Subject: Re:
From: "Submissions for ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "John Wolstenholme" <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:06:39 -0700

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks again for sending it in.

Steve Bamford
Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com

Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: John Wolstenholme 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Sent: Sunday, July 15, 2007 3:29 AM

  1:32 Academy F/A-18C     built as VFC-12 F/A-18A 

  by John Wolstenholme
  --------------------

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 01.jpg here 

  This model was built over a 13 month period, detailing using numerous aftermarket and some DIY fixes/compromises. It is big and expensive, but engineering wise it was a disappointment: (i) shape/size of intakes (ii) gap when LE flaps are dropped (iii) flaps cannot be set fully down at 45 deg, or they ‘hang’ too low (iv) main gear alignment is a problem (v) poor fit of front fuselage to rear (vi) centreline pylon/ tank gap/longitudinal alignment. Also, I do not know whether it is peculiar to Academy styrene, but I had a lot more problems getting rid of seams on fuel tanks, surface LE’s etc than with any other manufacturer.

   Decals TWB32004 - there are a few things which need correcting; size/thickness of AF tail code, Rescue Arrows too big, numbers in BuNo should not be ‘split’.

  Aires 2038 Wheel Bays Set - time and patience required, but gives some great detail. 

  Black Box BBCS32012 Exterior Set – nozzle detail disappointing regarding inner/outer petals at rear; remedied with Eduard exhaust set. Also, the detailing of their replacement fins (Cockpit set) is poor compared to kit fins. I therefore elected to modify kit parts to –A fins.

  Cutting Edge Cockpit set CEC32119 – only real problem was the fitting of the rear equipment bay. If used as cast, it fits recessed relative to decking, rather than flush. 

  Eduard 32058 Placard set, 32105 Exhaust set, 32106 Exterior set, 32111 Mesh, 32510 Interior set.

  Click on images below to see larger images

        Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 03.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 03.jpg 
       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 04.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 04.jpg 
       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 05.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 05.jpg 
       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 06.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 06.jpg 

   

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 02.jpg here 

  At the time of my build, the CE seamless intakes were not available. My correction involved making front section intake replacements from fibreglass. Having made the moulds, it will be a lot easier for future builds, and save myself money!

  Click on images below to see larger images

        Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 07.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 07.jpg 
       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 08.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 08.jpg 
       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 09.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 09.jpg 
       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 10.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 10.jpg 

   

        Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 11.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 11.jpg 
       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 12.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 12.jpg 
       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 13.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 13.jpg 
       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 14.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 14.jpg 

  There has been a fair share of frustration and setbacks, but overcoming these has increased the level of satisfaction (I think!). Thanks to Bob S of TWB for additional photo info which was invaluable.   

  Photos and text © by J B Wolstenholme

    

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