Triple Nickel Growler in progress
![Album image #1 Album image #1](/albums/img/2/7/3/1761273-89791-47-720.jpg)
The new Quickboost ECS pipes were installed. I also used the Eduard PE set of my F/A-18E to add the circular vents correcting the kit. The circular PE (part # 55 for the AoA area) was added with one of the unused mesh parts.
![Album image #2 Album image #2](/albums/img/2/7/4/1761274-89791-10-720.jpg)
Here, trying to add more detail to the instrument panel coaming. More to be added.
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A general view of the major components and the built-up wings with the new aftermarket set from Flight Line Resin.
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The "missile fin area" has been filled using a styrene sheet on both sides. I am not sure how Trumpeter decided this was an actual part of the aircraft.
![Album image #5 Album image #5](/albums/img/2/7/7/1761277-89791-66-720.jpg)
Added weight inside the radar housing and placed on the kit forward fuselage. I also added the Master AoA probe. The kit wants you to have the refueling probe and electronics bays open. When closing these up, a bit of work is to get it flush.
![Album image #6 Album image #6](/albums/img/2/7/8/1761278-89791-95-720.jpg)
The underside of the forward fuselage has no gun vents. Those need to be filled/sanded. Also added some more PE from the Eduard set to the forward landing gear bay. The Flight Line Resin gear is highly detailed and fits like a glove on the front.
![Album image #7 Album image #7](/albums/img/2/7/9/1761279-89791-95-720.jpg)
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The cockpit tub was cleared of the raised detail for the Quinta Studio set.
![Album image #9 Album image #9](/albums/img/2/8/1/1761281-89791-37-720.jpg)
GT Resin, I hope this goes well trying to use this set. I am not sure what is harder, using the kit-provided parts or this.
![Album image #10 Album image #10](/albums/img/2/8/2/1761282-89791-40-720.jpg)
The engine faces from GT Resin. So abysmal. I will have to open the intake where it meets the engine to get the kit parts to fit.
![Album image #11 Album image #11](/albums/img/2/8/3/1761283-89791-92-720.jpg)
This is the kit-provided exhaust cans and exhaust. The engine is a cool add-on but of course, will not be seen.
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We can see the ResKit exhaust is much superior.
![Album image #13 Album image #13](/albums/img/2/8/5/1761285-89791-97-720.jpg)
![Album image #14 Album image #14](/albums/img/2/8/6/1761286-89791-49-720.jpg)
Because I got the Quinta Studio light set (not the full), I will have to add the side wall panels once in the kit. But first the priming and painting stage.
![Album image #15 Album image #15](/albums/img/2/8/7/1761287-89791-80-720.jpg)
The kit provided HARM missile, not too bad.
![Album image #16 Album image #16](/albums/img/2/8/8/1761288-89791-13-720.jpg)
The ALQ99 does not have the correct shape. My skills are not good enough to shape it correctly. Hopefully, soon, someone can come out with a good 3d printed set.
![Album image #17 Album image #17](/albums/img/2/8/9/1761289-89791-35-720.jpg)
![Album image #18 Album image #18](/albums/img/2/9/0/1761290-89791-77-720.jpg)
![Album image #19 Album image #19](/albums/img/5/9/0/1763590-89791-28-720.jpg)
Modified the JHMCS sensors. Trumpeter decided that the pilot would have two, one on each canopy rail. Looking at the Eduard interior set instructions, I added the detail for the lower part of the aft canopy as well.
![Album image #20 Album image #20](/albums/img/5/9/1/1763591-89791-88-720.jpg)
Here I added the aft bulkhead using thin styrene.
![Album image #21 Album image #21](/albums/img/5/9/2/1763592-89791-30-720.jpg)
The back seat instrument panel needed sidewalls.
![Album image #22 Album image #22](/albums/img/5/9/3/1763593-89791-80-720.jpg)
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Added additional reinforcement plates for the WSO's glare shield.
![Album image #24 Album image #24](/albums/img/5/9/5/1763595-89791-39-720.jpg)
![Album image #25 Album image #25](/albums/img/5/9/6/1763596-89791-51-720.jpg)
Added vanes to the bypass pressure vents which the kit was devoid of. The openings were sanded down a bit more to give the vents a thinner look.
![Album image #26 Album image #26](/albums/img/5/9/7/1763597-89791-29-720.jpg)
More detail was added to the canopy actuator area. Hopefully, I can source the interior Eduard set to add more to this area.
![Album image #27 Album image #27](/albums/img/5/9/8/1763598-89791-40-720.jpg)
![Album image #28 Album image #28](/albums/img/8/1/9/1763819-89791-98-720.jpg)
Looking through my stash, I found this aftermarket HUD for the Academy legacy bug and I wondered, "Can I make this fit?" Not too shabby...
![Album image #29 Album image #29](/albums/img/8/2/0/1763820-89791-19-720.jpg)
Looking through the forums over at Large Scale Planes, one of the members did this and I must admit, the WSO's rear instrument canopy looks much better now with the added handles.
