1/48 Hasegawa F/A-18D

by Tyler White

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This is the Hasegawa "F-18D" with some Eduard Brass, Microscale Decals, and Hasegawa Weapons.  Much has been written about the unsurpassed quality of these kits, so I will take just a bit to talk about the assembly and weathering.  I must first give my many thanks to other ARCers for their advice, and especially to Kaan Gok for his outstanding article on the "Tips n Tools" section.  Kaan's weathering techniques for US Navy jets was instrumental in my efforts here.  I did go a little beyond his article sort of trying things out on my own.  Preshading, painting, chalk wash, lighter shade touch ups, then a light coat of the base color to bring it all together.  A nice coat of future, decals, dull coat and there we go! 

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I used the Eduard color photo etch and I can't say enough good things about it.  I also used some Quickboost ejection seats.  I kind of  like the mix between resin and photoetch.  I also used the Eduard color placards which I quickly decided were unnecessary.  Most all of  the labels on the aircraft were drawn on by me with a very fine black  pen.  The boarding ladder is the biggest goof on this one.  I did not  quite get that nice slant that the real plane has, but if I ever  produced the perfect kit, well then... I would just have to quit all together!

Overall I think that this kit is my most complete effort.  That being said, it netted me a big nothing at the local model contest this spring.  But that is not why I do this.  I loved the chance to weather this guy and make him look dirty.  I am really hoping to start building some Tomcats soon, because as it is now I have way too many Hornets sitting around. Thanks again to Steve and all the ARCers out there.

Tyler

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Photos and text © by Tyler White