I am going to build a VFC-12 Fighting Omars version of the F/A-18. They are A or B versions. Who makes the best kit? I don’t see any A or B versions available at Squadron, can other variants be converted?
Hasegawa makes them both, however they are both OOM these days.
You may choose to buy this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3144127449&category=2587
but the price is on the high side. Externally there are vwry few differences between the A and C models. A couple of ECM fairings on the back spine and the vertical blades in the Lerx that are now applied to all F-18 under service. Ejection seats are different too, but there also are C versions that use the early SJU. There are also several cockpit differences, but even the C versions are not all alike.
In on line model shops from france and spain you may be abble to find the A and B versions. But the expected shipping costs may be very high. Check too Hobbly link and Rainbow ten in Japan.
HTH,
Nuno
Hasegawa has an excellent 1/48 scale Hornet, and in fact on of the newest issues of the ‘A’ includes adversary decals. The only down side is that they’re very expensive. A good alternative is the Revell/Monogram F-18C. While you still have to convert it back to an A, it’s not difficult and much cheaper.
I have an AMT/ Ertl F-18 still in the box, I was told it looks nothing like an F-18 A,B, or C but if you tilt your head and squint …
I’ve had very good success from the Hasegawa kits, but there is alot of work involved to get them looking great. Definately worth the extra cost.
demono69
I see Hasegawa is releasing a Test Pilot School F/A-18 B, I wonder if this will fit the bill?