This
is the 1/48 Monogram AV-8B kit. It was updated with the AMRAAM II+
conversion (all this was bought for my stash before the Hasegawa kit was
released), Eduard photo-etch, some Hasegawa weapons, the Black Box cockpit
and Two Bob's Decals. The kit itself went together just as other
reviews on this site have described. Careful filling/sanding in the intake
trunk pays off.
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Fit
of the AMRAAM conversion was no worse than the kit itself (you can see from the
filler) with the hardest part being the fit of the nose/windscreen interface,
which took alot of putty and contouring. In the process I managed to sand
the Navigation FLIR a little too much. Their ALQ pod is a gem. The
conversion features recessed panel lines so plan on rescribing most of the kit
after removing the raised lines. Overall I was petty happy with the
conversion.
The
Eduard set is essential - it includes the Mild-Detonating Cord (MDC) for the
canopy. This was attached using by pre-bending it to fit then carefully
clamping it into position immediately after the canopy was dunked in Future.
Also included is the slip/pitot instrument, and the barrier flap for sealing the
tunnel between the gun pods. The Black Box cockpit didn't fit well and
took alot of finagleling to get it to work. The seat is nice, but is too
wide for the tub. I think the HUD came from an old Techniks set, as I've
never managed not to break the resin ones that Black Box provides.
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The
model was painted with Testors enamels, and weathered by pre-shading, a light
wash and a dusting of pastels. The weapons load is not really realistic
but looks cool. The Two Bob's decals went on without a hitch, except of a
couple stencils that silvered - and I'm sure this was my fault as the paint job
was rough in these areas. I've since dumped the AZTEC and bought an Iwata
airbrush which works significantly better, and have recently became a huge fan
of Gunze paint.
Donald
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