![Album image #30 Album image #30](/albums/img/8/2/1/1763821-89791-54-720.jpg)
Added a bit more detail in the canopy actuator area which resides above the turtleneck on the most aft canopy section.
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Jack Melampy's book has been invaluable in this Growler build. I love it yet it makes me add more work to this kit.
![Album image #33 Album image #33](/albums/img/2/9/5/1765295-89791-69-720.jpg)
Comparison of the kit and the ResKit exhaust set. The detail is so much more refined on the ResKit set.
![Album image #34 Album image #34](/albums/img/2/9/6/1765296-89791-66-720.jpg)
S
![Album image #35 Album image #35](/albums/img/2/9/4/1765294-89791-71-720.jpg)
Test fitting. The inside housing that holds the exhaust cans may need to be trimmed to fit the larger diameter of the ResKit parts. More on that later when the fuselage halves are placed together.
![Album image #36 Album image #36](/albums/img/2/9/8/1765298-89791-92-720.jpg)
I decided to use the seamless intakes from GT Resin. I had used previous parts from this company and was not impressed. Here, it is not too bad. Hopefully, I can get them to fit when I place all the parts together.
![Album image #37 Album image #37](/albums/img/2/9/7/1765297-89791-33-720.jpg)
Test fit.
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More test fitting. Overall, not too bad.
![Album image #39 Album image #39](/albums/img/9/7/2/1774972-89791-34-720.jpg)
Placed supports for the horizontal stabs and inserted a pin to better support the parts. Note the housing for the engine cans. I trimmed the parts to better fit the whole Reskit exhaust assembly.
![Album image #40 Album image #40](/albums/img/9/7/3/1774973-89791-89-720.jpg)
Here is what I used for the steel pins, an old molex hard drive connector.
![Album image #41 Album image #41](/albums/img/9/7/4/1774974-89791-77-720.jpg)
Here, I had to remove the raised formation light detail on the inside of the vertical stabs.
![Album image #42 Album image #42](/albums/img/9/7/5/1774975-89791-34-720.jpg)
Here is what it looked like before removing the inside of the formation lights. I will have to lower the raised panel on the outer parts of the vertical stabs.
![Album image #43 Album image #43](/albums/img/9/7/6/1774976-89791-91-720.jpg)
Here are the results from how they come out of the box (above).
![Album image #44 Album image #44](/albums/img/9/7/7/1774977-89791-10-720.jpg)
The GT Resin intake has a top lip that needs to be cut.
![Album image #45 Album image #45](/albums/img/9/7/8/1774978-89791-98-720.jpg)
![Album image #46 Album image #46](/albums/img/9/7/9/1774979-89791-71-720.jpg)
Parts are now glued in place. This took some effort to minimize cleanup.
![Album image #47 Album image #47](/albums/img/9/8/0/1774980-89791-94-720.jpg)
The gaps here need to be dealt with regardless.
![Album image #48 Album image #48](/albums/img/9/8/1/1774981-89791-20-720.jpg)
Test fitting the bottom front fuselage.
![Album image #49 Album image #49](/albums/img/9/8/2/1774982-89791-15-720.jpg)
There are more gaps to contend with.
![Album image #50 Album image #50](/albums/img/9/8/3/1774983-89791-29-720.jpg)
Note the block I added inside the middle fuselage to allow the fairing to contact the top of the intakes.
![Album image #51 Album image #51](/albums/img/9/8/4/1774984-89791-86-720.jpg)
More test fitting.
![Album image #52 Album image #52](/albums/img/9/8/5/1774985-89791-13-720.jpg)
And more cleanup is needed.
![Album image #53 Album image #53](/albums/img/9/8/6/1774986-89791-58-720.jpg)
I was able to source the Eduard internal PE set for the Growler to add detail to the turtleneck. Looks better already. Too bad it is out of production.
![Album image #54 Album image #54](/albums/img/9/8/7/1774987-89791-87-720.jpg)
A combination of Tamiya putty was used for the back. In the front intake area, I used CA with talcum powder mix.
![Album image #55 Album image #55](/albums/img/9/8/8/1774988-89791-20-720.jpg)
PE was added for the main wheel wells.
![Album image #56 Album image #56](/albums/img/9/8/9/1774989-89791-96-720.jpg)
More of the Eduard 32735 set was added.
![Album image #57 Album image #57](/albums/img/3/3/2/1777332-89791-64-720.jpg)
Added additional detail in the aft cockpit bulkhead.
![Album image #58 Album image #58](/albums/img/3/3/3/1777333-89791-62-720.jpg)
Fitting with the aftermarket seats. I still have more cleanup to do on the seats after the removal of the 3D printer supports.
![Album image #59 Album image #59](/albums/img/4/1/4/1777414-89791-62-720.jpg)
And finally, I got the Quinta decals on. It sure beats having to paint all that detail.
![Album image #60 Album image #60](/albums/img/4/1/5/1777415-89791-70-720.jpg)
![Album image #61 Album image #61](/albums/img/4/1/6/1777416-89791-53-720.jpg)
Cleaned up the Resin2Detail seats and painted them. I first used MrSurfacer1500 black as a base and detailed with Vallejo paints.
