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Found 9 results

  1. As some of you may have seen on the WIP forum, I've been building the Meng E/A-18G Growler - it's been a bit of a battle as there have been a surprising number of issues for a new tool kit. A lot of these issues required a lot of filler, sanding and careful surgery to get a good fit. Honestly I was a little disappointed by the kit even though there were some good parts to it as the fit issues really sucked the joy out of parts of the build. For anyone who wants to relive the troubles, here is the WIP thread: Part way through the build, I decided to swap the scheme and instead of building another grey jet, I chose to build VAQ-129s Centenary of Naval Aviation commemorative Growler: This was easier said than done and launched me down a rabbit hole of blue paints. But, I am finally done, and have the photos to prove it Aside from the kit I used: TwoBobs Centenary of Naval Aviation decals Quinta Studios 3D Cockpit decals Eduard 3D Printed nozzles Eduard wheels Eduard seats Despite all the issues, the end product definitely looks like a Growler! As ever, the Quinta cockpit is an excellent addition to any kit where it is actually visible. Thanks for looking and hope you all like it! Anirudh
  2. In my best Dr Nick impression, Hi Everybody With 1 build completed already this year time to keep the momentum up by starting another one. I have slowly been building my US teen series fighter collection. First, I built the Tamiya F-14D Tomcat, but alas that has quite a few mistakes and is not really that well finished so no photos of that one. However, my F-16 and both F-15s are on here: With an F-14, F-16 and two F-15s in my collection, that leaves only one to go, and there's a reason I've left it till now: I find the F-18 quite boring..... Please nobody throw anything at me I'm not sure what it is, but I can't seem to get all that excited about it for some reason so I've put off building one for a while. However, with the Meng kit taking up space in it's enormous box, now is the time I guess. I chose the EA-18G because I've already built an EA-6B Prowler and this is the successor to that, and I've collected a few cool decal options, but more on that soon. Here's what I've collected: Meng 1/48 EA-18G (LS-014) Eduard Brassin EA-18G ejections seats Eduard Brassin AN/ALQ-99 high band pods (x2) Eduard Brassin EA-18G wheels Quinta Studio EA-18G Cockpit interior 3D decals A pair of TwoBobs decal sets The Meng box is really deep and is pretty stuffed: This is after I have taken out the instructions and datacard thingies that it came with and opened a couple of the bags. And these are the decal options I have: I purchased the top one for my Prowler build then decided I wanted to build a much more weathered Prowler so this didn't get used for that. For this build I actually bought the bottom set mainly because of the Darth Vader themed option. However, after having finished quite a few grey jets I'm leaning towards the blue Growler. This is one of 2 aircraft VAQ-129 painted up for the Centenary of Naval Aviation, alongside the EA-6B. Here's a look at the real things: I think this will hopefully look a bit different in my all grey cupboard (and gives me an excuse to eventually build another Prowler). So that's the plan for the next few months at the desk, and hopefully by the end I'll have a decent EA-18G in the collection. If anyone has any good photos, especially of that particular Growler, please share them, or if you have experience with this kit, I'd love to hear about it. More updates to come!
  3. Great to start a new GB subject, Hasegawa's 1/48 EA-18G in RAAF Markings with a few extras - Aires seats, Quinta Studio cockpit and Reskit wheels and exhausts. Still waiting on the decals. I am heading back to Australia (at last) the end of the month and hope to pick up the subject decals from Ronin. That being a reprint of the RAAF Centennial markings in the usual grey scheme🤞. All the rest is ready to go and I will need to make a good start over the next couple of weeks as little modelling will get done when back home. Then it will be apply the decals on return and hope to finish in time make the gallery. Let's see. I'll start cutting plastic tomorrow. Ray
  4. Wow first GB of the year already and the start of a hopefully not too busy GB year. This build was a case of what came first the model or the decals, in this case the decals are from Syhart and once I had seen them, I just had to have them. The model is Hasegawa’s EA-18G which is an updated version of their F/A-18E/F models. Of course, now Meng has released their version of the Growler….and yes, I will resist for now......just………… though I do have an extra Quinta set……… don’t ask! Extras, there’s always room/need for extras…. …. new Cans from Aires, they are sort of ok and all I could get at the time, but I now see ResKit have a set so….. …. plus, some quite nice Aires Bang seats, the PE belts will be replaced with Quinta ones, much easier to use! Really, don’t ask……… though I could always use the 2nd set on 2nd F/A-18F model… They are a huge improvement over the supplied decals! Finally, the decals/scheme for the special 100th Anniversary 6 Squadron EA-18G Growler. I served with 6 Sqn in the 80’s working on the F-111’s so of course I have a real soft spot for aircraft operated by them…… so that second set may come in handy for a 6 Sqn “Operation Okra” F/A-18F! Will miss the start of this one (away with work) but hopefully the following weekend…. can’t wait!
