Joint Strike Fighter Group Build

Hey all,

Ok, I was just at the Udvar-Hazy Center today and took a BUNCH of photos of the F-35B prototype.  I want in on this build, but I've got a few questions.

First, does anyone have any info on the Panda 1:48th kits?  I've seen Panda's helo kits and I wasn't impressed, but I wanted to build it in 48th rather than 72nd.

Second, other than the fact that it has to either be an X-32 or 35 kit, what are the restrictions?  Any aftermarket stuff, scratchbuilding, superdetailing, etc allowed? 

And finally, is there a time limit?

QUOTE: Originally posted by burn16v ClumsyModeler, I'm afraid I have some bad news for you regarding Tamiya kit #60767. As with many of their 1/72 kits (the WW2 stuff is usually genuine Tamiya), and virtually all kits in the Warbird Series, these kits are not manufactured by Tamiya but are reboxed with Tamiya branding. The usual suspect for the majority of the Warbird Series is Italeri. HLJ are honest about the true origins of kits wherever possible, and their write-up for #60767 ends with: Produced in Italy for Tamiya. which means "manufactured by Italeri and reboxed by Tamiya". here is the URL if you want to have a look for yourself (a few photos of a completed kit too): http://www.hlj.com/product/TAM60767 I'm not sure of the purity of origin for the Revell kit either .... it may also be a reboxed Italeri. However, if it is a genuine Revell mould, its not really much of a decision is it?

I looked at the pic of that kit and i dont have that kit mine doesnt have the hatch in the top!

Cool info. If only we could get this GB off the ground...

Just found out an interesting bit of info ... apparently GDATP (General Dynamics Armament and Technology Products) was selected to provide the cannon armament for the JSF, in the form of the five-barrel 25mm GAU-12/U (the same gun used in pod configuration by the AV-8B).

Muzzle velocites are 3560ft/s for TP and HEI ammo and 3400ft/s for API ammo.
Up to 4200 rounds per minute, or 70 per second.

Average recoil force is 5000lbs (22kN) - for reference purpose the 30mm GAU-8/A on the A-10 has an average recoil of 10000lbs (44.5kN).

80% of the rounds will land within a circle created based upon a 7 milliradian
dispersion pattern. Obviously the diameter of the circle increases proportionately with range. (The GAU-8, a much bigger gun, with bigger rounds, only has a 5 milliradian dispersion pattern!)

The kinetic energy transferred to a target by a single 30mm round from a GAU-8/A impacting is around 90kJ, while a 1 second burst at full rate (70 rounds) will transfer about 422MJ to the target. And thats why it only takes about 6 rounds to destroy almost any main battle tank out there! Then there is, of course, the whole depleted uranium controversy.

Updates?

Ok, so what's happening, Will ?

I still need to go trawling the model shops to try and find an X-35 kit, but I'll settle for the X-32 kit if it's all I can find.

Bump. Let's get some info, folks.

For sure! Italeri or no Italeri, I'm still in. All I have to do now is locate a kit!
I recall spotting the X-32 kit here and there around town, but what I'd really like is an X-35.

I wouldn't mind doing both, but certainly the X_35 is my preference.

Unfortunately, all my spare time of late had been occupied with packing, organising, or stressing about the impending move.

WIll, did you decide on a start date ?

Yup, looks like it's a "Whoever you get the best deal from" kinda thing, and everyone will be building the same exact kit. Not all bad, as it's a true group build.

I'm still game. Who else is in?

Oh, of course my participation is entirely dependant on when I go to my retraining class. It could be any time now... damn Air Force and waiting on orders!

ClumsyModeler,

I'm afraid its far worse than I first thought .... all JSF kits are manufactured by Italeri.
All other JSF kits are reboxings of these two moulds:

Italeri 1208 X-32
Italeri 1209 X-35

Will, are you planning to build your X-32 with the starboard weapons bay open? Quite puzzling as to why they only provide for one open bay. From the few reviews that I've trawled off the net, most people recommend building the bay closed, and this is why I'd like to know what you intend to do. If you wanted to go overboard, you could always cut the left bay open and mould the interior section off that for the right side.

These shots of the X-32 kit show it with the bay open:

http://www.italeri.com/Fotone/1208_3-4.jpg
http://www.italeri.com/Fotone/1208_LATO.jpg


As for the X-35, it seems the kit certainly allows for the USMC/RN VTOL version to be built, but I can't seem to find out if the versions are optional or if its only the VTOL version.

Here are some pics of the X-35 kit:

http://www.italeri.com/Fotone/1209_3-4.jpg
http://www.italeri.com/Fotone/1209_LATO%20.jpg

Hmm, I definately think the last one you've posted is good material for the badge, it shows off that awesome backside of the JSF...

