1/18 bbi Bluebox Toys  F/A-18C

 with Upgrades

by Rob Doctor

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I got this 1:18 scale F/A-18C from the Museum of Flight in Seattle.  I knew this was due to be released and when I saw it on the shelf, knew it was a required purchase.  After taking it out of the box, I was rather impressed by the Paint scheme, weathering and the grand scale of this toy.  Always one for detail and functionality I knew that some upgrades were to be made.  I just didn’t realize how far I would take it.  I saw Eric Lowe’s article about his F/A-18 antenna upgrades and he emailed me back suggesting that I too submit an article on my modifications. 

Upon further review, I noticed that landing gear doors were given a basic simplified treatment – After all, this was meant as a Kid’s toy and not necessarily one meant for the Smithsonian!  After adding the UHF Antennas and Pitot Tubes, I went to work on both the Front and Rear Landing gear doors.  The rear door was a One Piece item and I split it down the middle to make the outboard door. 

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The next modifications included adding a retractable Refueling Probe, a deployable Speed Brake, A stowable Boarding Ladder, and working Canopy Actuator.  

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Minor mods involved porting out the Flare Dispensers and the M61A1 Nozzle Port. 

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 Both Vertical and Horizontal stabilizers are operable.  

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In the Weapons Department, I custom built 2 GBU-12 Laser Guided Bombs just in case the neighbors start acting hostile – Just Kidding! The Sidewinder Missiles were permanently molded to the rails so I made them detachable.  

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Lastly, I had to add a Ground Crew for the plane.  They were modified from the bbi Navy SEAL RTO (Radio Telephone Operator)

Rob

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Photos and text © by Rob Doctor