  5. Looking into some future projects- can any of you Hornet experts out there (Not the DH kind, although I like that one much better!) share your thoughts on the subject on best kits for these three versions? Don't really care if fit is an issue, as it appears all of the kits released are a real challenge in that area, but which ones are the most accurate. I don' know that much about them steenkin' modern weenie cookers! I already have the kits listed below. I would sure appreciate some help! Mike Academy F/A-18C Fujimi F/A-18A/C Hasegawa F/A-18A, F/A-18D, F/A-18F, EA-18G Italeri F/A-18A
  6. EA-18G Growler VAQ-130 "ZAPPERS" Hasegawa 1:48 The EA-18G is a development of the successful F/A-18F two seat Super Hornet that came into service in 1999, and replaced the F-14 Tomcat from 2006. It's intended that the EA-18G will replace the EA-6B that's currently in service in the carrier based electronic warfare role. The key benefits of the Growler are it's an ability to stay with the F/A-18s throughout the whole attack mission as well as using the INCANS Interference Cancellation System which allows friendly voice communication whilst jamming enemy communications, something the EA-6B can't do. Several minor modifications have been made to the wings to create a more stable platform for the electronic warfare role including leading edge wing fold fairings and wing fences. The Growler has since had its name changed to Grizzly (in the operational environment at least) due to the potential confusion of the names 'Growler' and 'Prowler'. The cannon on the Growler have been replaced with electronic attack equipment, some of which is also mounted on wingtip pods. Jamming is carried out by the addition of up to 5 ALQ-99 pods slung on the pylons under the wings in addition to Air-Air missiles. Unfortunately, the ALQ-99 has it's issues such as interfering with the aircrafts own radar and slowing the top speed of the aircraft down, so replacing these and adding next generation equipment is expected in the evolution of the Growler. The EA-18G has first seen combat in Operation Odyssey Dawn, enforcing the no-fly rules set to prevent the Libyan Government from attacking it's civilians in the civil war in March 2011. This kit has been previously reviewed by my colleague Neil in the post here. This boxing from Hasegawa brings us decals for VAQ-130 "The Zappers". VAQ-130 was originally commissioned in 1959 as Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Thirteen (VAW-13) at that time flying AD-5Qs. In October 1968 the squadron was re-designated Electronic Attack Squadron 130, and placed under Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing Thirteen (VAQW-13) this time flying the EAK-3B Skywarrior. In March 1975, the Zappers relocated to their current homeport of NAS Whidbey Island, and transitioned to the EA-6B Prowler. In 1977 they transitioned to the Improved Capability (ICAP) version of the EA-6B, bringing more sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities. In 2010, the Zappers returned from their last fleet deployment flying the EA-6B Prowler and began transition training for the EA-18G Growler; the Zappers completed transition training in November 2011. The Zappers deployed aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in 2013 marking the first deployment of the Growler, they also supported Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan for 7 months while the carrier was deployed in the Gulf of Oman . Decals The New release is for decals representing the CAG aircraft of Carrier Air Wing 3 on the USS Harry S Truman from 2012. The aircraft features a blue spine with green Dragon on the tails. Yellow lightning bolts are supplied for the The Zappers. The decals are vivid in colour, very sharp and no register problems visible. A good mix of aircraft markings, placards and stencils are included for both the aircraft and the ECM / weapon load out. Conclusion This is good re-release from Hasegawa. Overall the cockpit could benefit from some extra detail, and there are a few surface detail errors that carry over from the F model that the tooling was derived from, but other than that, the shape is very good and the exterior detailing quite stunning. A slight word of caution from a friend who has built this kit is that the fit can be "challenging" in places. Overall highly recommended if you want/need a Growler in your collection. Review sample courtesy of UK distributors for
  7. I've been reading various reviews on the merits of the Hasegawa / Italeri kits in 1/48 scale. As expected, the general opinion is that the Hasegawa wins hands down, however, I see the Italeri new mould kit, No.2716 is currently available for around £20, considerably less than the opposition. Rather than a review, has anyone who's built the Italeri (or both) versions any comments to offer? I appreciate there is still some work to be done on the Italeri kit, but a £30 saving is a considerable incentive to overcome this!
