I must be mad...

Stephan Ryll
Indeed Augie😉 this will be a real big bird - I'll take a seat 🙂

Augie Аутор
Your welcome, tho its not as big as the B-52 of B-47 I have..😉

Augie Аутор
So cockpit work is always where it starts.

Jos Jansen
... and another aardvark ... fantastic, again I grab a seat for your project! 👍

Holger Kranich
I´ll watch this build from my hammock. 😄

Tim Heimer
Augie....if it helps you,....most of us here are too! LOL!

Slavo Hazucha
Watching closely, this is the one I am building too, so my industrial espionage equipment is full-on watching for pitfalls & tricks to apply😉

Derek Huggett
Fear not Augie...'madness' is only a state of mind 🤔 (?) Are you going for the kits 'Tiger Tail' markings on this one, or is it too early to say?

Augie Аутор
Lol thanks guys, she's going tiger tailed Derek.

Dave Flitton
Not my scale, but I love Aardvarks! Pass the popcorn

Augie Аутор
Quick update with progress, getting ready for the detailing

Augie Аутор
Cock pit with some colour in, getting there I think.

Nathan Dempsey
Nice start Augie. I'll join the gallery 🙂

Augie Аутор
welcome!

Kerry COX
Your build will be so eagerly watched Augie, especially the paint works. 👍 🙂

Urban Gardini
Why do you ever ask yourself that question? You're a scale modeller and then per definition a stark raving mad lunatic...

Augie Аутор
hehe thanks urban 🙂

Holger Kranich
You are not mad my dear, you are Vark!😢

Augie Аутор
Lol 🙂

Slavo Hazucha
...We are the Vark... Resistance is futile...!

You will order your kit and your technical and artistic experience will be assimilated by the group build!

Kerry COX
Sounds like a good plan. 🙂 👍 !

Derek Huggett
Make it so!😉

Bart Goesaert
Nice start..

Michael Hickey
Nice start Augie, the Vark is strong with this one I see.🙂

Augie Аутор
Hehe wow thanks guys 😄

Augie Аутор
So quick pics of the cockpit buttoned up.. no seams or edges 😄 woo hoo!!!

Tim Heimer
Don't get mad!, be glad! LOL! Looking good!

Nathan Dempsey
Nice! That buttoned up rather well.

Slavo Hazucha
My congratulations to the freshly married couple! Looks like they were really made for each other!😉

Augie Аутор
😄 thanks guys

Bill Gilman
What's not to like about another F-111? We can never get enough of them. Looking good! 🙂

Maciej Bellos
Joining in rather late.

Kerry COX
Dramas. ! ! ! ! What dramas. ??????
I am pleased you encountered none of the crap I had to deal with. 😉

Augie Аутор
Hehe 🙂 thanks guys, its getting there

Clifford Keesler
How did I miss this one. A Hobby Boss "Vark" count me in please.

Augie Аутор
Lol usual seat?

Clifford Keesler
Yes usual seat please.

Michael Hickey
Looking good Augie, I hope to start to paint my cockpit today.🙂

Donald Dickson II
Off to her usual great start!

Augie Аутор
lol thanks don, so far so good.

Augie Аутор
One thing to note.. the HB instructions have you use the wrong intake for a FB-111 /G. They instruct to use the transnational inlet.. not the one with blow in doors!

clubhyper.com/reference/f111indetailjr_1.htm

Slavo Hazucha
Correct, thanks Augie - I guess the TP I/TP II discussion is the "next big thing" in the group build 🙂

Augie Аутор
Lol well that guide will simplify any discussion

Urban Gardini
A question! This Vark/Pig build. Is it just Hobby Boss 1:48 or is it any kit? And what is the timeframe? I just realized that I got an Italeri in 1:72 that would be perfect for a OOtB build and a bit different compare to my normal building where I almost never manage to build OOtB.

Donald Dickson II
Not just HB as I am building a Hobbycraft kit.

Urban Gardini
Ah, then I'll join in with my Italeri or more correctly ESCI kit...

Michael Hickey
welcome aboard the more the merrier.👍

Augie Аутор
Welcome Urban!

Urban Gardini
Thanks mates!

Augie Аутор
So quick update, had to do a little repair work on the sides after installation of the weapons bays tore the sides out...

The other is my attempt to reproduce the internal exhaust, needs some fettling to get it in fully

Tim Heimer
No worries, no hurry, just do your thing, so far so good!

Augie Аутор
hehe thanks Tim, I usually do😉

Kerry COX
Were the bombs too big. ?

Donald Dickson II
See, I am not sure if I should leave mine as they are, or cut them down more like yours.

