It is amazing how really old this series of 72nd scale kits are now from Hasegawa. When the K-series came out in the late 70's mid 80's they were an instant hit, along side with their 48 scale kits they were state of the art. The series of F-111's too me are still the best in any scale. The only criticism they received were the decal consoles and instrument panels. Otherwise despite the parts these kits had, they were not difficult to build. Except for the F-14 which is not an easy kit to build by anyone until Tamiya's recent release. I had intended to do all the F-111's and so far I have only built the Echo, but it has since disappeared on me, and I have no idea what happened to it. I built that kit back in 1993. I found this one at a Hobbyshop in Riverside back in 2002. Been in the stash since. I also have the EF-111 Sparkvark in the stash. So let see what we in the box.

The instruction sheet is good in typical Hasegawa directions, in several languages. With color callouts based on the Gunze line of paints. But with FS numbers as well so it will help to substitute with other brands.

I have the Eduard's basic cockpit set, which is more simpler than their normal zoom set, which I don't believe there is one for this kit. As this kit pre-dates when Eduard's started that line. And don't believe Eduards went back to produce a more detailed set. Other than a full interior/exterior set. Verlinden does have a resin/PE set for this which is hard to find and expensive.

Next a set of masks from our old friend Cutting Edge. Remember them, rather controversial company with all kinds of real nice sets in resin and PE. Decal sets as well. Now getting hard to find as well.

The kit itself has about 130 parts in the kit. A lot for a 72nd scale kit but great details. Finely engraved panel lines were the rage when raised panels were the norm on the early Hasegawa first generation kits of the 60's and 70's. And not just Hasegawa. The first 2 sprues have the lower main fuselage intake ramps. The 2nd sprue has the forward fuselage and intake faces. Very nice fine detail.

The 3rd "special sprue" specific for the "F" variant holds the Pave Tack lower fuselage panel to mount it on and the IP panel and coaming for this version.

The clear sprue has the canopy and various lights on the air frame.

My favorite part of the kit is the wings, which can be displayed with fully deployed flaps and slats. Though it will take some work to close them up and the wings swept back. I will build it with the wings fully open with everything down.

Another point and I was one is that these kits were not cheap for a 72nd scale model back in those days. You can buy 2 Monogram 48 scale kits almost 3 for one Hase 72nd scale kit like the F-111. And no weapons were provided on most of them. You had to buy a weapons set sometimes 2 to get a proper load out for your subject. And you know they are still pricey today when you find one. Even on Ebay. This kit provides a pair of drop tanks and Durandel anti runway bombs.

The wheels are excellent for this scale. Nicely done. There are some resin wheels available. But these will be fine for the "F"

The final sprue holds the upper main fuselage section, Landing gear components. And again Hase had great details within the main gear bay. These kits were very good. And still hold their own today.

Now to find some decals, and might just see if a Verlinden set is around. This will be a Desert Storm era F-111F out of Lakenheath. 66 F-111F's operated in Desert Storm.

Thanks for viewing.

I have one of the Academy 111's in 1/48 scale. I have been looking at building it several times now, but each time it gets put back up on the shelf... Yours is progressing nicely.

Looks like a pretty nice start on a pretty nice kit. 🙂

Thanks Louis, the Academy 48th series are ok, though some say the landing gear needs some mods to make them sit correctly. Funny I have never had one, which is unusual for as I should've have at least one in the stash. There is some reviews on them to fix the issues. Rather impressive when built quite large.

Thanks John, no this will be a Desert Storm bird.

Craig, it is an excellent kit, in fact as far as I know nothing has surpassed the quality and detail of this kit to date. Kit is from the 80's.

Thanks Richard, this will be my 2nd one, built an "Echo' about 15 years ago, I have no idea what became of it.

Thanks

Another great update my friend !

You're correct with everything you said about the Academy 1/48 kit I have. It's a fairly big model in that scale, and I have yet to build it up so I'll pay close attention to the landing gear.

Do the wings swing on your model like on the real plane, or are the fixed in various positions ?

Just curious... Thanks

Louis, no the Hase Aardvark is designed to be fully open and deployed or fully swept. You would have to modify the kit to close it up or partially swept forward as some 'Varks have been seen parked in that configuration. But the wings are removable when completed, makes it easy to transport this way.

Hi DL-I have always done it this way since I started to airbrush. I wanted main parts painted already like the cockpit and gear bay wells. So I didn't have to stop and wait for paint to dry. The detail painting is done with a brush or pencil when most of the main components in the cockpit or interior are installed. Hasegawa was the bomb in the 80's with the 72nd series they introduced like this F-111 and the other variants. Not so over engineered. The only criticism was the lack of weapons. Expensive kit, no weapons and decals in a lot of them for the instruments and side consoles.

That is some good momentum you have there, Chuck, and I like the way your narrative follows your line of thought. You can see how looking at the nose cone they christened her the ‘Aardvark’.

Boy, your bench drives me nuts. This, Chuck, is a self criticism - no judgement at all on your work (in fact, quite the opposite). I’m totally retentive when it comes to workspace and although (possibly) not full blown OCD related, I’d lose sleep over a stain on the cutting board. There, I’ve said it, I need help.

I really enjoy watching your work, not least because you always have little hints/teases at what else you are working on (or coming up) in the background. Looking forward to seeing more!