  8. EA-18G Growler VAQ-132 "Scorpions" Hasegawa 1:48 The EA-18G is a development of the successful F/A-18F two seat Super Hornet that came into service in 1999 and replaced the Tomcat from 2006. It's intended that the EA-18G will replace the EA-6B that's currently in service in the carrier based electronic warfare role. The key benefits of the Growler are it's an ability to stay with the F/A-18s throughout the whole attack mission as well as using the INCANS Interference Cancellation System which allows friendly voice communication whilst jamming enemy communications, something the EA-6B can't do. Several minor modifications have been made to the wings to create a more stable platform for the electronic warfare role including leading edge wing fold fairings and wing fences. The Growler has since had its name changed to Grizzly (in the operational environment at least) due to the potential confusion of the names 'Growler' and 'Prowler'. The cannon on the Growler have been replaced with electronic attack equipment, some of which is also mounted on wingtip pods. Jamming is carried out by the addition of up to 5 ALQ-99 pods slung on the pylons under the wings in addition to Air-Air missiles. Unfortunately, the ALQ-99 has it's issues such as interfering with the aircrafts own radar and slowing the top speed of the aircraft down, so replacing these and adding next generation equipment is expected in the evolution of the Growler. The EA-18G has first seen combat in Operation Odyssey Dawn, enforcing the no-fly rules set to prevent the Libyan Government from attacking it's civilians in the civil war in March 2011. The kit Having reviewed the 1:72 scale version of this kit, it’s interesting to compare the same aircraft in the two scales. The top opening box includes the same art work as its smaller scale sister. 300 parts are included across 9 light grey sprues and clear one that’s bagged separately. The most noticeable difference between the two scales apart from the higher level of detail that you’d expect in 1:48th is the separate flaps and slats making for a more ‘dirty’ configuration straight from the box. The instructions are of the normal Hasegawa folding A4 document with surprisingly few stages; only 12 stages to assemble 300 parts, so careful attention is needed not to miss any detail. The diagrams are however clear. There are additional parts that are a carry over from the F model that the G tooling was modified from that aren’t required. An example of this is the inboard slats, the G model having a fillet where the wing fold is located. An extra sprue containing the correct parts is included. So let’s get into the build. As per normal construction starts with the cockpit. Typically Hasegawa, this is average in detail levels. The tub has moulded in switches and panels so it is possible to make it look quite busy with the paint brush. Each seat comprises 5 pieces, the centre, two side panels, ejector handle and top plate. Lacks of seatbelts are quite noticeable in this scale, so using some aftermarket detail to inject some life into your pit may be worth considering. Two crew figures are included if you like to use them in your builds, each with two types of helmet to choose from. I’ve read elsewhere that the rear cockpit panel is incorrect. If this bothers you, there is a good reference HERE to help you correct it. The cockpit locates on top of the nose gear bay which then fits between the two nose halves. Surface detail in the kit is very nicely done. A combination of recessed panel lines, hinges, raised details and rivets give a satisfactory finish. Something that is evident on the nose exterior as well as others that I’ll mention further in the review is very slight raised areas resulting from ejector pin marks on the inside surfaces. These may simply disappear under a coat of paint. If not, a slight rub down should fix them. Something to be aware of is some of the panel lines / nose detailing need amending due to the base kit being the F model originally. Diagrams are included in the instructions for carrying this out. In the review I’ve linked to above, it also points out that some of the perforated surfaces that are an over spill from the F model are not present on the G so some minor filling will make it more authentic. Despite the large number of parts, construction is quite simple. With the nose assembled, we move to the main body. As with most (if not all) F-18 kits, this is separated into top and bottom halves. Again, surface detailing is exquisite. Whilst the wings have separate flaps and slats, they don’t unfortunately have the folding wing options unless you decide to carry out this modification yourself. Hasegawa have thought of this in the design however as cut lines have been moulded into the wing fold points to make this easy. Full depth intake trunks are included being blanked off by the front compressor blades for the engine. Unfortunately, there are some