The first TUDM F/A-18D I kit-bashed from the Revell-Monogram F/A-18C was featured in ARC’s line up for 31st August 2003, as part of the 2003“Merdeka Parade”.

Shortly after that, a local hobby shop asked me to build one more for their display, using the remains of 3 Monogram A-18A kits found in their store room.

I obliged, and decided to kit bash it using the then new Italeri F-18F as a source for the cockpit and the canopy.

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I don’t think the ‘D’ & ‘F’ use the same canopy, but it is pretty close, and the hinges of the F canopy frame need to be removed and replaced.  The F-18F kit cost the same as the old Italeri F/A-18A/B overhere, and so was a natural choice.

I used just the ‘F’ spine fairing, canopy, canopy frame, canopy bow frame, cockpits, ejection seats and the rear instrument panel coaming from the F-18F kit.  All other parts needed to bring the A-18A kit to ‘D’ standard were scratch built from sprue, rod, card, strip and putty, etc.  No dropped flaps this time, though.