MikeDadofFour Posted May 8, 2022 Share Posted May 8, 2022 Hi all, Finally getting the 20 year-old Black Box cockpit stuffed into my ATARS bird and would like to know if there are online sources of photos, especially the side consoles and additional ATARS-related items. BTW, removing the kit wheel wells for the Aires set was no walk in the park. Lots of grinding and reaming. Thank goodness for the flex shaft on my Dremel. Thanks! Mike B Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Crash Test Dummy Posted May 8, 2022 Share Posted May 8, 2022 I don't know the answer to your question, but I was curious. My understanding is ATARS can be fitted relatively quickly to any F/A-18D built after a certain serial number, so cockpit changes would have to be minimal. I did find this article related to the BB cockpit set for general corrections (assuming it's the one you have). I also ran across this 1/32 conversion that has a new side console listed as a "ATARS Control Panel" Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MikeDadofFour Posted May 8, 2022 Author Share Posted May 8, 2022 Thanks for sending me back to that, ARC article! I simply couldn’t find it. Will start from there and see how far it takes me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Breaddy-Stack Posted May 9, 2022 Share Posted May 9, 2022 I can confirm Crash Test’s answer that cockpit changes would be minimal. My old man was an ATARS instructor so I asked him. He said the only unique thing in the cockpit of recon birds was a small switch the pilot had. Nothing that would make a huge difference in 1/48th scale. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dave Roof Posted May 16, 2022 Share Posted May 16, 2022 The ATARS control panel is in the aft cockpit for the WSO. There are no controls for the ATARS in the front for the pilot. While the initial plan was to install/remove the pallet as needed, it became clear that wasn't feasible. Once an aircraft was fitted with it, it pretty much stayed on that bird. I know you're building a 1/48 kit, but our 1/32 conversion for the Academy kit includes a replacement panel for the aft cockpit with the control panel. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jmel Posted May 18, 2022 Share Posted May 18, 2022 This book may be of help. It covers the USMC jets and ATARS very thoroughly. Jake https://www.reidairpublishing.com/books/the-modern-hornet-guide-the-boeing-fa-18abcd-exposed Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MikeDadofFour Posted May 20, 2022 Author Share Posted May 20, 2022 On 5/16/2022 at 6:19 AM, Dave Roof said: The ATARS control panel is in the aft cockpit for the WSO. There are no controls for the ATARS in the front for the pilot. While the initial plan was to install/remove the pallet as needed, it became clear that wasn't feasible. Once an aircraft was fitted with it, it pretty much stayed on that bird. I know you're building a 1/48 kit, but our 1/32 conversion for the Academy kit includes a replacement panel for the aft cockpit with the control panel. Thanks Dave! I see your name was in the references for the BB set. What Color were the Sidewalls? Is the NVG Case reasonably accurate in the BB set? It seems to clash with the Grimes Light Cord. Mike B Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MikeDadofFour Posted May 21, 2022 Author Share Posted May 21, 2022 On 5/17/2022 at 10:27 PM, jmel said: This book may be of help. It covers the USMC jets and ATARS very thoroughly. Jake https://www.reidairpublishing.com/books/the-modern-hornet-guide-the-boeing-fa-18abcd-exposed Thanks Jake! I do have the DACO volume on the Hornet but it’s pretty shy on the ATARS Aft Cockpit. Some good exterior shots tho’, Mike B Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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