MSRP: 1/72 Scale- $4.00; 1/48 Scale- $5.00
Web Site: http://www.orionscalemodels.com

Here's a neat little set from Dave Roof and Orion Models, sets of tail stiffeners for F/A-18 A or B kits. As background, when the F-18 came out, it had issues with handling and structural issues due its excellent performance. What this led to was changes that fixed these individual problems. Hence the LEX fence on the wings and the addition of stiffener plates to certain areas including the tail.

Orion Models has supplied stiffeners for all three scales. These come as cut vinyl sheet. You simply peel the shape off, press it to the model and paint over it. All three major scales are available. Orion includes a nice instruction sheet showing placement on the tails.

There is also a note that the following build numbers have had the stiffeners added:

USN/USMC

• F/A-18A BuNo 161353 thru 163175
• F/A-18B BuNo 161354 thru 163123

• F/A-18A S/N A21-001 thru A21-055
• F/A-18B S/N A21-101 thru A21-118

• F/A-18A S/N 188701 thru 188798
• F/A-18B S/N 188901 thru 188940

• F/A-18A S/N C15-12 thru C15-57
• F/A-18B S/N CE15-1 thru CE15-12