Augie Аутор
Don,

Mine are about right I think from pictures, they need feathering in more on one but should be ok.

Kerry,

The bay was a little oversized, I missed it on dry fit and the cyno I used let the plastic fracture so it split the sides.
repaired ok so thats one thing. I've also sourced weapons for her, 2x B-61 2x SRAM 4x tanks, 1x ECM..

Kerry COX
So you were not happy with the kit ordnance. ?

Augie Аутор
Well nope lol its a SAC bomber, kit ordenance is all conventional

Kerry COX
I am so glad I have all you people out there to set me straight on things like what it's role was. 🙂
Otherwise, I would be so uninformed. 👍

Slavo Hazucha
I like the SAC finish with the heraldry & white underside.

The repairs seem fine, looking forward to a strategically equipped one - nice to have so many versions in the group 🙂 👍

Augie Аутор
Hehe thanks 🙂 sorry if that was a little teaching to suck eggs😉

Kerry COX
Augie. No such thing mate. As I was fully unaware of it being a SAC bomber, being blind sided by our use of it when we had it in service, as just a fighter bomber for our dirt. 😉

Augie Аутор
Lol 🙂

Clifford Keesler
How many of us are doing the Bomber version? Yours is looking good Augie.

Augie Аутор
Thanks clifford, its getting there

Slavo Hazucha
@Clifford: we have 2xG, 2xE, 1xC and 1xFB111A so far... still room for A, D, F the Raven or a fearless conversion to B😉

Urban Gardini
Mine is an A

Urban Gardini
How about a Sparkvark?

Slavo Hazucha
Sparkvark/Raven in the group would be really cool - I want to do one at some point, top 10-20 on ToDo list... mid 2020's 😄

Clifford Keesler
Mine is an FB-111A.

Augie Аутор
Woohoo, Welcome Clifford to the bucket of instant sunshine delivery group!

Clifford Keesler
Thanks Augie.

Augie Аутор
🙂 most welcome, so you joining?

Kerry COX
Only those who know what the type is they are building, as they all look exactly alike.👍 🙂

Augie Аутор
very true, only two stood out.. the B and the sparkvark.

Urban Gardini
Well, pigs tend to look the same after all...

Kerry COX
Especially when they are covered in shit. 😉

Urban Gardini
Mmm

Clifford Keesler
Kerry, shame on you. LOL. Yes Augie I'm in with both feet. LOL.

Augie Аутор
Lol sweet! That number 7 or 8 now lol

Bart Goesaert
those intro texts will need an update... 😉

Slavo Hazucha
I got all currently known 7 build checked - you can copy from my header 🙂

Clifford Keesler
Coming along nicely there Augie.

Augie Аутор
Mid dry fit run as it goes together, cockpit seems to of come off well. the rest of the fit is just about perfect, just needs fettling into place

Tim Heimer
Wow woman it's looking good! Nice work!

Augie Аутор
Lol thanks Tim, ninja brush rules😉

Tim Heimer
LOL!

Clifford Keesler
Looking awesome there Lady. It's gonna be a stunner.

Donald Dickson II
Nice!!!

Stephan Ryll
Comming along nicely 👍

Kerry COX
Augie. I am really impressed with your work and results, just wonderful and your putting us to the test to do as well as your doing my friend. 😉 👍
If I may, can I suggest that you reduce the 'slime lights' height to bring them more into 'scale' and more flush with the fuselage skin. . ? Look at this image of the "Boneyard Wrangler' and you will see what I mean. 😉

Image 15. The "Boneyard Wrangler" . | Album by RedRoo

I do enjoy your work. 👍 🙂

Slavo Hazucha
Looking great as it takes shape! 👍

Augie Аутор
Lol thanks Kezza, I suspect slavo is going to have it well beat 🙂.
Good idea with the slime lights, will see what I can do without ruining the finish 🙂

Kerry COX
No worries Augie. It was just an observation, as I did it to mine when first out of the box. 😉 👍

Augie Аутор
yeah i like the idea.. just maybe too late for me now with her semi built, but will give it a look.
She's going together quite easily for so many bits.

Kerry COX
It is a BIG kit, parts wise. I was totally floored when I opened the first one I built. Just packed to the brim.................AND LOVING IT. 🙂 🙂 🙂 hahahahaha !

Kerry COX
with the slime light situation. That can be done to all of them. The tail, upper wing/body and the rear ones. They just needs to be 'reduced' , not removed. 😉

Augie Аутор
ha yea, reduced is the trick.. 🙂 as for the kit.. in the case of the FB.. lots of weaps, none suit the decals lol

Kerry COX
The decals for the weapons are CRAP, but for the bird, they are perfect. 👍
Your making it look easy Augie. 🙂 🙂 🙂 👍

Augie Аутор
thanks Kezza, they are also the wrong weaps for a SAC SIOP vark.. so had to raid daco set for B-61's and the SRAMS are from the B-1..

