1/32 EA-18G growler (trumpeter)

I will look forward to seeing how this builds, I am a fan of 32nd scale jets, good to see this!

Got my attention...

Wow. Nice start. I don't know much of 1/32 jets, but I'll be watching this.

Thanks guys......will be posting lots of build photo

the PE parts from spruebrother came in......lots of drilling and cutting was done to improve the detail on the fuselage

instead of replacing the entire vent simply cut inlet section and added styrene

first time to use a self adhesive PE(painted).... details are great but for the small parts the adhesive are not enough you still need to add CA glue to secure them in place

That cockpit looks absolutely fantastic, just a tip, if you ever have a trumpeter kit and they supply decals for the instruments and consoles, you will want to use them as their decals are simply nothing short of excellent.

What bay is that on the back seat guy's center panel?

@jeaton01.......good eyes.....I'm thinking of covering it with a coat of tamiya clear coat

It sounds like you want to keep aftermarket to a minimum, but if you're going to build a Growler, the Steel Beach set can help with all the antennas that are missing from the kit. Now, if you want to build an F, you are good to go.

thanks for the tip Darren .....looks like trumpeter kit needs a lot work not only missing some spine radar  the ECS pipes needs some correction as well (recycled 18F mold) guess this will be the challenge on this kit to scratch build all the missing detail of the 18G

update...........

Wow those pre painted etched sets look absolutely fantastic. This is looking like a great start!

Bimski,

 I've looked hard at this model.  What are the issues with the ECS pipes, I'd like to try to gauge if it's beyond my ability.  Thanks!

Groot

@RobGroot4 .......been looking at the actual picture of the ECS pipes (shape,location on the real 18G) a vent/hole is actually located very close to the ECS pipes......going to work on correcting and replace the whole ECS pipe with aftermarket by Quickboost

detail shape/opening of the ECS pipes from MidwaySailor.com

Thanks!

Groot

progress report..........

intake dip on a can of latex paint (seamless finish)

added some styrene for the missing spine radar

ECS pipes will be replaced by this AM parts from quickboost

man those intake trunks look great, I'll bet they were a pain to paint inside though

@USMC6094.......learned a technique from a modeler here in FSM(cant find the link on the old post) were he dunked the complete intake of an F16 on a can of house paint to hide/coat the inside joint-line .....did the same thing here ;)

work on the upper fuselage is now complete

Wow! Great job so far. I'm impressed.

WIP..........

paintwork on the GE414 complete......not going to be seen after

lower half complete

did some modification on the elevator (instead of just gluing it fixed)

This is great looking, how is the fit so far?

Those GE414's look like something out of a steampunk series- do they burn coal?  

The AM stuff you're putting in really does look better than Trumpy's effort.

(not a slam on your work, but rather the odd shape of the parts)

Thank you gents, @DRE too small to burn coal.........more build

the 18G is one big beast and I'm running out of room for my 32nd........so making the wing fold is a plus

by drilling the middle and inserting a brass wire will turn this plastic into a working hinge

enjoy........

@Dean .......fit on the trumpy kit was a pain like always(recycled mold) not for beginners .....a lot of bondo was needed to keep the gap to a minimum

Looking very nice! I might just have to get this kit for myself.

Ah thanks, this is one aircraft I really like a lot, any time I see someone start to drill parts for modifications it's usually a tip off that the builder is great and the model will turn out seriously well, I have not looked forward to seeing a completed build this much in a while. I'm staying tuned!

Bimski, that intake dipping tip, do you try to fill the seam at all, or does the dipping do it for you?  Sounds absolutely brilliant!  Thanks and this is a gorgeous build!

Groot

@Robgroot4 .....the latex paint does all the filling(make sure to clean/wash the intake free from dust/oil)....both side will be coated or you can wipe the outside prior to drying......its a messy procedure but works well