1/48 Hasegawa F/A-18A+

Gallery Article by Ian T.M. Holahan on Sept 19 2011

 

This is a Hasegawa 1/48th scale F/A-18A+ Hornet that I recently completed. The model went together well but several modifications had to be done to depict this particular version. The instrument panel was reconfigured with photo-etch parts to reflect the newer cockpit displays.  A Verlinden resin SJU-5/6 ejection seat was also added to the cockpit area as well.

 

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This particular Hornet was equipped with the "Bird Slicer" IFF antennae on the nose so these were added from sheet stock. The usual photo-etch details that are supplied with the Hasegawa kit were utilised as well. The plane was airbrushed with Model Master enamels and then bleached and weathered with lightened shades of the base coats. Panel lines were drawn with a Micron Ink pen and then shaded with Tamiya Smoke, diluted 50/50, via airbrush. Streaks and fluid leaks were created using oil paints. The wheel bays and landing gear were given a wash consisting of Future and black acrylic paint. I painted the walkways on the aircraft, using Floquil Grimy Black and Leading Edge masks were used to assist with that. This plane also had the false canopy painted underneath so I used the Leading Edge masks for the actual canopy to help me with that process.

Green Steel Beach intake covers were used and exhaust covers were made from Scotch 2090 tape and then painted with Testors Beret Green to match the Steel Beach colors. I wanted to depict the plane as it would appear for a day over the training range so a training AIM-9 round was added to the left wingtip rail and a Hasegawa ACMI pod was added to the other rail. MER bomb racks from a Monogram A-6E kit were placed on the wing pylons. New blade antennae were added as well and these were made from sheet stock. I used Superscale decals to depict an F/A-18A+ from VMFA-142 "Flying Gators", a USMC Reserve squadron. The decals layed down perfectly and the alligator markings on the tail really make the aircraft stand out. All in all, this was a very enjoyable build. 
"Best Wishes,

Ian T.M. Holahan

 

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Photos and text © by Ian T.M. Holahan