1/144 Dragon F/A-18E Super Hornet

Gallery Article by Gerd Wilcken on Mar 19 2013

 

 

The Super Hornet went into service in 1999 and replaced the F-14 Tomcat.. The unit, which is shown in this double pack, is the VFA-143 "Pukin Dogs".  They upgraded to the F/A-18E in 2005.  VFA-143 supported Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and operations off the Somali coast.

 

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"On May 27, 2011 a diamond formation of four F-18E Super Hornets from the squadron overflew the Graduation of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2011 then underway at the Academy's Navy - Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.  The announcer identified the aircraft as being from VFA-143, 'The World Famous Pukin' Dogs' based at Oceana Naval Air Station. "

From Wikipedia VFA 143.

My model "Watch for rocks" shows the commander's aircraft (Commander Air Group) of VFA-143.  I do not know if the guy has really ever flown so low over a coastline, but it is still possible...

The Dragon model is very nice, following the original with sophisticated and precise details.  Good engraved panel lines.  The decals are made by Cartograf.

For the diorama I took a rock from the assortment of the German railway modeler Busch, put in a picture frame and filled it with "Still Water" from Vallejo, painted a few white waves around a little dry bushing the rock and everything was ready.

Enjoy the photos.

Gerd Wilcken

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Photos and text © by Gerd Wilcken