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RAAF 'what-if' Group Build

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  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, April 28, 2005 4:04 AM
Quite simple, Chris. I gave them a VERY thorough soaking in HOT water, holding the edge of the backing paper with a pair of tweezers. I applied a coat of MicroSet to the surface of the model, where I was going to place the decal. I then held the edge of the decal near the position I wanted it, sliding it on with the flat of my thumb. Note: VERY gentle pressure is needed here, don't force the decal off the backing paper. It takes a little while to rise off the paper. Once the decal was placed on the model in the approximate position, I used a large flat brush dipped in MicroSet to coax the decal into it's exact position. A brush of MicroSet around the edges of the decal helped it snuggle over the bumps and into panel lines.
Yes, they're very thin, delicate decals, however they're great decals if treated right. Main points are lots of water to get them off the paper (when you think they're ready to come off, place your thumb lightly on them and slide it. If they don't shift instantly, more soaking time is needed.), some sort of decal solvent on the surface and a VERY gentle hand in exact placement. That's why I prefer to use a brush.
Hope that helps, tell me when/ if you try them next.
Cheers,
John
P.S. I'm working on a livery for the 'Aus-10'. Because it's ground attack, it'll be a green/tan/black 'AusCam' job, a bit like the Nomad was painted.
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, April 28, 2005 2:08 AM
Hey John, I saw your F/A-18 in the Attack GB, and wanted to do the same one, but watched the Aussie Decals disintigrate before my eyes. How did you get them to work.. This has happened to me with 2 sets, and 3 years in between purchases.. Mike gave me a few ideas that I will try, but very interested in how you got them on the model.. I am talking about the sharks mouth 3 squadron decals on the whitish paper..

Chris in Japan

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Perth, Western Australia
Posted by madmike on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 11:36 PM
Not a problem, that gives me time to find it!!

cheers

Mike
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo Galilei
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 5:34 PM
QUOTE: There you go, Shane! If only you could find a Hammerhead model or something like that to put those roundels on!! - Calvin



Hey Calvin,

I'd love to give it a go but I'm living in a tent at the moment so modelling is a bit of a struggle. I'll save this one for a time when I have the space.

QUOTE: I still have that poster :)


Mike, I might give you a yell when we've settled down in WA (about 6 - 8 months away at this stage). I'd love to get a scan or photo or whatever and scratchbuild one.

Cheers
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Melbourne, Australia
Posted by darson on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 8:54 AM
John, you can update my details on page 1 with my build if you wouldn't mind. It's an RAAF 1/72 Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II Plus.

Thanks
Darren
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Perth, Western Australia
Posted by madmike on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 2:35 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by outback

Hi All,

While not a wingy thingy builder, the topic bought back memories of a poster I had many moons ago. It showed two small space craft out near jupiter or venus or somewhere but they had RAAF roundels.

Now that'd be a "What-if" build.

Cheers
Shane



I still have that poster :)

cheers

Mike
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo Galilei
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 1:48 AM
An A-10.. That will be great to see John!.. Cant wait!..

Chris in Japan

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 1:34 AM
I'll dive into the discussion too by saying that another option for off-the-shelf air-superiority is the Eurofighter Typhoon. Great aircraft and, best of all, they're already here. We aren't even sure if the F-35 will get to full production yet, it may still be shelved due to huge price increases and deadline breaches. Perhaps there's an alternative after all.
Cheers,
John
P.S. I'm thinking I'll build an A-10 Warthog in RAAF colours. Might do a few more than that though! Hope I've got the time!
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 1:14 AM
There you go, Shane! If only you could find a Hammerhead model or something like that to put those roundels on!! - Calvin
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 12:58 AM
Hi All,

While not a wingy thingy builder, the topic bought back memories of a poster I had many moons ago. It showed two small space craft out near jupiter or venus or somewhere but they had RAAF roundels.

Now that'd be a "What-if" build.

Cheers
Shane
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 12:52 AM
I had been planning this project for a while now, and didnt think about using it in this GB.. But I wanted to share it, as I have already done the "what if" Harrier.. This was a Phantom that I had in Japanese markings, and as I am trying to cut down on my spending, I have decided to use what ever I have 2 of and re-do them.. I am on holidays, so this is helping the boredom factor.. I have a Japanese Phantom that I love, and this was one that I did from a different squadron, so decided to re-do it also.. I have always been interested in Navy Aviation, and always dreamed of Australia having a great Navy fleet.. We never did, and so I guess it was always left up to imagination.. So yesterday I resprayed this model, and today I went through my decal stash, and with the help of Mike (sending me the Aussie roundals) I have just finished putting this bird together!.. I am happy with the way it turned out!

The tail art is of an A U to represent "Australia", and it also has a white 6 to co-inside with the 664 registry, and a small Australian flag to make up the tail design..