Kerry COX
It was strange how information about a bomber that was almost 50 years old was still being guarded, and that was also about the weapons they could/did carry. I think HB did as well as they could and gave us the 'conventional' lot that everything else carried. :-9

Augie Аутор
Maybe, though if I can find out information I cant imaging it would of been too hard for them 🙂

Either way, The kit comes with a lovely load of weapons for the weapons stash

Michael Hickey
She's looking sweeet, Augie, can't wait to see her with some colour.👍

Augie Аутор
Thanks Michael, Little way off on that yet, but soon.

Michael Hickey
You're closer to painting than I am, I've just finished gluing in all the electricals in place.

Slavo Hazucha
I am really looking forward to the SAC camo with the white bottom and tiger tail 🙂 👍

Augie Аутор
thanks guys 🙂

Clifford Keesler
I found pictures of them loaded with late version MK-82's, is this not correct? I guess I will have to rob my B-1. Did they carry any LGB's?. The Acadmey kit comes with no weapons at all. Just drop tanks.

Christian Lehmann
👍

Derek Huggett
All this 'Vark activity has had me blowing the dust of my library - 'Modern Combat Aircraft 2: F-111 General Dynamics' by Bill Gunston (1978 ) - very readable contemporary history of the technology (and politics) of this bird (all variants to that time)! Looking good so far Augie! 👍 🙂

Bart Goesaert
Nice link Donald... they had a similar site for the F-15E but that one has disappeared lately...

Augie Аутор
Hi Clifford, FB's in the schemes that come with the kit were generally only bucket of instant sunshine carriers 🙂

Thanks for the link Don, thats the one am using as a guide

Clifford Keesler
I have the new "Dark Vark" decal sheet for mine. They are Dark Gray and 2 tones of green. They were paintied in this scheme in the late 80's early 90's. But no problem I will plan on buckets of instant sunshine. IE SHRAM's.

Augie Аутор
Hehe so we have an Early SAC in mine and a later dark vark in yours. Very cool!

Clifford Keesler
Yea, I already have an early one, so did not want to do another. So I stumbeled across that decal sheet and thought it looked good, so decided to do the Dark Vark.

Augie Аутор
Cool 🙂 should look good the two of em side by side.

Tim Heimer
Hey Cliff, can you call that one the dark vader? LOL!

Clifford Keesler
Sure, why not.

Augie Аутор
Quick set of pics, ones the seats as I've got them too. The other is her, with some paint on

Stephan Ryll
The camo is looking good Augie 👍

Augie Аутор
Thanks Stephan, its been a bit of a pig.. Humbrol paints are not what they used to be sadly.

Stephan Ryll
I think that has to do with REACH, a lot of ingredients are not allowed anymore in colours 🤔

Kerry COX
WOW. ! 😉
What a doll. !
The red certainly does look stark. !
I will be posting my progress soon, just as soon as I water mark all my images, 😉
Love your work Augie. 👍 👍 👍 🙂

Augie Аутор
Indeed Stephan, suspect your right. Will just have to keep buying old ones from fleabay 🙂

Thanks Hans, Love the early SAC colours, will look interesting with the tanks, SRAM under pylons and B-61's in the bays

Thanks Kezza, I doubt anyone would steal mine either so no need to watermark em

Thanks Roland, she is fairly fresh looking, that will change soon as I have paint finished an decals set.. then its time to make her very dirty.

Tim Heimer
Looking good!

Augie Аутор
thanks Tim 🙂

Slavo Hazucha
SAC colors came out really good IMHo 👍 This will be a great show once everything comes together!

Augie Аутор
Thanks slavo, we'll see 🙂 I think it should all smooth out with the matt coat 🙂 will see what fun the flaps are (fit is crap!)

Donald Dickson II
Wow! I am always amazed at what you do with a damn brush. LOL

Kerry COX
Yes, I must agree Donald. I have been watching Augies paint shop for years now, and she has had most of us picking our jaws up off the floor on several occasions. 🙂 👍
Quite talented is our Augie. 😉

Augie Аутор
Thanks Don and Kerry 🙂 I still think your mad, this one is not one of my best by fair. but fun project never the less. 🙂

Nathan Dempsey
I have to agree with Slavo, you nailed those SAC colors Augie!

