Boeing
F/A-18E Super Hornet VFA-31 This
model is a Hasegawa 1/72 F/A-18E Super Hornet CAG bird from
VFA-31 Tomcatters kit number 00882. This special scheme represents
the plane with high visibility marks and Felix the cat cartoon on
gloss black tails in 2007 just after VFA-31 ex VF-31 transitioned from
F-14D. This plane 166776 is from F/A-18E lot 29. All decals are
from the box, I followed HASEGAWA instructions regarding colors, the upper
camouflage is grey FS36320 Gunze acrylic H307, and lower camouflage
is grey FS36375 Gunze acrylic H308. I added a light weathering
on paint scheme to show time wear and the beautiful engraved panels of the
kit.
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To
enhance the model cockpit I used extra seat belts from EDUARD SS229
and fix its on NACES SJU-17 ejection seat and opened the canopy
to show the work. I decided to add no armaments except a centerline 480
gallon fuel tank and a AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR pod for target illumination from the
kit.
I hope you
will like my model, this kit is very easy to mount and very detailed
(engraved panels are fantastic). US Navy CAG are always interesting and
colorful and for the history VFA-31 is the second oldest Navy squadron
established in 1935. This plane saw the fight in 2008-2009 with USS
Theodore Roosvelt deployment in support on operation Enduring Freedom
above Afghanistan. I use Photoshop to show in situation the model
(anti-collision lights or through night vision goggles with formation
lights)
FELIX ONE
Jean-Charles
GODDET
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