I personally you move with them incomplete, and put the smaller pieces into cheap tupperware containers that have their lids taped down. Good luck moving, and with your deadlines.

ok, here we go ... resized to a height of 65 pixels

here's Sarge's choice
http://www.burn.za.org/model/willjanuary/small_JSF5c.jpg

and ClumsyModeler
http://www.burn.za.org/model/willjanuary/small_JSF5e60.jpg

while I agree that the unanimously elected pic is probably the best, I still like this one
http://www.burn.za.org/model/willjanuary/small_JSF6.jpg

Sarge, now I see what you're saying about the text .... it just goes pear-shaped on resizing .... will see what can be done.

I find myself in quite a dilema .... I have to move next weekend .... and have so many "in progress" kits or groupbuilds lying around. the problem is which is the lesser of two evils? trying to complete as many as possible, and risk damaging the completed kits in the move OR moving the kits, as is, and risk losing parts? hmmm .... the agony of choice.

Anyway, have a good weekend guys ... I reckon I've spent enough time at work. Hopefully I won't have to come in tomorrow again .... you've just got love the insane hours that go along with developing software, especially with deadlines hovering overhead like the sword of Damocles!

How well would it show when it's reduced to authorized badge sizes, though?

#3 is pretty cool ^_^

Last badge is nice... I like the text, very crisp.

Hi Guys,

Sorry for the delay in responding to your feedback about the badge contribution .... its been a hectic two weeks at work.

Anyway, I've finally fiddled around a bit during what passes for my lunchbreak, and put together some variation on the first option, using various opaque backgrounds to get the text to stand out a bit more.

Sarge, if you were referring to the font itself when you said it was "too plain", please let me know what you think would work better, and i'll make the changes and post another sample. I was going for maximum clarity and usable height within the width, hence Impact it was.

http://www.burn.za.org/model/willjanuary/JSF5a.jpg
http://www.burn.za.org/model/willjanuary/JSF5b.jpg
http://www.burn.za.org/model/willjanuary/JSF5c.jpg
http://www.burn.za.org/model/willjanuary/JSF5d.jpg
http://www.burn.za.org/model/willjanuary/JSF5e40.jpg
http://www.burn.za.org/model/willjanuary/JSF5e50.jpg
http://www.burn.za.org/model/willjanuary/JSF5e60.jpg

Bah! Thanks for the heads up! Guess I won't buy it then. Still need some dates for this build. It'll be interesting having everyone build the same exact kit, no?

ClumsyModeler, I'm afraid I have some bad news for you regarding Tamiya kit #60767.
As with many of their 1/72 kits (the WW2 stuff is usually genuine Tamiya), and virtually all kits in the Warbird Series, these kits are not manufactured by Tamiya but are reboxed with Tamiya branding. The usual suspect for the majority of the Warbird Series is Italeri.

HLJ are honest about the true origins of kits wherever possible, and their write-up for #60767 ends with:

Produced in Italy for Tamiya.

which means "manufactured by Italeri and reboxed by Tamiya".

here is the URL if you want to have a look for yourself (a few photos of a completed kit too):

http://www.hlj.com/product/TAM60767

I'm not sure of the purity of origin for the Revell kit either .... it may also be a reboxed Italeri. However, if it is a genuine Revell mould, its not really much of a decision is it?

So, is this build going to go anywhere? I think it's a good GB with a solid focus. I may even be able to participate!

Looks as if Tamiya makes a 1/72 X-35 kit #60767.

Yes, im quite curious about the dates to

Start and end dates?

QUOTE: Originally posted by "Sarge"4109 Its a thread that i made, and something in it disagreed with his polotical view.

It had nothing to do with political views. It was a matter of decorum. Degrading insults against the Commander in Chief are inexcusable, no matter what the political party. It's a dead (and deleted) issue. Let's keep the JSF thing going here......

Its a thread that i made, and something in it disagreed with his polotical view.

Back on topic, i think #1 is better than mine, but I think the text is to plain.

i must say that i too am somewhat intrigued by all these veiled references to some "that thread ... history"

QUOTE: Originally posted by Sarge4109 QUOTE: Originally posted by AH1Wsnake Oh, and watch your language, "sarge." Ok, one, you can quit putting my name in quotes, and two, i said ONE word. I know you have a grudge against me for that thread, but Its all history.

What happened ''Sarge"?

No offense but...........................I go with Number 1

Well lets have a vote ok! Burn16v thanks you really gave us some choises.
Number 1

Number 2

And Nuber 3

I wasnt intending to Make him use mine or anything. He just picks what he likes i suppose