Augie Аутор
🙂 thanks Nathan

Kerry COX
Augie, I had a cure for you with the flap fit. And I assume your mentioning the extended slats that are red. !
I filed with a square edged file the slots inside the wing cavity where those long rods/bars are meant to go, mostly to get a little more freedom of fit and movement, but it looks like I was a little late in posting the images of what I did. Oh well. ! 🙂

Augie Аутор
Thats ok, I been doing the same on the bars 🙂

Slavo Hazucha
Kerry & Augie definitely way to go - I forced the slats into place without filing, it kind of looked OK, but as the glue was drying it pushed the slat a little forward, resulting in a somewhat "generous" gap...

Clifford Keesler
Looking very nice Augie. Man am I way behind. Got my fwd fuselage done and the wings done. I have resin pylons for min, so they would not fit the swinging pylon fittings in the Acadmey kit. So my wings will be swept full fwd, with the outboard pylons cocked inboard 10 degrees.

Kerry COX
Clifford, Is there a solution for your outer pylon location. ?
As in, making new holes or something similar. ?

Clifford Keesler
When the FB-111A's had 3 pylons installed on each wing, the out board pylon was fixed, it did not pivot. They were offset 10 degrees inboard. Once the aircraft had taken off the wings were retracted to 26 degrees of sweep and that would bring the outboard pylons in line with the fuselage. Any degree of sweep past 26 degrees of sweep the outboard tank and pylon were jettisioned from the aircraft. FB-111's never carried fuel tanks on the inboard pylons. Those were resereved for weapons. Usually buckets of instant sunshine. Though they did sometimes carry MK 82's on the inboard 2 pylons on practice missions.

Augie Аутор
Thing to note, as your doing a FB-111 the outboard pylons were cocked 10 degrees inboard. They were fixed so they were cocked so as the aircraft was at 26degree sweep they were straight. These were always tanks and dropped when used..

Clifford Keesler
Thanks Aug's, you confirmed that my research was indeed correct then. Was hoping someone would confirm it. I braceing myself for the flurry of questions, "what is wrong with your wings"? LOL.

Augie Аутор
Hey no worries, I will have the same with mine anyway.

Donald Dickson II
I knew about the outboard pylons being fixed, but went ahead with them moving with the rest. But, if I use the magnet routine, they will stay where I want them or "jettison".

Clifford Keesler
I guess it was the same on all variants of the Vark?

Augie Аутор
Interesting question, IIRC only the FB flew with pylons on stations 7/2 the other varients didn't generally fly with them.

Slavo Hazucha
does that basicslly mean that both leading pin holes options for the outer pylons are wrong?

+ does anyone have a good source on how the wing/connection looks with the pylon down?

Augie Аутор
Not sure what you mean slavo.

Slavo Hazucha
Augie I meant that the leading holes for placing the pylons on the HB kit offer 2 positions (3 holes per pylon, fully extended/fully swept wings) - fully swept is apparently impossible for the outer fixed-angle pair, but also parallel to the inner 2 is not correct. The correct position wit 6 pylons/extended wings seems to be like this:

google.com/search?q=..imgrc=dHNet6GN4HFqOM

The second question was if anybody has a link or reference how the wing underside looks when the outer pylons are removed - which I intend to do on my model - there must be some type of cover/joint at the positions, not just a filled & sanded wing surface 🙂

Augie Аутор
Ohh, I see what you mean. Perhaps look for under wing pics of F-111E/F they had the outers covered so should give an indication.

Augie Аутор
Quick pic showing off idea for the slime lights, yes thats actually glowing 🙂

Nathan Dempsey
That is sweet Augie!

Augie Аутор
Thanks Nathan, Its not proper sized yet, that was just a test bit 🙂 not bad.

Clifford Keesler
That looks really cool. What did you use?, if it's not a bib secret. Got my wins on today and upper and lower fuselage half's joined. Waiting on my PE nozzle detail set.

Kerry COX
The slime light you have happening here reminds me of a product called 'Glow sheet' that did the same thing. 👍
Is this what you have used here girl. ? 😉

Slavo Hazucha
Wow, looks really good in the dark! How does it look in normal light conditions? I find the typical decal solutions are almost always a weakspot in the finish, this looks interesting 👍

Bart Goesaert
nice thing, how did you do it?

Augie Аутор
Kezza was spot on with what he thought. It'll need a dull coat over it but i love the effect 🙂

Kerry COX
Augie, this 'glow sheet' was first advertised in Fine Scale Modeller magazine over 30 years ago, and where you will see it used to greatest effect is the illuminated numbers on the cars that race Le Mans. ! What connections and power source did you have to do. ?
It looks wonderful Augie and you are the first one to use it in a scale model, from what I have seen. Bloody well done mate. 👍 🙂

Augie Аутор
Ahh wrong thing. This is a tape that glows

Derek Huggett
Come on Augie, don't go all enigmatic on us! Throw some light on the product (did I really just type that?!!)😎

Urban Gardini
I saw someplace in the US that sold glowing slimelight vinyl stickers in 1:48 & 1:32. Mainly F-4 and F-14. The postage was too steep from there to Sweden so I opted out from it.