Chris in Japan

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 7:27 AM
I really do believe that we need to purchase about 40-50 F-15E's, and put a fright back into the Indonesians.. I am sure 40-50 F-15E's in the hands of Australian pilots dying to fly something with substance would be no match for the Indo's in thier Russian toys..

And I am not talking 10 years time, I think as of 2007, Have the F-15's head the fleet with the remaining F/A-18's in a support role, and then we can wait as long as it takes for the F-35.. I think this way we can have our bases covered, and the F-111 can be given a respectable out sooner!

I truelly do think we have some of the best pilots.. Pitty they are given Billy Carts to fly?

Chris in Japan

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Melbourne, Australia
Posted by darson on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 6:50 AM
Chris, thanks for the input on the Harrier, it looks as though I'm going to have to pick up one of Hasegawa's weapon sets so that I can put some ordinance on my bird. The decals that I'm using for this are from Aussie decals and belong on 79 Squadron's LIF Hawk 127.

I read the other day that Lockheed Martin, said that they were currently over 18 months behind, which means the F-35 will be delivered in 2013, at the earliest. The Aussie govt has until 2006 to make up its mind on whether they purchase the aircraft or not, so who knows what will happen. Personally I believe that the date will continue to slip, the price will continue to rise and we will be lucky to see a production aircraft before 2016. Oh and didn't anybody the govt that you never buy version 1.0 of anything.
IMHO we should equip ourselves with a reasonable size force of 'of the shelf' cost effective F-18 E/Fs and use them as until the F-35 has been in production for a few years and the yanks start rolling out the F-35C, at which time it will be a world beater.

Cheers
Darren
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 5:51 AM
Hahaha , like I said. The way our government works. They will fall out of the sky before they are retired!.. (added piece) After writing my first comment laughing. I found an article concerning the retirement of the F-111, and how Indonesia, Malaysia, and China are going to purchase a great deal of the Su's.. In the statement it related to Australia loosing its air superiority, and that countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia are realising that they need to buy these aircraft in order to have the upper hand.. The article talked a little about the JSF, but I for one dont know what the story is at the momment concerning Australia owning any, and now I find myself in the position of not wanting the RAAF to invest in the F-15E because I simply like it. But because we simply NEED it!.. Very interested on others thoughts about that!

Chris in Japan

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Perth, Western Australia
Posted by madmike on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 5:18 AM
Might be some truth in it yet, Chris....

There is a rumour that the RAAF might lease F-15E's to tide them over when the 'varks are retired.

cheers

Mike
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo Galilei
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 3:07 AM
Sorry Darren, I hope it hasnt put you off any.. Infact , as I always think of Navy, or Marines when it comes to the Harrier. I never really thought about doing one as a RAAF Harrier.. I for one will be very interested in how it turns out!

As for that kit, you only get the gun pod for the under belly, or you have the option for putting strates. To be honest, basically what you see on the cover art, is all you get..

As for the kit, I had no problems with it, other than if the turbine behind the cockpit isnt positioned right. You will have a little difficulty getting the top of the halves to go together. So you may need a little carpentry, and if it doesnt go, then use a little bit of force, but other than that, the kit was great! First one I have ever built. And I enjoyed it, although I was a little quick! Cant wait to see it when your done!.. As for mine, as we dont have any Navy Aircraft. I had to make up tail markings for mine..

Chris in Japan

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Melbourne, Australia
Posted by darson on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 2:45 AM
I don't bloody believe it, I finally make up my mind on a build, order it from GMW along with the Eduard detail set and then Chris goes and beats me to the punch Angry [:(!] Yes I am building the 1/72 Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II Plus as well, the only difference will be that mine will be in RAAF livery.

Chris that's a beautiful job you've done there, well done Thumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup]

As a by the by can you tell me what if anything you get in the way of ordinance, gun pods, ECM or AN/ALQ pods? Also what did you think of the kits cockpit, fit & detail?

Thanks
Darren

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 2:03 AM
Thanks Mike, appreciate it!..
John, after we were talking above, there were a few aircraft mentioned. In particular the F-15.. I have one sitting around, and might add that one to this build, but want to have a break for a while, as I am in the Trainer GB aswell.. Plus, I am very interested in seeing what someone else would come up with in regard to an Australian RAAF F-15!.. Not a big fan of the F-22, and have seen one done in Australian markings, and it simply didnt look right? Anyways mate, very interested in what you come up with!

