Subject: Re: 1/48th FB-111 (1 of 4)
From: "Submissions for ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "Vladimir Jovic" <[email-masked]>
Date: Sat, 8 Jun 2013 12:23:58 -0700

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks again for sending it in.

Steve Bamford
ARC Air - Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.arcair.com

Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Vladimir Jovic 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2013 11:19 AM
  Subject: 1/48th FB-111 (1 of 4)

  "1/48th Hobby Boss FB-111" 

  by "Jay Vlad"
  --------------------

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 01.jpg here 

  This is my completed 1/48th scale of the FB-111 by Hobby Boss. Since I was younger, I was always fascinated with the "swing wing" concept of the F-111 aircraft family. The FB-111 caught my attention because of it's role in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) during the Cold War. I wanted to replicate an FB-111 that served in the nuclear deterrence role during this time. I chose the Hobby Boss kit over the Academy because I read that the Academy kit requires a large amount of updating. Since the model has a large wingspan and I have the unfortunate habit of knocking things off a model while I am building it, I opted to keep the wings, slats, flaps and elevators off until I had them painted, decaled and weathered.  

        Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 03.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 03.jpg Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 04.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 04.jpg Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 05.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 05.jpg Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 06.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 06.jpg 

  After scouring the forums and other sources, I complied a list of the aftermarket parts that I needed to replicate an FB-111 since the kit lacked a few options, mainly the nuclear weapons. I procured the wheels and correct pylons from OzMod, the exhaust cans from G-Factor, Master Model Pitot Tube, the B-61 nuclear bombs from Belcher Bits and the AGM-69 SRAMs from a fellow ARCer (many thanks Jeff). On both the bombs and missiles, I made the fins out of plastic card. 

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 02.jpg here 

  The aircraft was painted free hand by air brush with Model Master SAC Bomber Tan, SAC Bomber Green and Green Drab. The bottom was painted with Camouflage Gray mixed with white. Having difficulty in the past with acrylic and lacquer clear coats, I tried out the enamel based High Gloss Coat from Floquil to seal the paint in prep for decals and weathering. This clear coat worked beautifully for the decals. For the first time I had zero bubbling or silvering on the decals. I highly recommend it. The decals for the units were a challenge as I found many different versions of the Ready Teddy art so I went with what I thought was consistent. For the weathering I used the Tamiya Weathering Dust and applied it with an epoxy brush. To finish I applied Floquil Flat Finish. While it didn't fully dull out the gloss coat, it did enough to give the final product a semi-matte finish which after all was said and done I thought looked great. This project was my biggest challenge thus far and I discovered many new techniques, some intentional, some by accident. Much time was spent, especially toward the end on this project but I am beyond satisfied with the result. Enjoy the photos.

  "Jay Vlad" 

  Photos and text © by "Jay Vlad"