Kerry COX
Augie has one over all the boys. !!! Yahooooooooooo.
👍 Brilliant stuff Augs'
Now, where do we get it. ? 😉

Donald Dickson II
Yes, come up off the info! LOL

Stephan Ryll
Seems to be a cool stuff 👍 looking very good

Augie Аутор
hehe thanks guys 🙂

This is all it is

amazon.co.uk/gp/prod..le?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Maciej Bellos
That's some pretty nice radio active stuff. 20 feet gives us slime lights for say 1000 models...

Kerry COX
We would all end up glowing in the dark if that was used on every kit that had slime lights. 'Gewp'. !

Clifford Keesler
You never cease to amaze me.

Augie Аутор
thanks Clifford 🙂

Derek Huggett
Oh my sweet Blue Peter! First Parafilm, now fluorescent adhesive tape...what will it be next? Nice one Augie, I can think of a couple of other possible uses beyond 'slime' lights as well - pass me the sticky-back plastic and used plastic detergent bottle quickly! 👍 🙂

Bill Gilman
Way cool slime lights. Thanks for introducing us to this product!

Augie Аутор
Thanks Bill 🙂

Kerry COX
Augie. Don't be surprised if scale mates starts glowing now. 🙂🙂 🙂
You have started a movement that I can see, growing with each post. hehehehehe 👍
I have just ordered mine. 😉

Kerry COX
It would be great as the back lighting on instrument panels and cockpit interior lighting. God. ! The possibilities in application are endless. ! :-O

Derek Huggett
Kerry - so you've had the same thought about cockpit interior lighting too! (Great minds and fools alike!)😉

Augie Аутор
LOL oh god.. what have I done 🙂 this is almost like the wax trick for metal

Kerry COX
You dear Augie have planted a most welcome seed in all our minds. 🙂 👍
I actually used the paint that glowed from Revelle years ago, but it just never look 'right'. :-/
This is a brand new world for all of us, and I for one am most grateful that you sprang the surprise the way you did. !!!
Just fantastic. 👍

Augie Аутор
Lol, I just used something I have on all my light switches 😄

Kerry COX
Brilliant. !
Literally. 👍 hahahahahaha 🙂 🙂 🙂
It must get awfully dark where you live. :-O

Derek Huggett
The ultimate 'light bulb' moment Augie? 😄 😄 😄

Augie Аутор
Ha, no I wear glasses and without them I cant see a thing. This on the switches helps me see them in the dark.

Kerry COX
My imagination is going crazy here. ! hahahahahaha 🙂 🙂 🙂

Nathan Dempsey
You could always make your car look like it came out of the movie Tron
[img1]

Augie Аутор
lol!

Tim Heimer
I guess you can say Augie has lit the way to a new world!

Clifford Keesler
I have to get me some of that. I can just imagine what my 1/32 scale F-14 and F-4 would look like with those slime lights.

Kerry COX
Clifford, Also the instrument dials with the decals sub lit. 👍

Dutch
Augie, you are positively brilliant! I don't know how I missed this thread earlier, but I am tuned in now. Love the SIOP paint.

Bryn Crandell
Watching

Augie Аутор
Lol thanks Dutch glad you like 🙂

Welcome Bryn

Augie Аутор
Quick update with the pics as to where we're at

Patrick Hagelstein
Seeing this build pass by a couple of times but never responded. Now I will, because it's so cool to see the white belly. Something that makes this build stand out from the rest! So many Varks, so many options. 🙂

Augie Аутор
Fun of a SIOP vark 🙂

Kerry COX
Vive La Différence. 🙂 👍 Well done Augie. 😉

Clifford Keesler
Very nice Augie.

Patrick Hagelstein
🙂

Augie Аутор
Huds in place, HB dont actually provide one so from the spares bin

Clifford Keesler
Looking good Aug's.

Dutch
Cliff, it's better than looking good! I love the open avionics bays and cockpit. The pe belts really add life to the kit. My F-111F and EF-111A kits don't have that feature i don't think. But will have to check. I commend Augie for tackling this beast and making a beautiful go it. R/ Dutch

Slavo Hazucha
Nice work on the strategic white belly Augie!😉

Augie Аутор
Thanks guys, white is such a pain to brush paint

Stephan Ryll
Looking very nice Augie 👍

Augie Аутор
Thanks Stephan 🙂

Maciej Bellos
Nice pit Augie!

