1/48 Hasegawa F/A-18C Hornet VFA-15

Gallery Article by Zsolt Szivak on Dec 29 2010

 

Hello everyone, thought I would share this Hornet. Built about two years ago, mostly out of the box except for some added wiring on the nose landing gear. I know I could have added some ordnance but decided to save them for newer models. This model was more or less an experiment in applying weathering techniques and I thought the results turned out pretty decent.

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I used CAM decals, they went on very well with Micro Set/Sol over several Future coats, had no issues with silvering. The only problem I had was getting the tail decals to fit properly so some modification was necessary.

I love how naval aircraft weather, so I went to town using panel shading, pastels and spraying Tamiya smoke over selective areas for post shading.  I also used thinned oil paints to replicate grime and grit.  I find the best results are attained by thinning artist oils with turpenoid.  You can vary the consistency of the mix for lighter and heavier weathering and it is forgiving if you mess up as it will not attack paint or eat through future.  Simply wipe off any access and start over.

Best Regards and Happy Holidays to all of my fellow modelers.

Zsolt Szivak

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Photos and text © by Zsolt Szivak