Meng 1/48 F/A-18E Super Hornet
Hello fellow modelers. This Meng F/A-18E Super Hornet took about 9 months to build, the extended period due to a move from South Carolina to Salt Lake City, living out of a hotel, then an apartment, and finally a home where I could set up modeling operations again. I think my wife was the happiest as modeling distracts me, and I don't drive her nuts as much.
Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and detail for my first Meng model, and wouldn't hesitate to build more. Overall, there really were no major gaps that required putty and sanding. Quinta Studios for the cockpit detail, just can't help it, their stuff is too cool! I've always wanted to build a folding wing naval aircraft, and this one was perfect; much improved from my childhood days of taking my dad's hacksaw to the wings of a F4U Corsair & then trying to re-build them using ice cream sticks & Testors glue. I sourced VF-22 Fighting Redcocks from Camdecals, mostly because I like the colors & design, plus they were based on CVN-76 USS-Ronald Reagan (hero of mine). But the age of the after-market decals can definitely be a bit tricky, they tend to tear more easily.
I do wish model manufacturers would reference the various leading industry paint vendors for proper grey paint schemas, I feel like the Tamiya XF-66 Light Grey on top was too dark, XF-19 Sky Grey on the bottom, but I ran with it. The instructions could use a bit more detail as just simply pointing a part to the general location of the model can be frustrating with lack of context and detail. But, dry-fit twice, glue once, right?
One of these days I'm going use some better background while boards, dioramas, or outdoor shots (as @garybrantley recently inspired me a bit) for better photography. In the mean time, the messy modeling desk will have to do, but at least I had some carrier paper to set it on.
Thanks for viewing, and happy modeling!
Great build! Armament looks outstanding. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks David. There's so much hanging there I was running out of places to pick it up! Allegedly you can add a fuel tank...
Really great build, Joe @jroamer
Never built a Meng myself, but it seems like you can have a lot of fun with their kits.
Good to hear you have your modelling space again and that your wife is even happy with that.
Thanks, John. One other aspect I found interesting that Meng offered, were the number of slat & wing options. I opened them all up for a change of pace, but the folding wings is what really attracted me to this model. Given my nature, I'm still shocked none of the parts broke, so kudos to Meng for their sturdiness!
Wonderful build, Joe! Great that you have your modeling space set up again!
Hi Joe, super nice build. I particularly like your obvious yet restrained weathering.
Cheers,
Scott
Nice work on this and a super result.
When you have an argument with yourself over paint color suggestions in a kit, there's plenty of research and information out there to check and confirm for yourself. To me that's half the fun of modeling. As to what you did, I agree with you those colors look dark, but since everything I know about the F-18 could be written on the pointed end of a pin with a dull sharpie and have room left over, it's probably not an opinion that matters.
However, my opinion that you did a really great paint job with the colors you chose to use is valid, and that's what matters. Very nice work on this with the old airbrush.
Great looking F-18, Joe (@jroamer). I think your paint looks great, as do your decals. We just moved a few months ago after living in one place for 30 years. I am sure your move was just as painful as mine, and your success on this build is a testament to your perseverance. Don't worry about your photo background, it will all fall into place in time.
Thanks, George. We made the move to support our son's family, and be engaged with our grandkids, so in the big picture, living out of suitcases and storage units was worth it. You get one shot at it, so we loaded up the U-Haul & made it happen. My 4 yr old grandson is getting intrigued w/ my model room, so I may have to start him with a snap-together kit at some point. 🙂
Armaments look great hanging from a fantastic looking Super Hornet. I too like the decal selection, and glad to hear that the Meng kit is a good build. I used to despise F/A-18's but for some odd reason I've taken a liking to them in the last couple years, and this is one of many great Hornet kits that has been released recently. As for the color being dark or not, the fact is you made it look great regardless.
Hi Joe, I’m in agreement with you about Meng’s instructions and paint call outs, but they are probably tied in with certain manufacturers. Grey is usually a tricky colour to get right, but your Hornet looks great, the markings go well with the colour scheme. Glad to hear you’re settling in OK in your new home, your flight deck looks really cool.
Nice work, Joe. I used new CAM decals (VFA-14) on a Revell Super Hornet 15 years ago and they were stiff and cracked in several places in addition to being poorly sized.
In the movie Wizard of Oz, Dorothy say's, “There’s no place like home,” say's that 3 times.
Joe, from the looks of your model and having moved 3 times you've found your modeling bless. There is no place like home, at the bench, and at peace with the world. Added bonus, a happy wife is a happy life even if your distracted. The results are fantastic.
Keep up the distraction.
Great job, bravo!
One hot Hornet, great job!
A very nice Hornet - well done!