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

[Dan the Modeler]

Hello Everyone, Just wanted to get the ball rolling for an upcoming GB! For anyone interested, the focus of this build is the F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet/Growler in any of it's variations, and in any scale. Since there are members who wish to participate, but have other projects in the works (who here doesn't), we have a projected start date some time in the early to mid part of March. For anyone that would like to join in, you have plenty of time to secure a model, accessories, paints, and any other goodies you'd like to throw at this one. The rules are very simple... build any F/A-18 of your choice, go at your own pace, share and enjoy! That's it! So if you happen to have one already in progress and haven't shared it yet on the Forums, don't hesitate to throw it on in here. Thanks everyone, look forward to the builds!

 

[Dan the Modeler]

By the way, I will be building MENG F/A-18F Super Hornet as an aircraft belonging to VFA-41 "Black Aces", roughly cira 2006-2007. No extra goodies, basically OOB.

 

[blakeh1]

I certainly have some F-18s in the stash, and this might be the motivation I need to build them.

I've got an Academy 1/72 F-18C and a Meng 1/48 F-18 F

 

[blakeh1]

By the way, I will be building MENG F/A-18F Super Hornet as an aircraft belonging to VFA-41 "Black Aces", roughly cira 2006-2007. No extra goodies, basically OOB.

View attachment 178238

Yep, that is the one I have! It looks like an amazing kit

The details are great, and the pylon armaments are pressure fitted so they can easily be swapped out

 

[Jantk14]

I might have to take part in this one. That Meng kit looks pretty sweet.

 

[Pantherman]

Hello Everyone, Just wanted to get the ball rolling for an upcoming GB! For anyone interested, the focus of this build is the F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet/Growler in any of it's variations, and in any scale. Since there are members who wish to participate, but have other projects in the works (who here doesn't), we have a projected start date some time in the early to mid part of March. For anyone that would like to join in, you have plenty of time to secure a model, accessories, paints, and any other goodies you'd like to throw at this one. The rules are very simple... build any F/A-18 of your choice, go at your own pace, share and enjoy! That's it! So if you happen to have one already in progress and haven't shared it yet on the Forums, don't hesitate to throw it on in here. Thanks everyone, look forward to the builds!

I'm in. Pantherman

 

[Pantherman]

I might have to take part in this one. That Meng kit looks pretty sweet.

Dooooooooo it. Pantherman

 

[Dan the Modeler]

Yep, that is the one I have! It looks like an amazing kit

The details are great, and the pylon armaments are pressure fitted so they can easily be swapped out

I've gone over many reviews, video and the like. They all pretty much point out how well the kit is designed and that the fitment is great, as well as all the options available. Did a lot of kit researches to find the right kit for me and the vision I have for the build. I'm really excited about this one!

 

[BarleyBop]

I'm really excited about this one!

... and we be watching!

 

[blakeh1]

Going through the Meng box now and it really is a great out of the box kit. Decals for 4 different options.
Jolly Rogers cptn,
Black Aces cptn with red markings,
generic low vis black aces markings,
and what is clearly a "copyright adjacent" one for Top Gun Maverick markings
The description is "Pilot unknown, United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program 2019

Also comes with paint masks for the canopy, tire rims, and some equipment.
Even a bit of photo etch for the engine exhaust grille or whatever it is called.
I really wish manufacturers would include paint masks more. It's a great touch and considering the price of kits these days they really should contain some of these extras.

 

[blakeh1]

Pilot unknown...

 

[Dan the Modeler]

Decals for 4 different options.
Jolly Rogers cptn,
Black Aces cptn with red markings,
generic low vis black aces markings,
and what is clearly a "copyright adjacent" one for Top Gun Maverick markings
The description is "Pilot unknown, United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program 2019

Have you figured what VFA version you'll go with? Or you TOPGUNin it?

 

[blakeh1]

Have you figured what VFA version you'll go with? Or you TOPGUNin it?

I think I am leaning towards the more generic black aces one, i.e. the all grey low vis markings compared to the color markings for the captains

 

[Dan the Modeler]

I know I said I would pretty much be building this kit OOB, but...when you have time before it starts, you wind up with ideas and presto!, you have yourself marching into the "danger zone" of accessorizing! Anyway, here is the first of a few things that will be going into my build...LOL. You got to have a Flight Deck crew if you're going to be displaying your Hornet on deck!

