General Dynamics F-111F Aardvark
After the loss of my previous F-111F, I decided it was time to make another. The problem was finding one. I saw some on eBay, but I didn't want to pay the outrageous shipping. But luck happened upon me, and a friend of mine gave me one. Talk about cool! So, thank Fang, you're the coolest!
This was the AMT model that was released a while ago, and was one of the first models to have recessed panel lines. They were a little over done in places, but overall the model looks really good. There were also a few problems with the model, especially in the tail. The engines didn't look right, and the divider between the engines looked wrong too. The vertical tail seemed wrong too.
Fortunately, I had all the parts left from the Hasegawa model, so I just replaced all the not so great parts. It worked out pretty well, and you can't even see where the different parts go on. Those changes made the model look really nice, so I'm glad I kept the old parts. Crazy what holding on to leftovers can do for you.
Problems solved
Other than that, the model went together without a hitch. It didn't have too many things to add on to the bottom though. I figured a simple load of one bomb whould be enough, so that's all it's got. I could have fished around in the spares again, but I didn't really want to go all out with the weapons.
I tried the wash again, but this time it didn't work out as well. I still need to work in the technique, but you can at least some of the panel lines. I've got many, many years to work this one out though. I also need to work on the camo painting. I managed to get it to work, but not after several repaints of some sections. It's not as easy as you'd think.
This one turned out pretty well though. It's a nice change from all teh grey models on my shelf. I've also always liked the F-111. It's got that refined look, but still based on what I call 'brute force engineering.' If you just push something hard enough, it's bound to move sooner or later.