We just had a new Hobby Lobby open up here in Nashville, and when I stopped by there yesterday they had Academy’s 1/32 scale Desert Storm F-18 Hornet on sale for 1/2 off. Their regular price was $144 so that would make it $72. If anyone is looking for this model you might keep an eye out at your local HL stores since they have 1/2 off sales frequently and apparently do carry the model. If you happen to be in the Nashville area, it’s the new store in Hermitage.
This might be a dumb question, but what is the difference between the “Desert Storm” Hornet kit versus the “original” release of this kit?
Thanks.
Brian
If it’s a dumb question, I can’t really answer it [:)] I did notice on the box that it said “Limited Production” and has some special decals (I can’t remember exactly what they said about them). I’m not a big Hornet fan, so I didn’t spend much time looking over it.
scott, thats the one i’ve been eyeballing since i first learned of the 1/2 off sales!!! i’ve yet to find it in the ones i shop in, but i’m ever diligent. don’t have the cash now anyway, but thats encouraging to know that some stores do stock it. i’ve seen it there a couple of times myself. the academy 1/48 tomcat has my attention too, but HL had niether the last go around. thanks for sharing, later.
Five hours to Nashville, 5 minutes at the store, 5 hours back and it can be yours!
I think the only difference is the paint scheme and decals. So, accordingly, Academy raises the price by about $20. And, BEWARE!!! I have recently completed the original release of this kit (see topic “Academy 1/32 F/A-18C Hornet” elsewhere in this forum), and my main landing gear struts are S L O W L Y bending outward and upward, which is causing the main wheels to sit at a 45 degree angle instead of completely vertical. If you can, buy the aftermarket white metal landing gear. I don’t know who makes them, but I have heard that there is a company out there doing so. The kit comes with metal reinforcements for the struts, but, obviously, they’re not strong enough. Good luck with yours!!
That didn’t come out the way I meant it to … what I meant to say was that if it’s a dumb question then I must be dumb since I can’t answer it.
My Trumpeter F-105 was the same way. Luckily I read a review of it before I built it (Trumpeter didn’t even provide any stiffeners for the plastic gear). My metal gear came from Aeroclub Models but I don’t know if they are the same ones that make the Hornet gear.
scott, it seems you’d offer me a place to sleep and a grilled steak, blackened, baked potatoe with butter n sour cream, and a nice salad warm meal. that way i could come get the kit, get some rest and grub, and you’d actually have a friend, all be it for a short time, and we both could benefit. what do ya say?!![:p][:D] later.
Jeez Chris, It might be at one of the 4 Hobby Lobby stores here. I’d offer you a steak and a super comfortable leather couch to sleep on. 
I think Tulsa might be a bit more of a drive however.
Sure, we can do that! There’s a McDonalds right near the Hobby Lobby and I’ve got a nice comfortable chaise lounge on my deck (well, actually it’s not that comfortable but at least I don’t think it’s supposed to rain much)! Sounds like a great idea to me [:)]
They’re the same kit, but the Operation Iraqi Freedom version has new box art and Iraqi Freedom decals. The newer version has about a $30 premium on it though.
In my opinion, I think Academy should have just released the Iraqi Freedom version from the get-go, but I guess it didn’t appeal to them from a marketing perspective. They probably figured they could milk the market better by releasing two versions so idiots like me would buy both. [;)]
Gee, thanks scott!!![V][B)][:D] i guess i’ll just take my chances around here!! later.