Augie Аутор
Thanks Maciej 🙂

Michael Hickey
The open avionics bay looks cool.👍

Augie Аутор
Needs some touch up 🙂 but thanks Michael

Clifford Keesler
I agree the open avionics bay is way cool. I did not know that the Hobby Boss kit had that option. I knew you could open the weapons bay. I guess I better save up my pennies and get me one of those. LOL.

Slavo Hazucha
The best thing would really be a merger of the Academy & HB kits... One replaces the failings of the other, together they would make almost a perfect F-111 base... 🙂

Augie Аутор
Perhaps 🙂 but stll hb is a good kit

Slavo Hazucha
Except counting to 6 with the nozzle supports and the theoretically working swing-wing action, HB is afaik the better deal in all other aspects 🙂

Augie Аутор
Well some goofs, but then which manufacturer doesn't these days

Augie Аутор
And so begins the decals 🙂

Kerry COX
An other master piece from our girl. 👍
If your looking at the wing decals, make sure the 'walk' and 'no step' ones are on the correct part of the wing.
Example.
You never walk on a leading edge, and this is where the 'no step' decal should go, and it will be worthwhile trimming them off and position them correctly.
HB got the decals all arse about. 🙁

Slavo Hazucha
Nice going - and the wondertape stripe looks good in daylight conditions too 👍

Augie Аутор
Thanks guys 🙂

Stephan Ryll
Looking good Augie 👍

Clifford Keesler
That is looking just fantastic Aug's very nicely done.

Augie Аутор
Thanks Clifford 🙂

Dutch
Augie. The only fault that I can find is that you chose the 380th BW over the 509th! R/ Dutch

Augie Аутор
Ahhh sorry dutch, had to if i wanted tiger tail 🙂

Clifford Keesler
I also did a 380th BW bird also. But I have another one and it will be done in 509th markings.

Augie Аутор
Half tiger done.. that decal is probably the worst I have ever used.

Clifford Keesler
It sure looks good though.

Augie Аутор
Thanks guys, needs some minor repairs. but I think it will be ok.

Slavo Hazucha
Hope you weather the storm, the tiger tail will look great once fixed!

Augie Аутор
Its think and needs a lot of sol to get down 🙂

B R
Nice one Augie

Patrick Hagelstein
That whole tail fin is one decal??? Nicely done Augie! 👍

Michael Hickey
She looks really good Augie.👍

Augie Аутор
Thanks guys

Holger Kranich
Nice Vark, Augie!

Derek Huggett
Top tiger tail Augie! (The shadow in the background threw my eyes for a moment there!)😎

Holger Kranich
Will you give the landing gear a wash or leave it as it is?

Augie Аутор
Thanks guys,

Yes holly, washes coming after decals complete and sealed 🙂

Kerry COX
And here I was thinking that all combat aircraft were supposed to be 'hidden from view', but some one has decided to 'put on some lippie'. !
A strategic planner she will never be. 😉
But put her in charge of a spray paint facility, and anything is possible. 👍
Even the toughest of them all can come out with a whole new appearance. 😉
I am most impressed Augie. 👍
Always look on the bright side of life..........do do................You know the rest. 🙂
hehehehehehehe🙂 🙂 🙂
Looking forward to the final chapter of your build, as it should be good. 👍 🙂

Augie Аутор
Cheers kezza

Dutch
Augie, I think that FB-111A 68-0247 with the tiger tail WAS from the 393rd BS, 509th BW. It was painted that way for a NATO Tiger Meet at Kleine-Brogel AB, Belgium in June-July, 1978. You have the 380th BW patch on the port fuselage side. I believe that the SAC badge should be superimposed on a SAC sash that circled the stbd fwd fuselage just behind the radome with the 509th badge also the stbd side behind the cockpit. The port nose had a large tiger head squadron badge painted. Airliners photos: airliners.net/photo/..A-Aardvark/1660218/L
airliners.net/photo/..A8Yx0bp%2BAVFTMgA%3D
Notice the small Canadian zap inside the US insignia in the second photo. Still a very nice build.
HTH, Dutch

Stephan Ryll
Very nice tiger meet tailfin 👍

Augie Аутор
Thanks Dutch, I will look. Sadlly you dont get the big tiger head..

Looking at its Starb'd side, thats what I have so far, its the port that wont match. as the kit has port with sash and 380th.. which they copied from the other set of decals... grrrr

Dutch
I have yet to see any accurate decals for the tiger tail 393rd BS scheme. Even IPMS decals were not accurate. I have a set of 1/72 aftermarket decals that has the SAC sash going completely around the nose and no Tiger Head on port side. Grrr indeed!

