Folks, another project that's on my list is to do a couple of dioramas of aircraft that I worked on during the early years of my service.
The aircraft in question is the venerable GD F-111C & the RF-111C.
I had two postings to No6 Sqn RAAF & a brief posting, straight out of trade training, to the intermediate level maintenance unit 482Sqn. I was a Gunnie, Armament Technician, in the RAAF and in the early years of my 40yrs service, spent time working on the grand ol' Pig.
During my first postings I was involved in all armament aspects on the Pig, including HE & Inert/Prac bombs, Guided ordnance, crew module EO & gun systems. Our C models were fitted with the Vulcan M61A1 20mm cannon inthe early years & I conducted operational level & intermediate level maintenance tasks such as ball/HE 20mm load/download, gun system fit/removal, cold & hot gun bore sightings.
I prepped/loaded/downloaded Mk82 500lb LD/HD, Mk84 2000lb, GBU 10/12/15 LGB/TV guided bombs. Also AGM-84 harpoon, AGM-142 prep/load/download. The usual Pivot pylons fit/removes, SUU-20A/A units for BDU-33CB 25lb Prac bombs & BRU-3A/A 6xMk82 bomb racks.
We also did the fit/removal of MXU-4A Cargo pods & 600gal supersonic fuel tanks. In the early years the left side of the weapons bay was normally empty, unless we installed an internal fuel tank or cargo pannier. I also had the privilege of prepping/loading the Australian designed/built Karinga CBU.
On my return to 6Sqn in 2003 the Pigs were no longer fitted with the gun system. All had been replaced with the Pavetack targeting pod. This led to more frequent programs using LGB's.
As such there is a significant amount of items to factor in to my dioramas. I want to do a classic C model in Sth East Asia tri-colour camo, specifically A8--131, the aircraft that I had my posting out ride in. I would also like to do a 2nd dio of one of the recce birds that were solely operated by 6Sqn. A8-126 was always a favoured bird as it seemingly had a high serviceability state.
I dare say I'll have to also consider doing a third dio of a later posting Pig done in the low viz grey paint scheme & as a Pavetack bird.
I have the old Minicraft/Academy 1/48 kit which I plan on using the aftermarket long span wing kit on. This will be my classic C model dio.
My question to the learned is opinions on the Hobby Boss kit & it's accuracy as to classic C model or later AUP update grey C models.
Thanks in advance.