

 

Gene K

[White Wolf]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWPv5o9o_f0 Full build of the Academy kit.

 

Looks like a really nice kit. Will definitely get one when it's released here.

[Falconxlvi]

Looks nice, except the exhausts (full closed on the ground = DEEC trouble!).  Also, the weapons are appropriate for a F-15K, but there are no E's flying with the AIM-9X just yet and the shoulder CFT pylons aren't plumbed for "smart" weapons.  Otherwise, a nice looking kit.  

[Falconxlvi]

I just picked up the Academy F-15K.  A couple of observations-

 

1.  The new F-15K Sprue includes the Tiger Eye IRST pylon above the SNIPER pod, as well as two vertical stabs that just have the counterweights in top.  The F-15E stabs are not included, so you won’t be able to build a US bird with this release.   

2. Detail is a bit heavy - and I mean both recessed detail and protrusions (such as the stiffeners on the vertical and horizontal stabs).  Nothing some primer and sanding can’t fix, but again, as someone who was around F-15E’s daily for 7 years, those details aren’t nearly as pronounced or obvious as Academy has made them.   

3. The fuel tanks are moulded integrally to the Station 2 and 8 pylons- which is a bummer if you wanted to put something else there, like some sweet CMK Taurus cruise missiles for the F-15K.  It’s not an “easy” cut to take the tank off without losing the sway braces.  The fuel tank to pylon plastic moulding extends well beyond the actual tank to pylon sway braces (to the rear), which is a bummer.  You will need to paint the area between the tank and pylon black or run a real dark wash to hide it.  

4.  The kit comes with some really nice ordnance, but again, due to the snap together nature of the kit, if you want to mount something else, it will be a pain.  The inner LAU’s have a huge cutout for the corresponding AIM-9X, which has a moulded bracket that slots into the cutout.  Likewise, the BRU-46/47 stations have two huge pegs to mount the 12 included GBU-38s.  You will have to snip each of them off if you want to use something other than the GBU-38s.  Each GBU-38 also has two ejector pin marks you will have to fill in on the top side of the bomb.  These might not be hugely visible once mounted, but...we’re nit picking.  

5.  The Pratt exhausts are garbage but the GE nozzles look fantastic! Two of the four box markings are for GE birds.  I plan on doing one of those.   

 

I’m planning on an in-progress thread, so stay tuned!

 

Steve

Edited May 5, 2018 by Falconxlvi
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