discussion Hasegawa 1/72 F/A-18A Hornet 'Blue Angels'

[flyjoe180]

My latest build is this 1/72 McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet completed to represent Blue Angels US Navy Flight Demonstration Team No.5 in 2015. The Hasegawa Hornet required a lot of work to get a smooth result, and small modifications (aerials mainly) to upgrade it from the early version to the 2015 appearance. The intakes in particular were troublesome. The 1985 kit (181) refers to F/A-18A and TF-18A, predating the F/A-18B designation. The decals are from the crude Italeri kit. I used Model Master Enamel 1772 Blue Angels Blue for the main paint work.

The original kit box, bought cheap in used condition years ago, although the insides were sealed in their original bags.



The completed model:

 

[papa 695]

Outstanding work Joe.

 

[Dave Ward]

Joe,
lovely result! How may gloss coats did you need to get such a shiny finish?
One thing with the aerobatic team aircraft - all immaculate - NO weathering!!
Dave

 

[Tim Marlow]

Very nice Joe. Truly excellent finish.

 

[adt70hk]

That's is very, very nicely done. That really is very, very nicely done indeed. A great effort.

ATB.

Andrew

 

[yak face]

Flawlessly finished Joe , the paintwork is superbly done! A first class build for sure . Crisp photography too , wish I could get my pics that clear and bright . Cheers tony

 

[stillp]

Beautiful finish Joe!
Pete

 

[outrunner]

That is very, very nice!

Andy.

 

[flyjoe180]

Outstanding work Joe.

Thanks Ian :thumb2:

Joe,
lovely result! How may gloss coats did you need to get such a shiny finish?
One thing with the aerobatic team aircraft - all immaculate - NO weathering!!
Dave

Thank you Dave. Just a little weathering around the gear wells and legs on this one. The gloss finish was achieved using gloss paint, a gloss varnish prior to decal application and a rub down with fine material, followed by a final coat. Humbrol Gloss Cote was used.

Very nice Joe. Truly excellent finish.

Thank you Tim, appreciate your comment

That's is very, very nicely done. That really is very, very nicely done indeed. A great effort.

ATB.

Andrew

Glad you like it Andrew :thumb2:

Flawlessly finished Joe , the paintwork is superbly done! A first class build for sure . Crisp photography too , wish I could get my pics that clear and bright . Cheers tony

Cheers Tony. It is amazing how much dust and fine hair finds it's way into a gloss finish. I was careful to rub it down in between coats. The photos are from my phone.

Beautiful finish Joe!
Pete

Cheers Pete, thanks for the comment

That is very, very nice!

Andy.

Cheers Andy, glad you like the Hornet

 

[minitnkr]

Wow. Amen.

 

[Guest]

Well worthy of the Dogs Award , that paint work is brilliant.


Congratulations.

 

[colin m]

That's a colourful thing. Great finish. Gloss paint scares the hell out of me. No way would I have achieved your finish without loads of dust !

 

[flyjoe180]

Wow. Amen.

Thanks Paul :thumb2:

Well worthy of the Dogs Award , that paint work is brilliant.

Congratulations.

Thank you John, I'l treasure the Dogs Award

That's a colourful thing. Great finish. Gloss paint scares the hell out of me. No way would I have achieved your finish without loads of dust !

Cheers Colin, appreciate your comments. It will attract dust no doubt even on display