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1/72 F-18s
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Earlier I mentioned how bad the Hasegawa 18C is. Well the D isn't any better. In their defense, these are old issue models, that have been reboxed. Both share the same sprues, with a added one thrown in to make the D (2 seat) model. A late 70s kit, that was updated with engraved panel lines in the mid 80s. Now molds are showing their age with flash, warpage and shrinkage.
On to the kit
With these decals
To show how old the parts are, the sprues were labeled F-18a/TF-18A. Made before the training version got the "B" designation.
The part number is molded into the part. If its large enough. Typical, 1970s stuff
Even with that thought, Hasegawa always has been known for really good molded in detail. Look at the wheel well and gun vents. There are recent releases from other companies that are no where near this good
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Fuselage parts were warped and had a bit of shrinkage. Took a few hours of Hot water bath then bend the part a bit, More hot water then bend.....
Got most of the warp out. Then came glue a bit. Hold till it dried, Then bend to get more lined up, glue, hold. repeat
One side came out pretty good. A bit of filler and it will be fine
The other side was the one that had shrunk. Had to cut a shim from card stock to fill the gap.
The intakes were oversized. Got the front half sanded down. Still need to sand the backs
Cockpit pretty shabby. Bang seats not installed yet. The D model doesn't have a stick in back so don't follow the instructions and put one there. Instrument panel is wrong. But she will have the canopy closed and wont be seen.
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Package from Sprue Brothers came today.
Plan to do a asymmetrical CAS loadout According to one of my F-18 books one of the loadouts that the Vikings used was Maverick and gas tank on port wing, sniper pod on fuselage hardpoint
And 2 500lb LGBs and 1 500lb JDAM on the starboard wing.
So I ordered these sets.
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Paint time
Coat of Vallejo Black Primer on the bird.
I haven't jumped on the "Black Basing" bandwagon. I just got a bottle of Ammo by MIG one shot white primer. Played with it on a test model. Still trying to figure it out. But I also got a Ammo by mig paint set and am trying to figure them out also. They don't spray like every other acrylic paint. And the company is proud of that! If I wasn't so stubborn, I would have thrown them away.
My normal primer is Vallejo Lt Ghost Grey. But its hard to see where you put the primer down when the plastic is also grey. 2d model using the black. I like it. Its gotten to where all I'm using is Vallejo Model Air.
Also started on the underwing stores. We have just about got to where everything is grey.on the Navy/Marine side. But I did old 500lb bombs (green, no heat resistant coating) with new paveway kits to add a little color. And all Marine Corps Sniper pods are Gunship Grey
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I know... some guys swear by the black undercoating, and then bury it in layers of top coats and weathering. I know that gloss black is supposed to be used under the metallizer coats is necessary to give them depth. I haven't done it yet, but am willing to try. Your work is very good and I know you'll make it work.
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Finished, well maybe some touchup. The kit is crap. Missing lots of bumps and other things that make it a "D" model. Wolfpack use to make a update set for it. But if you want a 2 seat Marine bird, this model is the only game in town
Hasegawa 1/72 F-18D
Hasegawa Weapon sets 4 (Maverick) 6 (500lb Paveways) and 9 (500lb JDAM and Sniper Pod)
Vallejo Model Air paints (Black Primer, Lt Ghost Grey and Dark Ghost Grey, Insignia White)
Testors Model Master Acrylic Flat
Orion Decals
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On to the "G". Had planned to take a Hornet break and do a F-14 or the new boxing F-4 from Academy. But the wife thought this looked "Cute" and wants me to do it next. Happy wife, Happy Life. So here goes
After 2 crappy models I'm back to the better fitting E/F Hasegwa. The G boxing is updated from the basic E/F boxing in that it has the updated cooling stacks between the tails. They have done the same with all their recent release CAG birds but still sell the original boxing with old exhaust. Remember that if you want to build a early OEF bird or anything before 2012ish.
First the sprue shots. All marked F-18E/F/G. Standard E/F sprues except for one.
And here is the "G" specific sprue. Hasegawa finally had to include some underwing stores. Its what makes a G.
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Some "G" specific things. All annotated in the instructions. Lots of holes to drill out for the various sensors. Some panel lines to get rid of. And a gun to close up
And something not mentioned in the instructions, The gun vents need to be filled in. The Growler doesn't have a gun and it doesn't have vents.
Been fighting a cold/flu for the last week. So drilling out holes and filling vents is all I got done this weekend.
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