jbrundt

LERX= Leading Edge Root eXtension They improve airflow over the wing at high AOA. Jeff

I saw that to. I was wondering when it would get around to here..... That said, how about doing away with the gimmicks? Forget about open doors and panels. Leave that to the aftermarket guys. Forget about detailed engine bays, again the aftermarket guys will do that. Spend your time and effort on things the average viewer will see...like intakes. They are obvious and need to be there. Open doors do not. Concentrate on getting the shape/profile correct. That is where you should spend your time and resources. I guarantee that all the "hate" Trumpeter threads would go away completely if they did that one thing.......get the shape/profile CORRECT. I'll say it again: Work on getting the shape/profile correct. 'nuff said.......... Jeff

Very true.... When I was taking marketing classes one thing that was mentioned regarding the way the Japanese package an item: to them it's all part of the presentation of the product. They view the package as being just as important as the contents. They want the buyer to enjoy the entire experience of the product from the box shape, size, color, graphics. etc. to when you open the box and how the contents are visually presented to you to the actual item itself. Something very mundane as a candy bar wrapper is very ornate and well thought out in Japanese marketing. The ENTIRE product is designed to impress you and make you feel that you made the best possible choice when buying whatever they are trying to sell.

The packing is the issue, The clear sprue (even though bagged) is at the bottom of the box and gets beat up pretty bad from the heavier fuse and wing parts near by. They need to either wrap it in foam (like they did other clear parts in the same bag) or place it elsewhere in the box. I think kit packing is an afterthought with many manufacturers. So far the best kit packing seems to be Tamiya in their large scale kits. It's no wonder other makers emulate them. It is VERY frustrating after reading all the hype on this kit and anticipation seeing the various in-build threads and picture to have this happen. It makes you lose all interest in the kit. Surprising that such a small thing can ruin it but there it is. Jeff

Agreed, nice kit. They did a fantastic job. Unfortunately mine arrived with a cracked windscreen and other damaged clear parts. I'm now finding out this seems to be a wider-spread issue than previously known. All emails and calls to Airfix/Hornby or Airfix USA go unanswered. Gordon at Sprue-Brothers (where I got my kit from) said there are no more spare parts or kits in the USA. So, basically I have a collection of unusable styrene at this point. Others have commented on how great Airfix's customer support is but so far I am not impressed. Jeff (just a bit bitter.....)

Where can we get it?

I was interested in the 2 seat trainer. Where can you find the kit and how much? Jeff

Is this kit available? and if so, where? Jeff

I haven't seen any intakes for the F-5. To be honest it's pretty hard to see in there unless you are really dedicated..... Here's a link to my build here at LSP Jeff

Not according to Tom Cleaver.............

This sounds like a more plausible scenario. If (and this is a big IF) it were a Kinetic "new tool" 104 then it would be more likely that Kinetic would release it first under their name then several months or a year later let Italeri release it under their banner as a re-box. Jeff as a side note I'm guessing that the price is going to be steep given it's Italeri and their pretty 'proud' of their kits these days. Which is rather ironic since if it is a re-pop of the revell molds then the original Revell issue was rather inexpensive to begin with....

Thanks for posting. This is the first I've heard of ejector pin marks. No one has mentioned this until now. Until this all reviews/comments have been "glowing"..... Jeff

Not theoretical.....at one time the F-18E/F carried all these weapons. The plane was cleared thru flight test by actually carrying the noted weapons even though it may not have flown them in combat. (this was a requirement) Jeff

Comparing the Academy C/D to the Trump E/F is like comparing apples and oranges. Just as comparing C/D Hornets to E/F Hornets in real life is. They are totally different airframes. Jeff

Very nicely done! Makes me want to buy the kit now....but then I think about where would I put it. Hanging it from the ceiling or the wall wouldn't do it any justice. Very well done, sir. Jeff

Thanks Dave.

Has Aires ever released a complete detail set for the "Echo" Crusader like they did for the "Juliet"? (cockpit, nozzle, wheel bays) I would prefer not to piecemeal it. Jeff

What is Westley's Bleche Wite and what is the purpose of soaking the resin in it for 24hrs? Jeff

Most everything on the Harrier is unclassified. If it was classified you can bet your bottom Dave (or anyone else for that matter) wouldn't even get close to the airframe. The Harrier has been around for 30 years now. It's not really a "high tech" aircraft like a F-117 or F-18E/F. Plus much of the information on the Harrier is already in the public domain. As long as you do not disclose proprietary information you are OK. And as Dave said anything in question should be cleared through the proper channels. I work at Boeing and have worked on all the major fighter programs and I could tell you way more things about many of these aircraft and how they are built, equipped and used but I am not allowed to. Which is a shame but that is the way it is.... Many times I read these posts and have to grit my teeth knowing I could give input but am not privy to do so. Jeff

Actually there are no plans. If you guys want pics of the resin let me know and I'll snap a few pictures or would you prefer a review article of the set? Jeff

I plan on building this version of the Mistel by Cammet, Ltd. I believe the finished model is by Spencer Pollard. Jeff

It would be nice if Trumpeter would provide corrected replacement parts FOC to those that have already bought these kits and not yet built them but I fear this won't happen. Basically we're stuck with what we've got and would have to buy a new kit to get anything that might be corrected. It would be nice too to be able to tell which Flanker boxing has the "fixed" parts. As of now I know of no way to tell the difference. After seeing Dave's excellent presentation on what's wrong with the kit I'm going to wait and see what happens in the future releases. $120 is a lot to spend on something that needs fixing. I know a lot of folks will say "that looks about right" and for most that may be OK. For others the Harrier is too near and dear and just settling for what's in the box really isn't an option. especially knowing that each time we look at the completed model we'll know it's just not right. Hopefully the issues will be fixed. Right now I'm going to just wait and see. I've waited this long for a 32nd Harrier, another year won't kill me. I know it's been touched on that the kit is relatively inexpensive if bought in Asia but that's comparing apples and oranges. The reality is we pay a higher price in the US due to the exchange rate on the dollar and importer fees/profits, etc. It would be nice to get the kit for what it sells for in HK but we still get stuck with the huge shipping costs. It's a wash really in terms of price. So, if I am going to spend $120 for a kit I tend to expect more. Other may not like the comparison but it's out there...if Tamiya can bring a kit like the new 1/32 Spitfire that is light years ahead in quality, scale fidelity, detail and engineering for $120 why can't Trumpeter? And they can get it right the first time without having to go back and re-tool or rework...... I hope that Trumpeter will stop and take the time to re-evaluate these future releases...especially the A-6. It does seem as if they are listening. It would be a shame for them to hurry up just to make a release date and sacrifice quality. Jeff

Rushed it?! They've been working on it for the last 5+ years! You would think that would be more than enough time. Jeff

Just give me a decent replacement cockpit and I'll be happy. Jeff

Is that magic tape residue? If so Goo Gone works wonders to remove it...... Jeff