1/48 Revell/Monogram F-18C

F/A-18C VMFA-232 "Red Devils"

by HyeonJung Yun

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This is my first F/A-18C. I used the Revell/Monogram kit. As a fan of modern USN carrier wings, I am entirely enchanted with the sharpness and smartness of Hornets.
So, I made up my mind to built this kit with sincerity.  I made some changes to this model and have listed my challenging points;

To begin with, all raised panel lines are re-scribed as the kit originally comes with raised panel lines.  The flaps on the wings and the and rudders on the vertical stabilizers were cut and rearranged from the neutral position.  The reinforcement plates between the vertical stabilizers and fuselage, which omitted in kit, are made with small plastic plates.

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 Under the wing.....each weapons pylon is detailed-up by fitting sway braces.

Three mirrors and grab handles were added to the forward edge of the canopy and were detailed-up.  Two ECM antennas behind the canopy are replaced with ones I made.  I made a hole in the both sides of LEX and planted a transparent plastic plate to  represent the navigation lights.  The air-cooler holes are also made and replaced with the stapler pins.

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For the markings on my "Bug" I used the Eagle Strike Decals #48-002.  The VMFA-232 "Red Devils" are my favorite squadron.

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 This weapon setting is for SEAD mission.  Generally, weapons (AGM-88s and Rock-eye II) and fuel tanks are taken from Hasegawa F/A-18C kit.  The two Sidewinders on main wing-tips are of kit's, and two AIM-120 AMRAAMs on the Sparrow launcher are from SOL model.

I painted this Hornet with Gunze Mr. Color 307(upper of fuselage), 308 (lower).  Both pastel chalks and Tamiya enamel washing are applied for weathering.  Then Gunze Super Clear (Semi-Gloss) is applied as a final coating.

HyeonJung

Photos and text © by HyeonJung Yun