1/48 Kinetic E-2C Hawkeye 2000 (K48016)
1/48 Kinetic E-2C Hawkeye 2000 (K48016)
See all my models at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/98961263@N00/albums/72157603606379755
Photography:
Nikon D7500; Focus Stacking using Helicon Focus; Editing using LightRoom
Paint:
Exterior Light Gull Grey: FS16440 - AK Interactive RC220
Interior Dark Gull Grey: FS36231 - AK Interactive RC247
Decals:
Authentic Decals Hawkeye 2000 Atlantic Fleet (48-24). I chose this set for the VAW-123 CAG markings. Unfortunately these decals are not the greatest. They are fragile in the the ink flakes off if they are handled too much and it does not take a lot. They also have a dead flat finish which isn't a problem but I get the feeling this is related to their fragility. Just a feeling.
Some of the decals are just too big including the main flag/flame decal which extends several mm too far aft. This is only a problem because the “beware propeller” stripe is supposed to align with he end of the flag/flame decal without going over top of the flag/flame decal. One could still accomplish this but the stripe would then be too far aft of the propellers. The set also includes more stencils than the kit decal set but I used the kit decals wherever possible and didn't use all the Authentic Decals stencils, especially those not printed very clearly.
Anyway the kit decals are far superior and now Kinetic has a boxing with the with the VAW-123 CAG option so I think I would have been better off with this boxing.
Accessories:
Quickboost Air Intakes (QB48340)
Master Casters Resin Wheels (MST48022)
The Kit:
I found this to be a very challenging kit. The build and the painting are very challenging due mostly to the complex design of the aircraft. I wanted this to be a two week build but my haste resulted in several mistakes. This kit requires patience. The fit of the kit is surprisingly good in areas where I expected problems (e.g. - the radar support structure and the engines fit perfectly) and poor in areas where I did not expect (e.g. - the nose).
The level of detail is nice on the exterior but I wish the interior had seatbelts and an instrument panel decal. Panel lines range from fine and precise to wide and soft.
Thanks for looking
Richard
Regardless of the challenges, you did an excellent job Richard (@rbungay). I can imagine that flag decal was especially challenging to get down. The spiral looks well done and the aircraft looks like the Navy aircraft I remember from my Navy days.
Thanks Carl and thanks for your service.
Richard
Despite the difficulties you experienced, Richard, you’ve produced a very sharp looking Hawkeye.
Thanks George
The E-2C Hawkeye has to be one of the coolest looking carrier-borne aircraft that isn't a jet fighter. The markings on this one are very eye-catching and skillfully applied. Great to see something posted so out of the ordinary. Beautifully built and finished.
Thanks Colin. I love the look of the Hawkeye too. Amazing such a big aircraft flies off carriers.
Richard
🙂 ... Greetings ... 🙂 :
This E-2C Hawkeye model alone is impressive and then add these decals
and a grandiose image arises, very nice modeling Richard.
After all the slight difficulties met, you did well.
Thanks DE4EVER
Excellent result on the challenging Kinetic kit, Richard!
Well done!
Thank you Spiros
Quite a challenge but the outcome is fantastic, Richard @rbungay
Thanks John
simply beautiful! I do have a paper version of this kit. hoping it comes out half as good as this! really spectacular. Cheers my friend.
Thanks Neil. Those paper kits are amazing - good luck with it.
Amazing decal work, Richard! Love the folded wings and extended flaps, very cool.
Thanks Joe. This is one kit for which the folding wing option is easier than the extended wing option although extending the wings is facilitated by a nice tabbed rib structure. Kinetic did a great job here.
That is one fine looking build! Well done, Richard
Thank you Gary!
Oh man that decal on the radar would have been a very tense moment for me. Lovely build all around.
Thanks Brian. Yes, that decal gave me fits. It broke apart and, well, I lived to tell the tale.
that's quite the looker despite the decal issues! Well done!
Thanks Greg - its good to be finished this project. Looks great on the shelf beside my Tamiya Sundowner Phantom.
That's a great build, looks like a challenging decal job.
Thanks Chas. The decals for the most part went on without problems. The spiral decal broke apart on me and I had a few strokes getting it all in place. I did that decal first in case I ruined it and had to skip schemes.
Take care,
Richard
Spent most of my career in the E-2, C-2 community, nicely done!
Thank you Rob and thanks for your service
Nice work on that Hawkeye. @rbungay
Thank you John
This definitely turned out gorgeous, problems and all! Your never now from looking. Great work, and a very cool paint scheme.
Thanks Clint. I am happy with the turnout and a bit of creative photography hid the worst mistakes.
This is a fantastic build Richard! I really enjoyed looking at it!