CAT4 is in the process of releasing decals and conversion sets for the F-111B. As a result, I'm reviewing and updating previous F-111B posts providing modeler-oriented configuration details of the seven that were built and flown. This was the original post from 2009 that summarized them:
https://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2009/10/grumman-f-111b.html
An updated summary by BuNo:
A comparison of the "A" and "B" boat tails (in this instance, A and B do not represent the F-111A vs the F-111B).
Not included in the comparison above are the two different engine exhaust shrouds that were present on the F-111 prototypes. These shrouds were mounted on the engine behind the afterburner, probably to provide sonic and thermal protection to the adjacent aircraft structure. Free-floating "blow-in" doors were located forward of the shrouds. My understanding is that these were either open or closed in flight depending on the difference in external and internal (engine bay) pressure. The shrouds were originally just slightly tapered metal cylinders. In production, at least the aft portion of the shrouds consisted of linked longitudinal panels resembling an afterburner nozzle but were not controlled and had only limited movement, probably to relieve stress from thermal expansion of the shroud; the nomenclature changed from "shroud" to "feathers". The blow-in doors were also then fixed in the open position.
There were two different shroud lengths. The original ones were longer and the shorter ones possibly introduced as a weight reduction change that was short-lived.
Note that 151970 originally flew with long (green arrow) shrouds but was photographed at Edwards AFB with short ones (red arrow). 151973 was also flown with both short and long shrouds.
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