discussion Hobbybos 1:48 F111-A Aardvark

[colin m]

Here's my first finish of 2026. OK, 99.9% was built in 2025 but I did try to re-attach a main landing gear door today, but it fell off again.
This is the Hobbyboss 1:48 F111-A, and it's a bit of a beast. A big old beast. This has been on the slow burner for a lot of 2025, but here it is finally done. It was the sort of build were everytime you think you're nearly there, you find more to do.
The kit is very well detailed if not a little tricky in places to build. There's a well publicised problem with the cockpit module - it doesn't fit, but fore warned is fore armed. Make it fit before you fit it.
Paints are MRP and the restrained weathering a mix of oil and clay wash - not used together.
Anyway, some pictures. As I said, it's a big beast so I would have taken it outside to take the pics, but it was a bit too windy today, and I don't trust the main landing gear, it's a bit wobbly.








Can anyone else see gromit the dog here ?


Any questions, please fire away.
Colin M..

 

[colin m]

I forgot to mention the nightmare decals.
The kit ones had their carrier film printed off the decal, so if I tried to use any decals, they just broke up in the water. Hobbyboss were unable to help, so I had to find an alternative source and used a Xtradecal set, which weren't really for the A series aircraft. These unfortunately silvered in places. In the end, the decals were a mix of xtradecal and any spare lying around. Don't look too close at the decals.

 

[Steven000]

Still a very nice result Colin, love the camo, well done, cheers

 

[Neil]

Very nice, and not a common subject - I seem to recall an Airfix 1/72 back in the day but not many of these seen now. Good job.

 

[minitnkr]

Never understood the F designation-always thought it a straight-up bomber. You'd think after 70+ years the industry could do decent decals consistantly.

 

[PaulTRose]

What a beauty

That turned out lovely

Must be big in that scale, hope you got room

 

[yak face]

Gorgeous build colin , paintwork and weathering are superbly done. Ive wanted to do a 1/48 f-111 for ages , its just such an iconic aircraft . I remember seeing one display at the Finningley airshow years back when it did the dump and burn trick ( fuel is dumped and the afterburners lit which produces a massive 80 ft flame behind the aircraft) you could feel the heat as it passed!!
cheers tony ( my eyebrows have grown back now )

 

[scottie3158]

Colin,
That is a cracking build mate.

 

[colin m]

Never understood the F designation-always thought it a straight-up bomber.

That's a good point Paul. I believe this aircraft was meant to be a bit of a 'one size fits all' type A/C with a naval version, maybe the 'F' has something to do with that ? I can't actually believe people thought these things could land on aircraft carriers !

I remember seeing one display at the Finningley airshow years back when it did the dump and burn trick

In my student days, I was bobbing about in a boat on Lake Windermere, when one of these appeared 'Stage left' just as another aircraft appeard 'stage right' and they very nearly met over the lake, a practice intercept or near miss, we had no idea.

hope you got room

There was a bit of a shelf shuffle. Which, oddly enough, the wife offered me a piece of yellow material at the same time as the shuffle. Apparently, you move it around on a surface and it picks 'stuff' up. Not for me, witchcraft.

Thank you all for stopping by and commenting.

 

[flyjoe180]

Great looking Aardvark Colin. Tony's memories of the dump and burn show manoeuvre reminded me of seeing the Australian F-111s doing the same at airshows when I was young.

 

[langy71]

Very well done Colin, that cam scheme has turned out perfectly, these are certainly a big beastie,
gotta admit I never noticed the decal issues until you mentioned them, they've turned out well despite the issue.

'

 

[Jim R]

That's an excellent result. Great paint job.

 

[Vaughan]

Colin Thats a great build cockpit detail is spot on.

 

[PaulTRose]

Apparently, you move it around on a surface and it picks 'stuff' up. Not for me, witchcraft.

Cant get my head round these new fangled concepts

Be careful cos if you do it once she will ask you to do it on other non model non related surfaces...... And that way leads to the dark side........ Before you know it you will have a pinnie and a bottle of windowlene putting your life at risk on steps doing the windows....... And dont miss the corners lol

 

[minitnkr]

They did land & takeoff for a bit but were not maneuverable (dog fighting) enough for the navy's needs. I think the Brits and/or Aussies shortened the nose to fit elevators better, and there was provision for a 20mm but were not mounted.

 

[scottie3158]

Colin,
That is a cracking build mate.

 

[colin m]

Great looking Aardvark Colin. Tony's memories of the dump and burn show manoeuvre reminded me of seeing the Australian F-111s doing the same at airshows when I was young.

I've seen the pictures. I bet other display pilots were just a little bit jealous of that trick.

 

[colin m]

Very well done Colin, that cam scheme has turned out perfectly

It was one reason I bought the Aadvark, I fancied having a go at the SEAC scheme.

 

[colin m]

Cant get my head round these new fangled concepts

Fear not. I didn't fall for it. And she's still looking for that little yellow cloth thing.

 

[Geoffers]

Great result Colin, it looks fantastic

Geoff.