Chris in Japan

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 1:22 AM
Chris, great build mate. Love the look of the Harrier and it looks great in RAN livery!
Still not sure what I'll be building yet though Tongue [:P]
Cheers,
John
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Perth, Western Australia
Posted by madmike on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 12:04 AM
Chris

Love it mate!!

cheers

Mike
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo Galilei
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Monday, April 25, 2005 11:34 PM
Well guys, I am on holiday and bored, so it seems like I am being the thread pig here. So sorry guys, but this subject has really taken my interest, and so I have been mad busy doing this Harrier.. Probably a little too involved, as I have actually completed it.. I have shown a few progress shots above, but here it is completed..

"What if" R.A.N Royal Australian Navy AV-8B Harrier II Plus




Chris in Japan

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Monday, April 25, 2005 8:18 PM
Ok guys, here is a sneak peak at my Aussie Navy Harrier!




Chris in Japan

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Monday, April 25, 2005 7:14 AM
It's actually the 1/72 Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II Plus... I am in the process of decalling it.. After I detail it, and paint the landing gear, it will be done.. Pictures to come.. I also have a half built F-15J that is sitting there. And with all the ADF talk, is screaming out to me for Australian markings!

Chris in Japan

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Perth, Western Australia
Posted by madmike on Monday, April 25, 2005 5:05 AM
oh yeah, understand that as well. Hopeefully nothing as momentously stupid as Beazley's purchase of the Collins class subs!!

So, is it a Sea Harrier you are going to build?

cheers

Mike
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo Galilei
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, April 24, 2005 9:47 PM
I had also heard that aswell Mike.. I can understand that being a financially better way to spend the money for now.. But as usual, there will be a bungle, and what we think we are paying for now, will indead cost twice as much when it finally makes it into service. The money spent could then in hionsite, been spent on a project worthy of the dollars.. I dont know if I am just being Defence ministry basher. But alot of sillyness has prevailed over the years by both governments of thier day.. Anyway, sorry for hijacking the thread.. just had to get that out.. Feel much better now!

Chris in Japan

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Perth, Western Australia
Posted by madmike on Sunday, April 24, 2005 7:45 PM
Chris

The RAN are getting two LHD (landing helicopter deck) carriers. They will deploy helo's initially but they are certainly big enough to deploy Harriers at a future date if some one with foresight arranges purchase.

cheers

Mike
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo Galilei
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, April 24, 2005 7:35 PM
I have a feeling that by knowing the Australian Government. They will want to try and fly every single dollar out of those F/A-18's. So for my thinking 2008-2010 would seem a little too close for retirement..

I do think however that an airwing made up of F-15's would be the best thing that Australia could do. 20 years ago!. .Why we never had F-15's patrolling the North of Australia at long range, is totally beyond me?.. I would definately love to see the F-15 in RAAF markings, but I dont think it will happen..

Australia was actually the first country to put hard corrency down for the F-35, but from what I have heard, have gone cold, and the F-22 information seems correct .. The new F/A-18E-F's sounds like they will be a great investment. But as always, the Australian government is always 10 years behind when it comes to this kind of thinking.. The F-111's will fall out of the sky one by one, before they get retired. And I think personally the Australian government should be using the idea of the F/A-18E-F's for a future roll in the Australian Navy.. A few reconditioned second hand US carriers is what we should be looking at!.. Will never happen. But that is my thinking!..

Australia's biggest problem is our distance.. ALthough the world is getting smaller, we are a long way away, and we have a massive land mass to protect.. Adding to that, New Zealands lack of self defence, and relying on Australian protection. Why we dont have 1 or 2 carrier fleets is totally beyond me.. I understand money is a big factor. But unless we build them ourselves, or invest in something that be given new life. I just feel that our military is just falling apart.. I also understand that we dont have the manpower to put on them..

But if you really dont have a Navy, as we dont now. Then you dont have people wanting to join it.. To be honest with the list of ships we have, I have been on bigger fishing boats. (Jokes).. Why would anyone want to join.. Put a few F/A-18E-F's on one, and you will have them lining down every major street in Australia to sign up!.. I honestly believe that!

For countries that not only go to the trouble of comming all that way to get us, but then having a carrier feet or 2 to get through before they do. Would in my opinion be more than enough to deter them!

Chris in Japan

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, April 24, 2005 2:56 PM
Just read last nite that since the RAAF plans to retire it's F/A-18 Hornets in the 2008-2010 timeframe and the F-111's soon afterward, they are looking a purchasing some upgraded used F-15's, new F/A-18E/F Super Hornets or even the F-22. Since this doesn't start for a while, you can put me down tentively for a RAAF F-20. I may change my mine to the Tomcat, though! LOL - Calvin
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 23, 2005 8:34 PM
Yeah mate. I guess we could rephrase it to be "ADF A/C What-If", but I'm too lazy! Tongue [:P]
Cheers,
John
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Perth, Western Australia
Posted by madmike on Saturday, April 23, 2005 6:28 AM
John

So is the idea that we can expand to RAN "what if's"?

cheers

Mike
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo Galilei
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