ejector pin marks down the interior of the intakes, so these will need filling and blending as will the seam once the two halves of each trunk are joined. With the intakes assembled, they are fitted to the lower fuselage half and the wings assembled to the upper half. Before completing this, take note of the holes that need to be opened, both on the fuselage and wings as there are plenty of them. With the main fuselage constructed and nose glued in place, the tail feather and undercarriage are the next focus. The elevators are connected via a plastic ‘axle’ containing two polycaps so that they can be moved together once assembled. As with the nose parts, there is evidence of ejector pin marks pushing through into the external surfaces on the tails so probably better to apply a layer of primer to see if this is still evident afterwards. As with the wings, separate rudders are provided so they can be positioned at your discretion. The slats and flaps can be fitted at this stage as shown in the instructions or at the end after painting depending on your personal method of construction. You will need to decide which configuration you are choosing though as to select the correct parts for the flap actuator fairings. The undercarriage is a very detailed affair and captures the rugged look well. The only disappointment is ejector marks on the inside surface of the one piece nose wheels on the tyres. A small amount of filler will be necessary here to fill them. The burner cans are provided in the closed position. Detail is satisfactory. A full complement of weapons is included and very nicely detailed they are. The fins on the missiles are very thin giving good scale representation and the pylons have also been treated to a good dose of surface detail to compliment. The load is provided is as follows: ALQ-218(V)2 wingtip pods (x2) ALQ-99 high-band jamming pods (x2) ALQ-99 centreline low-band jamming pod (x1) 480 external wing tanks (x2) AGM-88 HARM (x2) AIM-120 AMRAAM (x2) The rather large canopy is thinly moulded giving no noticeable distortion. There is a thin seam down the centre of the canopy that will need to be polished out. The windscreen is supplied as a separate part allowing you to have the canopy either open or closed and a superb HUD is included on the clear sprue too. Finally, apart from a wealth of ‘sticky out bits’ such as antennas, a boarding ladder is included to finish the display if you choose to have it represented on the ground. Note in the picture below, I've removed the canopy from the sprue to be able to get a picture of it. Decals A lovely decal sheet is included representing an aircraft of VAQ-132 Scorpions in both High and Low vis marking options (2010 & 2011). The decals are vivid in colour, very sharp and no register problems visible. A good mix of aircraft markings, placards and stencils are included for both the aircraft and the ECM / weapon load out. Conclusion This is great release from Hasegawa. The cockpit could benefit from some extra detail and there’s a healthy supply of options to choose from if you go down that route. There are a few surface detail errors that carry over from the F model that the tooling was derived from, but other than that, the shape is very good and the exterior detailing quite stunning. Review sample courtesy of UK distributors for
  9. Hello one and all, There will be 3 builds in this thread. My logic being that all of the aircraft are near-enough the same (same moulds anyhow), so I am hoping to get them all done in a production line style... it'll probably fail epically tho. lol Right the EA-18G will be from VAQ-141 "Shadowhawks", the F-18 E will be VFA-31 (not the Revell version), and last but not least the F-18 F will be VFA-32 Swordsmen. On to the pictures. The Shadowhawks plane you can see in the background, I will be using the other airframe for the Swordsmen example. Here is the Tomcatters example, see what I mean about it being different from the Revell version? Also can someone clear up something for me? Is that missile closest to the "1+1" logo a Sparrow or a HARM? It really looks like a HARM to me for some reason... weird... Love the Dragon drawings The Shadowhawks is the top version. I am not too sure the difference between the two sets of markings, I am assuming one is for a CAG and the other isn't?? Onto the sprues... If you look closely you can see that there is two sets of nose wheels, one up and one down for the catapult. Why am I mentioning this? You'll find out... See the etch for the AN/ALQ-218... they are tiny! They will pin off into the dogs hair no doubt... The sprues for the other two aircraft. I might think "screw it" and do the Gunslingers too... I dunno yet. I also have this... I have the Dragon carrier deck thing which I will be using also, for some reason I didn't take a picture of it... I dunno. Looking forward to doing this one. Kind Regards, Dazz
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