The Armchair Aviator just sent me an early announcement for an RAAF "Operation Falconer" No. 75 Sqn F/A-18A+ Hornet operational scheme from Iraq in 2003 when the squadron was based at Al Udeid airbase in Qatar supporting allied operations over Iraq.
Clearly the second half of the 30th Anniversary split run, this is a scheme a lot of we Aussie lads have been waiting for a long time now. This jet is a nice combination of an operational scheme with full colour roundels and a definite buy for me!
It is due to land early next year.
THE CORRECT CATALOGUE NUMBER IS HA 3535, NOT HM 3525. I've asked the mods to edit, but until then this is an FYI
Geez......that'll make it four Legacy Hornets and three Super Bugs in RAAF colours when this one comes out.
The cabinet is going to get very crowded!
It's nice to now have all three RAAF F/A-18A+ frontline squadrons represented with this No 75 Sqn bird, and 2OCU if you count the fact that they've been flying the 30th Anniversary Bug around the place despite its No 75 Magpie on the side...
Plus all 3 Superbugs gets you both Nos. 1 & 6 Sqns, so that's all current frontline fast jet squadrons in diecast
I'm missing a No. 1 Sqn Superbug, as I only bought the final, No. 6 Sqn version (which is a shame because No. 6 Sqn turned its F/A-18Fs over to No. 1 Sqn in preparation to receive the first Growlers this year I believe...)
In theory, this is why split runs can be a good thing. The flip side of course is if there are any issues, you can end up with two flawed models (ie HM blue F-15s). Although with HMs previous Hornet experience, that shouldn't be an issue hopefully.
Ordered 11/1981. Built as a Block 20, A model Hornet.
Delivered 10/05/88.
In Service 75 Sqn 2000.
Deployed to the Gulf (based in Qatar?) on operations Bastille and Falconer with 75 Sqn (or a composite unit based on 75 Sqn) 08/02/2003-15/05/2003. Missions undertaken by RAAF Hornets between 20 March and 2 May 2003 ranged from defensive counter-air (DCA) to close air support (CAS), and strike. Noted in a photograph as having markings which indicated 7 bombing missions.
Upgraded to HUG Phase 2.
Returning from Darwin to Williamtown with 3Sqn on Friday 27/06/08, wearing 75 Sqn markings.
This will make a very good companion with the 30th Anniversary hornet
Now we just need that 75th Anniversary scheme that I was promised
There's also a No 3 Sqn 100th Anniversary Scheme which is based on WWII desert camo, a bit like the BoB Typhoon and others, but with a typically Australian practical twist. Given that the RAAF is currently conducting operations from Qatar and regularly flying over desert areas to deliver kinetic effects on ISIS targets, that RAAF jet might even see some combat use, unlike the show pony green/brown schemes seen elsewhere.
There's also a No 3 Sqn 100th Anniversary Scheme which is based on WWII desert camo, a bit like the BoB Typhoon and others, but with a typically Australian practical twist. Given that the RAAF is currently conducting operations from Qatar and regularly flying over desert areas to deliver kinetic effects on ISIS targets, that RAAF jet might even see some combat use, unlike the show pony green/brown schemes seen elsewhere.
Hadn't even heard of this bird until you mentioned it, tker. I went hunting for photos. This is the only one I found in my 3 minutes of Googling.
Another RAAF Hornet (of sorts) it would be great to see one day (when the HM Superbug has been out long enough to have Growler releases...) is this interesting example:
No. 6 Sqn RAAF lightning bolt with boomerang centre tail on a USN Growler scheme - an interesting, one-of mix IMO.
Totally forgot about this release it was announced so far ahead, defo an essential must have with that colour roundal.
Yep, this is going to be a good one I think - actual combat scheme, but with a bit of colour too.
I just got the RAAF 30th Anniversary of Hornet Operation scheme this was a split run with on Friday, and am really happy with that, finding that in the metal the tail's colour isn't as garish as it appeared on HM¢..
Given both are two halves of the same coin (well, split run..) I think we can be confident this will be another good one.
Yep, this is going to be a good one I think - actual combat scheme, but with a bit of colour too.
I just got the RAAF 30th Anniversary of Hornet Operation scheme this was a split run with on Friday, and am really happy with that, finding that in the metal the tail's colour isn't as garish as it appeared on HM¢..
Given both are two halves of the same coin (well, split run..) I think we can be confident this will be another good one.
Nice, glad it turned out well. I'm hoping that a 77th Sqn 70th anniversary will come out soon, that would be a hot little trifecta with the operational hornets coming out this year.
Just because I'm a 'completist' doesn't mean that I had to buy this one. I could stop at any time if I wanted too. It's just that I've found a few spare mm's on the shelf
Just because I'm a 'completist' doesn't mean that I had to buy this one. I could stop at any time if I wanted too. It's just that I've found a few spare mm's on the shelf
At least the Superbug has mission markings, not as good as a bit of colour, but something interesting nonetheless.
Defo, it'll be my first HM Super Bug so rather excited to see it soon.
Does make me question how many more RAAF bugs I need after that, with the 30th, Williamstown, Falconer and the Super Bug, that's pretty much all schemes covered unless I add another anniversary scheme. Or they do another colour roundal with operational tail art
Defo, it'll be my first HM Super Bug so rather excited to see it soon.
Does make me question how many more RAAF bugs I need after that, with the 30th, Williamstown, Falconer and the Super Bug, that's pretty much all schemes covered unless I add another anniversary scheme. Or they do another colour roundal with operational tail art
There is that No 1 Sqn 100th Anni Superbug with the nice tail doing the rounds ATM, as featured in another thread in this forum.
I ordered this today. It'll be my first HM 1/72 of anything!
I like that the roundel is the pop of colour on this.
I do wish I was fast enough to have got one of the No.77 Squadron Williamtown ones.
Awesome, congrats and welcome to 1/72 Zinc Victims Anonymous mate
The No 77 Sqn Bug can occasionally still be found, and is certainly a very nice release, but I am looking forward to this one with its combat history and - as you say - colour roundel a great deal..
HA3535 RAAF "Operation Falconer" No. 75 Sqn F/A-18A+ Hornet, Iraq '03 announced
But again that's an operational scheme.