![Album image #62 Album image #62](/albums/img/4/1/7/1777417-89791-19-720.jpg)
![Album image #63 Album image #63](/albums/img/4/1/8/1777418-89791-34-720.jpg)
Decals from the kit were placed on the seats and then glued the PE back on.
![Album image #64 Album image #64](/albums/img/4/1/9/1777419-89791-97-720.jpg)
![Album image #65 Album image #65](/albums/img/6/4/6/1779646-89791-61-720.jpg)
FlightLineResin Landing Gear. Top notch stuff from Richard VanZandt.
![Album image #66 Album image #66](/albums/img/6/4/7/1779647-89791-11-720.jpg)
A quick comparison of the resin compared to the kit. No contest.
![Album image #67 Album image #67](/albums/img/6/4/8/1779648-89791-50-720.jpg)
PE added to the gear doors. Also added a bit wee detail to the front gear bay door.
![Album image #68 Album image #68](/albums/img/6/4/9/1779649-89791-71-720.jpg)
Here is the missing antenna added to the outside of the door. I figured it would be easier to add a thin styrene sheet rather than scribe it on the contoured door.
![Album image #69 Album image #69](/albums/img/6/5/0/1779650-89791-48-720.jpg)
Trumpeter and their very basic approach to a model kit at this scale. The arrestor hook assembly is just awful.
![Album image #70 Album image #70](/albums/img/6/5/1/1779651-89791-60-720.jpg)
Here is an example of what it should look like.
![Album image #71 Album image #71](/albums/img/6/5/2/1779652-89791-80-720.jpg)
And the hook itself.
![Album image #72 Album image #72](/albums/img/6/5/3/1779653-89791-19-720.jpg)
Some modifications, although not completely accurate.
![Album image #73 Album image #73](/albums/img/6/5/4/1779654-89791-47-720.jpg)
But I must say this looks much better already.
![Album image #74 Album image #74](/albums/img/6/5/5/1779655-89791-61-720.jpg)
Note that I removed the antenna-looking boomerang device forward of the arrestor hook. That is a guide for a cable-towed decoy (AN/ALE-50). The Growler does not utilize one.
![Album image #75 Album image #75](/albums/img/6/5/6/1779656-89791-45-720.jpg)
Nose cone on with an added weight, just in case.
![Album image #76 Album image #76](/albums/img/6/5/7/1779657-89791-15-720.jpg)
It's getting there. This kit has been a workload, albeit a nice challenge.
![Album image #77 Album image #77](/albums/img/6/5/8/1779658-89791-35-720.jpg)
Added PE to the top where a grill exists on the real aircraft. Trumpeter just made a depression there to simulate the look of the vent.
![Album image #78 Album image #78](/albums/img/5/5/6/1780556-89791-48-720.jpg)
The wings are finally on after cleaning up all the seams on the main fuselage. Now to clean up the wing roots.
![Album image #79 Album image #79](/albums/img/2/8/5/1787285-89791-92-720.jpg)
Here I decided to take off the aileron shrouds and add a small styrene sheet to complete the gap where they meet the main fuselage.
![Album image #80 Album image #80](/albums/img/2/7/2/1787272-89791-82-720.jpg)
The leading edge flaps from FlightLine were longer than expected. When dry fitting now that the main wing assembly is on, it turns out that a small modification will be needed to make it fit.
![Album image #81 Album image #81](/albums/img/2/7/3/1787273-89791-45-720.jpg)
Here y
![Album image #82 Album image #82](/albums/img/2/7/8/1787278-89791-35-720.jpg)
After cutting and sanding roughly 2mm off, now I have a good fit, although I did kill the sleek edge that is closest to the main LEX fuselage.
![Album image #83 Album image #83](/albums/img/2/7/4/1787274-89791-19-720.jpg)
The ALQ-218 antennas are on.
![Album image #84 Album image #84](/albums/img/2/7/9/1787279-89791-99-720.jpg)
There was a gap on the leading edge flap so I decided to put a thin (2mm) to simulate the upper fairing of the leading edge flap.
![Album image #85 Album image #85](/albums/img/2/8/0/1787280-89791-60-720.jpg)
This is what it looks like when I add the LEF.
![Album image #86 Album image #86](/albums/img/2/8/1/1787281-89791-46-720.jpg)
The aileron shrouds attached with the minor modification. The ALQ-218 antennas are also now attached to the rear of the bottom fuselage without much trouble. Note the top antenna fairing is also on.
![Album image #87 Album image #87](/albums/img/2/8/2/1787282-89791-72-720.jpg)
The LEFs are glued. The main ailerons are being test fitted to see how they all align in place.
![Album image #88 Album image #88](/albums/img/2/8/3/1787283-89791-86-720.jpg)
Looking pretty good now, although it has been a struggle to get to this point. The work is paying off.
Commenti
21 5 July, 07:33
Album info
Sporadic pictures of my build progress. I am using this to capture the build process for future builds.
Many after-market items are being added to this build as well as some scratch building to try to get this Growler as close to the real thing.