Few months ago, I managed to procure a Tamiya 1/32 F-15E Strike Eagle with Bunker Buster. Though it has those bunker busting weapons, I still can't match it with sidewinder missile rails for the AMRAAMs since most loadouts carrying these weapons has those AMRAAMs and I never had seen AMRAAMs mounted on a sidewinder rail. Should I make this out-of-the-box, authentically, I'll be limited in my choice for bunker-busting loadout. I have a GBU-31V3s and GBU-24s.

Hello neith,

The LAU-128/A rail launcher is capable of handling both the Sidewinder and the AMRAAM - it has all the interfaces and mechanical links. Because of this, there are no specific "Sidewinder rails" or " AMRAAM rails" on the F-15E. On the wing pylons, LAU-128/A rails are used for both types of missiles. So on your model you can use either Sidewinders or AMRAAM's on the wing rails as you want.

unfortunately, the kit doesn't include the LAU-128. That severely limits my options in authentically loading my Mudhen with bunker busting munitions...

Are you sure? I can't remember of seeing an F-15E ever without the LAU-128/A rails. A/A missiles are almost always carried for self defense and they need the LAU-128/A. Did Tamiya forget this?

yup...look at step 27 at here
with this I can only for ODS Loadouts or procure the Wolfpack Designs' F-15E Strike Eagle OIF Update Set to pursue the use of multiple loadouts...

Maybe I miss something, but... look at the illustration you were referring to:


Part E4 is the LAU-128/A rail itself, while part E15 is the ADU-552 adapter unit which connects the launcher rail to the wing pylon.

Here, take a look at this image (it was on the old website, but I did not migrate it yet, sorry):

http://www.f-15e.info/weapons/lau128a/pics/lau128_01b.gif

I think you are good to go

parts E4 are too thin to be LAU-128s Launch Rails and parts E15 are too long to be the ADU-552 Adapter Units as provided in your pic link.
unless those lightweight launch rails can accommodate an AMRAAM...I may have to pursue buying those resin parts...

I see now, you are right. Well, in this case you should go for extra accessories, indeed.

reviewing the decal sheet, I also can't make my original subject, 89-0505, by manipulating the serial numbers available...
I'm now looking towards other interesting Mudhens to build without buying extra decal sheet...

neith wrote:
reviewing the decal sheet, I also can't make my original subject, 89-0505, by manipulating the serial numbers available...
I'm now looking towards other interesting Mudhens to build without buying extra decal sheet...

I think I'll settle for 87-0173...with its shark-mouth nose art and since I had just ordered the resin parts...