Group Build: F/A-18A-G Super Hornet/Growler

[Edbert]

Looks like someone got a head start...lol.

Since I was caught cheating (LOL) I figured I'd add at least some delay in addition to the parts order by performing some past due maintenance.

All of that dirt (in the dried acetone spill) is from behind the bowl, so impact on the spray was negligible. I have a terrible habit I cannot seen to break of pulling the needle out (to wipe down) from the back without removing the nozzle and pushing it through. I can always tell when the trigger gets sticky.

 

[VegasAWACER13]

This GB is tempting, but I've got so many kits in the stash already. Still, I've worked with the Australian F-models a bunch of times so it would be really cool to build one of those. Hmmm…I'll chew it over.

Either way, really looking forward to seeing everyone's builds.

 

[BarleyBop]

looking forward to seeing everyone's builds.

Yup! Agree... at this point, I'm not even a fledgling aircraft builder, still trying to crack the egg!
But will certainly enjoy the action as these builds take off!

 

[blakeh1]

that jolly rogers scheme seems to be part of every manufacturers decal options

Can't blame them though, the yellow/black color scheme markings really look good

 

[Dan the Modeler]

that jolly rogers scheme seems to be part of every manufacturers decal options

Can't blame them though, the yellow/black color scheme markings really look good

It's one of the most recognizable schemes and Jolly Rogers Squadrons going a long way back to VF-17 in 1943 to the current VFA-103. They all weren't directly related down the line. One of my very first Jolly Rogers build, was the Fujimi's 1/72 F-4B from 1985. Just something about the skull and crossbones that makes you want to build one!

 

[Dan the Modeler]

DO EEET! (the only rule is post pics)

Edit: I'll post some pictures of both attempts but one thing that kinda irked me was the stickers have all the LCDs lit up as if the bird was powered on. I do not want to close the canopy or put pilot figures in, and it always looks odd for a parked aircraft to have the dash all lit up like that.

Ok, I guess I'm gonna get started on this! By the time March comes around, everyone starting then will probably be ahead of me anyway...lol. I agree, I wish they would add both lit and off consoles on the decal sheets so you have that option. I'm still not 100% sure on whether I will have this staged as a per taxi, or pre launch diorama, but I guess I better figure that out before I finish up the cockpit.

 

[Edbert]

I think one reason the Jolly Rogers theme is so popular is due to it being front-and-center in "The Final Countdown" movie. I know that is true as far as I am concerned, had a bigger impact on me than Top Gun did.

 

[Dan the Modeler]

WARNING! This GB may be harmful to your personal wealth, health, and overall mental stability. Now that should be posted first and foremost with our GBs around here. Thanks to Edbert and Stuart so far, I have been sucked into the after-market battle to really spruce up this build! This is just one of the additions I recently purchased to add to the build...

I'm sure now, there will be much more coming!

 

[Edbert]

Quinta makes nice stuff for sure!

Now you HAVE to have the canopy raised.

 

[Dan the Modeler]

Quinta makes nice stuff for sure!

Now you HAVE to have the canopy raised.

Yeah, I was planning to have it setting up on catapult, but now looking at it parked with preflight arming and checks, or being towed from the elevator. So yes, it will have to be open canopy.

 

[Wig41]

I have my pick for this build. I've had an old Testor's kit hanging around for decades and today I found this …

So because the Testors kit cab be built as an "A" or a "B" this is what I'm going to build. Nothing fancy but should look gorgeous sitting on the shelf. Can't wait to start.

 

[Dan the Modeler]

I have my pick for this build. I've had an old Testor's kit hanging around for decades and today I found this...

This is going to be a great build to watch! Love the adversary paint schemes of VFA-125 "Rough Raiders". You're braver than I doing that kind of paint scheme.

 

[Dan the Modeler]

Here's to the "much more coming" aftermarket goodies. I think I'll just build the cockpit and forward fuselage and call this build complete at this point....lol.

 

[Pantherman]

Yeah, I was planning to have it setting up on catapult, but now looking at it parked with preflight arming and checks, or being towed from the elevator. So yes, it will have to be open canopy.

So are you now thinking of actually lighting it up...... that's definitely a serious warning for your wealth and health. Pantherman

 

[Dan the Modeler]

So are you now thinking of actually lighting it up...... that's definitely a serious warning for your wealth and health. Pantherman

Absolutely not. No lights going into this project...lol.

 

[Pantherman]

Absolutely not. No lights going into this project...lol.

You say that........but now you're thinking about it . Pantherman

 

[Edbert]

I have my pick for this build. I've had an old Testor's kit hanging around for decades and today I found this …

I just LOVE aggressor paintjobs!

 

[Edbert]

Here's to the "much more coming" aftermarket goodies

See? You just keep digging your hole deeper. With the Quinta set you have to lift the canopy. Now, with those seats you can't put pilots in and hide all that!

 

[Edbert]

Absolutely not. No lights going into this project...lol.

Give it time...we'll see.

 

[Edbert]

See? You just keep digging your hole deeper. With the Quinta set you have to lift the canopy. Now, with those seats you can't put pilots in and hide all that!

The Meng Growler came with pilots. Which is good for me since I have another project underway that needs pilots but did not come with any. It is not a Navy subject, so the floatation devices used will not be correct, leaving them off results in some odd "dips" in the top of both shoulders. I plan to fill that dip with custom harnesses made from lead foil.

I started on the surgery to make fat-butt/thick-thigh Navy pilots fit in a USAF cockpit.

As I was typing that I realized the other cockpit I am making is USAF, but the USN flew Phantoms IIs too, so it must be a manufacturer thing. No wait, the F4 is also from Meng, I dunno what gives, maybe 21st century pilots are just bigger than 1974.

 

[BarleyBop]

just bigger

...super-sized.

 

[blakeh1]

It's all the high fructose corn syrup, growth hormones, and other fillers they put in foods these days?


Although in all seriousness, I remember reading a study that people are generally taller than they were say 100 years ago. Mostly due to better nutrition, health etc ..

 

[Jakko]

Very much so. A good indicator is that a lot of people adopted from third-world countries by western families, end up growing much taller than their close relatives back home.

 

[MRDuczz]

Here's a teaser for the upcoming build from a few years ago, VFA-143, the world famous Pukin' Dogs.

 

[Ron2]

I just ordered a kit so I'll join

 

[Dan the Modeler]

I'm sorry, I got the first image in there twice and don't know how to undo it....

At the bottom of your post, tap on the three dots and then select edit. You can then edit the post and remove images or text that you would like to omit or change. HTH

 

[Edbert]

Here's a teaser for the upcoming build from a few years ago, VFA-143, the world famous Pukin' Dogs.

Those storm clouds in the background are very convincing!

JK, love the plane!

 

[MRDuczz]

Those storm clouds in the background are very convincing!

JK, love the plane!

There have been more than a few storm clouds at my modeling desk!

 

[Dan the Modeler]

@MRDuczz what kit is your VFA-143?

 

[MRDuczz]

@MRDuczz what kit is your VFA-143?

The kit is Hasegawa #09916. The decals are from Fightertown Decals #48043.