Help! Joysticks needed for F-18D

Hey Everybody,

I am trying to build an Late model F/A-18D in 1/32. I have the kit already, but I have one problem. The ‘D’ is supposed to have two mirror image “joysticks” in the back, but I only have one. I got the Black Box F-18D set with the hopes of correcting this error, but they have it set up as a trainer, and no option for the proper configuration. I tried scratchbuilding the controls, but no luck.

Does anybody know of any manufacturer that makes the controls that I need. The only other aircraft that I know of that has this is the F-15E, but I don’t want to plunk down over $100 for a pair of scale joysticks. Does anybody have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Anthony

I might be mistaken, but I THINK the -18D CAN in fact be configured without stick and throttles in the back. The ones we have here in Fallon have them, but I THINK Marine Corps D models don’t have them. If you have references that contradict this, then obviously go with them…

Re-calling flight training, The canadian two hole hornets (-B models) do have a control set in the back of our trainers. I would think that a training a/c would have controls as the instructor may need to take control for a demo. As I recall navy F-4’s did not have controls in the back, could this be the same in an operational unit of -Ds. Again, if referances show I am wrong, so be it.

This may be out there, but, maybe cast another one with some RTV and resin?

Thanks for everybody who responded.

Sooy it took me so long to get back with this. It has been a LONG while since I posted on these forums, and I ma used to getting an e-mails saying somebody responded. Thanks to for the info, Kolja, that’s so cool that you can work with the F-18. The “D” can be configured with a second set of controls in the back, but most of my references state that the Night Attack and late model Hornets are configured with the two joysticks, and I am building a Marine bird.

What I am trying to do is to convert my “D” to an ATARS configuration, and the cockpit config is supposed to be two hand controls on either side of the cockpit. If anybody knows anybetter, or has better references PLEASE correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks for the suggestion. I would cast another in resin, but the problem is that the two controls are mirror images of each other, so I have to have an exact flip of the original control to cast. I tried scratchbuilding one, but I failed, but I thank you for the suggestions.

Off topic, I wish that there was a company that would manufacture Cockpit components, like mirrors, control sticks, CRT screens, etc. for situations like mine or the many modelers who just need a piece for thier project.

Thanks All

Anthony Lee