 

[Dan the Modeler]

OK, I think I should have never spoke up about this build...now I am chomping at the bit, and not sure I can wait until March...lol.

 

[blakeh1]

Wait, start date is March! It's going to be a long wait. Must resist starting now

 

[Wig41]

This sounds great to me. I have several 1/48 Hornets and Super Hornets in the stash. The hard part is picking a scheme but I will participate.

 

[Edbert]

Guess I'll be putting the Halftrack aside for a bit...again

 

[michaelsatin]

Couple of questions:

How long do you anticipate this group build lasting?
How do you feel about kits that have been somewhat started?

I have a number of F/A-18s and would be interested, but want to know what I'm getting into, given all the other stuff I have going on,

Thanks!

Michael

 

[Edbert]

How long do you anticipate this group build lasting?

Based on the two other group builds I've participated in, I'd say at least a year, maybe two.

How do you feel about kits that have been somewhat started?

I cannot remember who, but there's another person who is at least 75% finished.

but want to know what I'm getting into

You'd be getting into a long thread of Hornet stuff with no rules, SMA is a pretty laid-back-bunch. In fact I got started today and just read that it is supposed to start in March

 

[Tommergun]

Couple of questions:

How long do you anticipate this group build lasting?
How do you feel about kits that have been somewhat started?

I have a number of F/A-18s and would be interested, but want to know what I'm getting into, given all the other stuff I have going on,

Thanks!

Michael

The 1/48 P-61 Group Build started May 2024, the last post was April 2025 until I just opened it up again last week when I started my build. So there's no time limit, which is very nice.

 

[BarleyBop]

@michaelsatin ... yup, rather than racing to meet arbitrary dates, you get to follow along other builds, no matter where you are at!
Because, as folks around here seem to appreciate, life, and other builds, sometimes get in the way... and we all don't approach our hobby at the same pace.

 

[Pantherman]

Couple of questions:

How long do you anticipate this group build lasting?
How do you feel about kits that have been somewhat started?

I have a number of F/A-18s and would be interested, but want to know what I'm getting into, given all the other stuff I have going on,

Thanks!

Michael

I didn't start this thread but generally the rules of group builds are that there are no rules.

I would suggest you start when you can, build new, old or half done kit's as long as it's a Hornet.

The only thing that we usually ask is that you post lot's of photos as you go. Have fun is the golden rule. Pantherman

 

[Dan the Modeler]

View attachment 178588

View attachment 178589

Guess I'll be putting the Halftrack aside for a bit...again

YES!!!! Somebody is pulling out the stops and doing a Growler! Awesomeness...

 

[Edbert]

you post lot's of photos as you go

Good call, that is one hard and fast rule!

 

[michaelsatin]

Given all that, count me in! I'd love to be able to actually come to grips with and finish my 1/32 Academy kit.

Michael

 

[Pantherman]

Given all that, count me in! I'd love to be able to actually come to grips with and finish my 1/32 Academy kit.

Michael

Welcome aboard. Pantherman

 

[Edbert]

finish my 1/32 Academy kit

Better hurry up, there's a 2- year limit. Said by someone who hasn't been here two years yet ;-)

 

[MRDuczz]

Got room for a new guy? I've been checking this site out for a while, but just watching. This group build is a good excuse to finally build the Hasegawa F/A-18C and use the Centennial of Naval Aviation decals I've been sitting on for 15 years. (has it really been that long!?!) I saw the plane belonging to VFA-122 at the Oshkosh air show and fell in love with the markings. Not sure I'm up to the standards that I see in the images on this site, but I'll give it a shot.

 

[Dan the Modeler]

Got room for a new guy? I've been checking this site out for a while, but just watching. This group build is a good excuse to finally build the Hasegawa F/A-18C and use the Centennial of Naval Aviation decals I've been sitting on for 15 years. (has it really been that long!?!) I saw the plane belonging to VFA-122 at the Oshkosh air show and fell in love with the markings. Not sure I'm up to the standards that I see in the images on this site, but I'll give it a shot.

Absolutely, and welcome! The only standard held is that of your own. It's your build, so you set your own pace. We only hope that everyone involved will have fun and enjoy!