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

[Pantherman]

So, what's your trick for the stripes on the ejection handle? It worked out really well.

Cocktail stick and dotted onto the part, then just dot both sides and fill in the edges. Takes a while but worth the effort. Pantherman

 

[Edbert]

Edbert , your Super Hornet looks way better than mine !!

That picture I poached was from @BOATMAN

I wanted to link his thread but couldn't find it.

 

[Glenn S]

Here' an idea for anyone looking to build a custom Hornet.

 

[BOATMAN]

That picture I poached was from @BOATMAN

I wanted to link his thread but couldn't find it.

HI Edbert if you want to link the my superhornet thread its on page 2 at the bottom on the page
chrisb

 

[blakeh1]

Yeah, it's definitely not tucked away.... Pantherman

They pulled that same bs on with the 1/72 Razor Crest. 3d stamp right on the rear cargo door. I did not pay attention until it was too late to correct it

 

[Pantherman]

They pulled that same bs on with the 1/72 Razor Crest. 3d stamp right on the rear cargo door. I did not pay attention until it was too late to correct it


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I thought mando had taken out a franchise. Pantherman

 

[BarleyBop]

I can just hear it, some dude down at corporate:

" We have to get with it J.W., even underwear has brand plastered all over it these days! "

 

[blakeh1]

I could be wrong, but I think the intent is an attempt to try curbing those knock offs where they just copy the molding, but even then at least put it on some parts that are inside or covered up

 

[blakeh1]

I thought mando had taken out a franchise. Pantherman

The equivalent of those people who get their car wrapped in advertisements to help them pay for the car

 

[Ron2]

I thought this was as a march build?

 

[blakeh1]

 

[Ron2]

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Loved that line and the way it was delivered! I was trying to finish up my Lancaster and have less time to work on models right now. Lancaster kicked my butt yesterday. We'll see if I get in on this build or not.

 

[Edbert]

We'll see if I get in on this build or not

You'd better hurry, based on other GBs you only have a year or two left ;-)

 

[Edbert]

Progress has been slow, not getting a lot of bench time this week, and on top of that I struggled a bit putting the HUD together.

I didn't get any shots of the mistakes, took it apart and tried again, twice. Third time was the best and while not perfect I decided not to take it apart for a fourth try out of fear of ruining it.

Then I did button her up for paint but again forgot to take any pics until afterwards. Here she is now, hoping to wrap up seams and get the priming done in the next day or two.

 

[Dan the Modeler]

@Edbert Looking great and not seeing a mistakes! If I wasn't doing a 18F, I would have definitely went with an 18G, love the Growler!

 

[Jantk14]

Progress has been slow, not getting a lot of bench time this week, and on top of that I struggled a bit putting the HUD together.

I didn't get any shots of the mistakes, took it apart and tried again, twice. Third time was the best and while not perfect I decided not to take it apart for a fourth try out of fear of ruining it.

Then I did button her up for paint but again forgot to take any pics until afterwards. Here she is now, hoping to wrap up seams and get the priming done in the next day or two.

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I want to see what you do with the F4 on the left.

 

[Edbert]

I want to see what you do with the F4 on the left.

Maybe, maybe not. I have a tendency to take on or try too much for my skill level. Right now I'm struggling with sealing up or hiding all the ordinance mounting points on the underside. Thunderbirds sometimes carried tanks but not missiles/bombs/jammers. I've already given up on trying to modify it into a hard-wing E-version, will probably leave the indentions for the Sparrows (?) too, but just plugging the holed for the pylons is proving hard to get perfect.

Thread 'USAF Thunderbird - Early '70s edition'

Feb 6, 2026

I started on this a while back, never posted anything about it so here's a start.

I made the 4-ship 1/72 Phantom T-bird kit as a child remember having the hanging from the ceiling. I am positive there was no paint, just slopped glue with fingerprints and crooked stickers.

I've been jonesing to make a new one since coming back to the hobby in 2024, but there are no new kits and despite there being some "not very old" ones on the market they are all pretty expensive all things considered. Also, despite the F-16 being one of my favorite jets I wanted an older one. F-100 was my first choice...

• Edbert
• Replies: 87
• Forum: Aircraft

• 

 

[BarleyBop]

tendency to take on or try too much for my skill level.

Great way to learn as long as you can roll with sometimes less than perfect results...
I find it's a fine balance which I front load with a big dose of compassion for the try-hard guy in me who isn't necessarily going to be happy.

 

[Ron2]

I just ordered a kit so I'll join

Hasegawa f/a 18f super hornet 1/72. Not much tonight but it's started.

 

[Dan the Modeler]

I just ordered a kit so I'll join

Hasegawa f/a 18f super hornet 1/72. Not much tonight but it's started.

Not much tonight??? That's cockpit detail by hand in 1/72nd scale! That is a lot of work...lol. Consoles look great!

 

[Jantk14]

I'll get to mine started when my A 10 is done. So I'll be right on schedule for March.

 

[MRDuczz]

My airbrush trigger was hanging up so I decided to disassemble it and do a deep cleaning. That went great until I started to put it back together and can't find a small spring. That loud squealing noise you may have heard was the brakes coming on finishing my Draken and F-100 so I can get to my F-18. It's always something…

 

[Edbert]

Great way to learn

I'm definitely learning, learning my limitations LOL.

 

[Pantherman]

Got a little more done, going to try get this lot glued together tomorrow hopefully. Pantherman

 

[Pantherman]

Got her all glued up, went together really well but a fair bit of filling and sanding to be done. Then some re-scribing, then primer I think. Pantherman

 

[BarleyBop]

together

Glad to have been following all these aircraft builds... I have collected a variety of small clamps and clothespins just in case!

Which reminds me of a ritual of my old Gamps... Everyday, before heading down to his office on Water street to put in a few hours of volunteer bookeeping in his retirement years, he'd stop by the barometer in the hall, give it a tap then announce to my Nan: "You can put the wash out today, Mary"

 

[Edbert]

Clamps are good, tape can also be used and in some cases (round parts) better, just make sure the cement doesn't bleed into the taped area!

 

[Edbert]

I always try (often fail) to show my failures, this is one example. Two steps forward one step (or three) backwards.

I previously showed the canopy al sealed up. But the side-seams were unacceptable. Clamps/tape could not get what I needed. so I swallowed my pride and took it apart.

I could be (probably) my fault, but those side seams were HUGE. So I cut/sliced/diced/ground a few of the north-south joins down to make it fit.

At least I get to show the iridescent/holographic HUD that was previously hidden.

Only time will tell if my decisions were right, but I think that choosing a retry at this stage is apropos,

 

[BarleyBop]

Look mama, that man has no canopy!

 

[Ron2]

Hasegawa f/a 18f super hornet 1/72. Not much tonight but it's started.

A little bit more tonight. I was hoping to get wings on but I'm going to need to putty and sand. I ended up with some gaps. Exhaust is done though.