1/48 Hasegawa F/A-18D Hornet

VMFA(AW)-225 Vikings 

by Busolini Massimo

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The model that I present here is a F/A-18D Hornet of the VMFA(AW)-225 "VIKINGS" of the marines corp.

The parts are crisply molded with recessed panel lines, very precise, and with excellent fit.

The kit decals didn't satisfy me, I have chosen the decals of the "ORION DECALS" code "ORD48000", fabulous and very precise, that represent a F/A-18D Hornet of the commander of the "VIKINGS" with BuNo: 165410 of June 1998.

I added the "AIRES" sets for the radar, avionic bay and the cockpit set, very beautiful, but for instance, the avionic bay was not easy to install in this kit.  

The camouflage is in two tones of grey, and as usually, I used the colors and the transparent varnishes of the MODEL-MASTER.  After having painted the whole model in the grey (FS 36375), that are passed to more dark color (FS 36320), and then I applied a clear gloss coat to prepare the model for decals.

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Once dry, the transparent varnish washes were applied to the whole kit using "SENNELIER" Ivory black.  After wash I applied another coat of transparent varnish.  After that dried, I applied the decals also applying the "MR Mark SOFTER" of the GUNZE SANGYO, a fabulous product for the complete adhesion of the decals to all the recessed lines on the kit.  I wanted to fold the wings, but to do this, I had to reconstruct the mechanism of refolding.

Once the decalswere dry, I again applied another copat of clear gloss and only at the end, after that was dried, did I allpy a dull coat to the model.   After this I applied all those parts that I had already painted, such as the undercarriage, the radar compartment, all the parts of the cockpit, etc.  Ordnance used is from one of Hasegawa's weapons set and were constructed, painted and finished separately.

Massimo

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Photos and text © by Busolini Massimo