Augie Аутор
And.. theres no 509th grp decals provided.

Dutch
Augie, let me see what i can find in 1/48 scale for you. R/ Dutch

Dutch
Microscale botched it also! FB-111A (SuperScale International 48-0228, 1:48) It's as if they only had the stbd side view and assumed the port side was the same.

Augie Аутор
Yeap, So going to have to take a little artistic licence. 🙂

Clifford Keesler
That's a bummer.

Augie Аутор
Yes its not finished, but a test with full slime lights in place

Augie Аутор
The slime lights roland 🙂

Kerry COX
I LOVE IT. 👍 👍 🙂🙂

Derek Huggett
You think you're mad Augie? Just try to explain pic. 26 to anyone who has not been following the thread!! But still brilliant! 👍 🙂

Holger Kranich
Slime lights are way coooool!😄

Augie Аутор
Thanks guys 🙂

Maciej Bellos
Great lights Augie!

Slavo Hazucha
Your Vark is ready to join the Watch & beat the Night King😉 Looking great, such a cool idea 👍

Dutch
That's the best photo yet! They really work! Absolutely brilliant!

Patrick Hagelstein
Yesterday I received the roll of tape I ordered after seeing it mentioned in this thread. When I entered my darkened room it lit up! Great stuff! 👍

Derek Huggett
Every night when I 'lights out' to go to bed, my roll of tape stays glowing in the corner of my work area - spooky!

Stephan Ryll
Great, awsome and outstanding result 👍

Slavo Hazucha
@Derek - the tape does not need to eat, to breathe or to sleep... It´s there, sitting in deadly silence watching you & waiting for it´s moment to shine...😉

Patrick Hagelstein
😄

Derek Huggett
@ Slavo - Oh great...thanks a bunch. Just what I need! You don't think it might strike up an alliance with 'The Carpet Monster' to wreak havoc upon my peaceful little world do you? It might become a case for the 'X-Files'! 🤔

Dutch
Little did Derek know that he had entered another dimension of sight and sound....

Dave Flitton
🙂

Clifford Keesler
It glows in the dark. Awesome.

Nathan Dempsey
So that's what it looks like peering over at your wingman while heading to the target in the pitch black darkness.

Derek Huggett
...And somebody has taken over control of my television set!!! I must be reaching my 'Outer Limits' 😮

Clifford Keesler
Yea it's freaky flying at night when that is all you can see.

Augie Аутор
Quick update with the pylons on 🙂

Patrick Hagelstein
Better get my sunglasses out then! 😉

Augie Аутор
Well, standard SIOP load for the time period. had to go with it else I would never get to use em 🙂

Slavo Hazucha
Light is back on and this keeps looking better and better! Tiger-tail - check, load-out including the special angle outer pylons - check & I really like the last shot of the bomb bay 👍 Including the nozzle ring that got picked up by the landing gear😉

Stephan Ryll
Very nice silver cigars

Augie Аутор
thanks guys 🙂

Slavo, that ring is just supporting the gear while one of the supports sets again 🙂

John Ballman
Cool Tiger Scheme, Thanks for sharing

Augie Аутор
Thanks John 🙂

Kerry COX
I am most impressed with your work Augie. 👍 It's been a pleasure to see each post as you built. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Maciej Bellos
Never seen the weapons bay of a Vark... Cool!

Augie Аутор
Thanks guys

Tim Heimer
Looks great Augie!

Augie Аутор
Thanks Tim 🙂

Mike Daniels
Great! Looks like a mean bit of kit.

Augie Аутор
Thanks Mike 🙂

Nathan Dempsey
That's the scariest load-out I've ever seen.

Augie Аутор
Hehe it is nathan, whats more scary is its an actual loadout!

Nathan Dempsey
Sure is. If ever I'm feeling overwhelmed I will think of the amount of responsibility on those airmen's shoulders.

Clifford Keesler
Excellent job Augie. That is one mean looking bird.

Dutch
Very, very nice! If that is a cell phone case next to it on the shelf, she is a very large bird of prey indeed! Hmm... from the parts arrayed next to it, I wonder what the next project will be.

Augie Аутор
Thanks Dutch, so more decals on, more bits on..

Tim Heimer
Man that looks impressive!

Michael Hickey
I agree, very impressive.👍

Augie Аутор
Thanks chaps 🙂 glad you like do close to the end now

Holger Kranich
Looks really very cool, this pig!

Slavo Hazucha
Great setup for the final meters, really like the open avionics bays and the SAC heraldry!

Augie Аутор
Thanks slavo 🙂

Stephan Ryll
Looking very good Augie 👍

Augie Аутор
As she's nuke, she needs blast curtains, so this is a trial of making one.

