Hey all, I would like to share some photos of my lastest off the workbench, AMT/ Ertl’s old 1/72nd scale F-111F Aardvark. I obtained this kit by trading a completed F-111"A" with a friend for his unbuild “F”. (Sucker!, LOL) I corrected numerous inaccuracies with the kit, specifically the pitot tube, re-contoured the canopy fairing, added UHF antenies, added static discahrger whips, and added the proper weapons and pods to make it an accurate Desert Storm veteran. I also cast resin pilots to fly this “beast” and displayed the model on my familiar, custom in-flight stand with info placard. For you painting a finishing folks, I gave the enamels a rest this time guys and painted and finished the model entirely with Tamiya acrylics. I airbrushed the camo freehand with my trusty Iwata and I weathered it with a sludge wash.
My Aardvark depicts one of two F-111F’s from 495 AMU/ 48 TFS, Lakenheath that was tasked to strike a bunker, at Taji Airbase Iraq, in an attempt to get Sadam Hussein on 27 February 1991. This aircraft was the first warplane to deploy the massive GBU-28 Paveway “Deep Throat” laser guided bomb and…missed. Accompanied by his wingman, flying serial #(70-2387) released theirs and scored the direct hit. As history would have it, this would be the “last dance” for the Aardvark in USAF service. After the war, in 1992 the 48 TFS transitoned to the fomidable F-15E Strike Eagle. Hope you like, thanks for looking!
Great looking Vark. The weapons load is very realistic looking. The only negative comment I can offer is the F-111F carried the AIM-9P Sidewinders as they had the small wings which allowed clearance for the small pylons to wing . The AIM-9M had the larger wing and did not have the clearance. If loaded the larger wing would come in contact with the pylon and wing of the aircraft. That is why only the small wing AIM-9P was used. Other than that, it is a very detailed model. Excellent work on it.
Man, that is one outstanding build. I’m looking forward to doing one myself, had it on the list, now I may need to bump it up! Of course I already have far more than I can tackle in the next year or two so I probably should wait, but I’ll probably end up getting it anyway. Beautiful work, very impressive and inspirational. Thanks [8D]
Yes sir, you are absolutely right![tup] I had to use AIM-9M’s because I ran out of the “P’s” from my stash. During the build, when scratch-building the sidewinder pylon, I had to lower the bracket to accomodate the slightly larger AIM-9M sidewinder for realistic clearance. Since completion, I have obtained the “P” sidewinders, and have replaced them on my “Vark”. Now she’s good to go. Thanks for the sharp eye, and attention to detail. Glad you liked the build, happy modeling!
“Spare F-16C Sidewinder pylons serve as suitable lauch rails for the AIM-9 missles.”
Outstanding! I have always felt that the F-111 was a sadly ignored a/c, and you have done it exceptional justice! Any chance of some front office detail pics? From what I can see in the last pic, it looks as though you made a whole project out of that alone! Thanks for sharing!
Nice work mate. It’s got me drooling now to go & make a start on my RAAF pig. Funny how after 30 odd years in service here, they still get the chocolates. Sure the F-18’s are cool, but these 111’s get the crowds. Maybe it’s cos they’re a BIG plane with BIG noise.
I have to completely agree with all of the above.I would like to build this same A/C,but in 1/48 scale.I would like to build mine with the the leading and trailing edge flaps deployed.If anyone is planning on building an F-111 and would like to add some goodies to the kit besides the Verlinden set…you might think about checking out the stuff that this guy has.He has all kinds of goodies specific to the F-111! Here is the link:
He also has a link at the bottom of the page to F-111.net.After a few minutes of reading,I found some more info (very interesting information I might add!) on the two A/C and the bombing mission that you elaborate on above.The following is courtesy of F-111.net:
F-111F
74-0186
This aircraft was the first to release the GBU-28 5000lbs class Pave Way III laser guided bomb, when it was tested by the 431st Test and Evaluation Squadron on 23 February 1991 on the Tonopah Test Range near Nellis AZ. Only four days later, and with the tritonal explosive still warm, a pair of GBU-28 were released by 70-2391 onto the Al Taji Air Base in Iraq. The GBU-28 is a 155inch howitzer barrel with the nose and tail attachments welded to take the standard GBU-27 Pave Way III computer control group and aerofoil section. 74-0186 loaded with GBU-15 and Data Link Pod.
Anyhoo…that is an excellent model and I am quite envious.I wish I had the patience for 1/72,let alone the time to do such an awesome job! Later on…
Bingo Scot. This site is particularly useful for us Aussies wanting to model our C & G spec pigs. I think I visit it at least 3 times/fortnight for refs.
Holly cow! [:O] Why doesn’t he just release a model of the Vark with all the detail added? It would be much cheeper. Those sure are some high prices to pay to get the Academy F-111 updated.[2c]
