1/72 F-111K Merlin

[Seabo14]

Hello,

After my not-so-successful Mosquito last year, I've finally returned to the world of Whiffery with a couple of cold war subjects. I have a 16 Sqn TSR.2 ready for pictures being posted once I can get my camera, and, still in the RAF bomber mood, have started an F-111K.

The base kit is an ESCI/AMT/Italeri 111A, with no extras except what I can make, due to a lack of anyone producing them. I may or may not use my new 3d printer, which was used to make a recce pod for my TSR.2.



This is all I can post so far, taken with my terrible phone camera, better pics should be up soon. I've assembled both wings, and have begun work on the cockpit.

Can any F-111 experts tell me whether the canopy 'doors' were hinged separately, e.g. when one opened, the other didn't (which I expect is the case), or not?
Thanks,

Seabo14

[TsrJoe]

the canopy doors were hinged independently. If you are on Facebook have a looksee at the TSR.2 Research Group page, I have posted an F.111K album there which covers the changes required (primarily. retractable refuelling probe mounted forward of the windscreen, and centreline stores pylon/reconnaissance pallet)

cheers, Joe

[Gondor]

The A is an excellent base for a K

I must get back to working on mine 

Gondor

[rickshaw]

the canopy doors were hinged independently. If you are on Facebook have a looksee at the TSR.2 Research Group page, I have posted an F.111K album there which covers the changes required (primarily. retractable refuelling probe mounted forward of the windscreen, and centreline stores pylon/reconnaissance pallet)

cheers, Joe

Had a look at your TSR.2 Research Group.  Interesting, Joe.  Only one minor correction.  The RAAF never referred to its F-111Cs as "Aardvarks" (nor BTW did the USAF).  They were always, "Pigs" - cause they always had their snout down in the weeds.   

[Captain Canada]

Sounds good ! Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

[Seabo14]

There has been progress on this, I've just been too busy to post it
The cockpit interior was nicely fitting and detailed, except for the rather undersize instrument decal. The decal sheet is very odd, with bright yellow backing, so I thought the yellow dials on the IP were transparent. Nope. They were sorted out with a small brush fairly quickly though.


I've made the (regrettable) decision to build this radome-open, as it had an identical radar fit to the F-111D. I think my kit got damaged by its previous owner, as the forward fuselage fit was horrible. The nose fitted fine, but the upper section was very warped, and superglue had to be used.



The more I build of this kit the more I am confused by its engineering. The sprues seem to have been designed by 4 different people. The forward fuselage is about 1mm too thin above and below to fit the main body, and while the fuselage underside is sloped, the weapons bay doors are straight. This means they don't fit without ~2mm gaps underneath. The fin sprue seems to be moulded in a darker, more olive coloured plastic, which is very brittle and hard to cut, compared to the ridiculously soft main plastic. Oh well.


Here's the radar and blanking plate so far-



Since posting, the GPS antenna on the nose has been filled, in preparation for the probe scribing, and the fuselage gaps have been filled and sanded.

Thanks for watching,

Seabo14

PS. Does anyone know if the 111D's radar has the horseshoe-shape mounting for the radar? I've seen a picture online but don't know if its the right model.