Slavo Hazucha
Great detail Augie 👍

Maybe one suggestion - on pics I have seen, the curtains seem not to be all-too even, if you are using alu foil as it seems, maybe it would look cool to twist it a little, then even out and fold to final form with a less even surface?

Just an idea 🙂

[img1]

Augie Аутор
So, she's done 🙂 really happy with it

Patrick Hagelstein
Looking really awesome! 👍

Augie Аутор
Thank you Patrick and Roland.

Stephan Ryll
Very nice work On that „Vark" Augie 👍

Augie Аутор
thanks 🙂

Urban Gardini
She turned out great mate, well done!

Augie Аутор
Thanks Urb 🙂

Nathan Dempsey
That is one big bird! Nicely done 🙂

Augie Аутор
Thank you 🙂

Maciej Bellos
I bow to thee, oh great brushmaster!

Kerry COX
Augie. 👍 🙂 My heartiest congratulations on bringing to life a most difficult camo scheme and subject. 👍 👍
Your attention to detail is well noted my friend. 😉
I just love what you have achieved. 👍
Cheers and salute. 🙂
(I LOVE image 38. 👍 )

Augie Аутор
Thanks guys 🙂 thank you kerry you are too kind

Donald Dickson II
That certainly turned out well! Another great job!

Augie Аутор
Thanks Don! 🙂

Kerry COX
😉

Clifford Keesler
Agree with everyone else Augie, another one very well done. Congrats.

Augie Аутор
Thanks Clifford 🙂 Wished i did a dark one too😉

Clifford Keesler
Yours is very nice. I like the dark one's they look "mean". LOL.

Clifford Keesler
What colors did you use on yours, I think I would like to do one in that scheme, if I can get ahold of another FB-111. How was the HB kit?

Dutch
Yes, I like Photo #38 too! Beautiful build, Augie. A worthy effort and one to be proud of.

Christian Lehmann
Well done Augie 👍

Slavo Hazucha
I raise my glass to a strategic toast for a great finish! 🙂 Another Vark through the finish line, great show, it was a pleasure to watch it get there all the time! 👍

Derek Huggett
Serious 'Vark Augie. 👍

Augie Аутор
Thanks guys 🙂 really appriciate it.

Clifford, the kit is easy enough as long as your careful 🙂
Mine was painted in humbrols, 116, 31, and the brown was a rather old HM8 Khaki drill (authentic range, older than I am)

Maciej Bellos
Where did you get hold of that vintage tin of paint?! It's a small treasure, million times better than the current bunch of humbrol tins. I have some 25 year old tins, still going on.

Augie Аутор
Maciej, I've been collecting paints for many years, I think this one came from my grandfather 🙂

Maciej Bellos
Wow!

Clifford Keesler
Cool. I have not used Humbrol since I was stationed in Germany in the 70's, though like you I have some old tins. Thanks for the info. I think I may have to grab up one of the HB kits.

Augie Аутор
The HB Kits are well worth it, they are great detail and other than the burners being 5 Actuator instead of 6, they are easily OOB better than academy.

Downsides if your building a FB-111, they dont have the correct pylons and the afore mentioned actuator issue.

Intakes are a little simplified but this is the same of all, instructions tell you to use translational inlet, not the triple plow.

Weapons included are wholy wrong for a FB in SAC service, tho would work for post nuclear role

Urban Gardini
Even my old ESCI had six actuators per can...

Slavo Hazucha
It's less than 20% difference, we should not be so harsh in judgement😉 I think nothing beats the "2x same wing" treatmemt of Greg's Trumpeter kit...

I agree with Augie, the HB kit is really nice, especially the surface details are very good.

Clifford Keesler
I have an extra set of Academy cans, maybe they would work, and OZ Mods makes the correct resin pylons.

Augie Аутор
Indeed, tis where my pylons came from 😄

Clifford Keesler
I saw the OZ mods cans last night on line and ordered a set for the other 111 I am building now. @Augie, that is where I got the pylons for both my 111's. Wish they made more stuff for other aircraft, I rather like their resin bits.

Donald Dickson II
I just bought their conversion kit to make an A-26K

Clifford Keesler
Do they have a website. I usually just get what I can find on E-Bay.

Clifford Keesler
Thanks Donald.

Nathan Dempsey
I just noticed several Ozmods items listed on ebay in the USA from a seller I've purchased many items from. Quick service and good price.

Donald Dickson II
Probably the same guy I was gonna get that conversion from, but he sold it before I had the extra money.

Clifford Keesler
I think I know the guy you are talking about Nathan, if it is the same guy, I buy a ton of stuff from him.