THE KIT:
If you think that
Academy 1/32 F-18 is too expensive for you and you wanna have big
Hornet you should take a look on Hasegawa Hornet.This is model of a prototype of
F-18.Inside of a big box with a picture of YF-18 there is:2
decal sheets,over a 100 parts and of course instruction.Now on to the
parts!First-the cockpit is really nice.All the cockpit details are raised so you
can easy paint it.In my opinion the resin equivalent for the cockpit is
useless.You can only change the ejection seat.The one from AIRES is much
better.The problem is a lack of details in the area behind the ejection seat but
maybe in the YF-18 there weren't any instruments or devices (I didn't found
any photos of cockpit of YF-18).The canopy (which can be in closed or open
position) has an awful molding seam.There is also pilot's ladder. All
panel lines are raised but very good and you can live with them.The fuselage is
in seven sections.The fit between sections is perfect!Some sanding is
needed but filling is unnecesary.But you can't have everything.The fuselage-wing
fit is calling for putty.The speed brake can be in closed or open
position.Next comes the landing gear.The front wheel well is good in depth
but crying for detailing.Some wiring and scratchbuilding will solve the
problem.The main gear wells are to shallow.Landing gear struts are one of the
best parts in this kit.They`re good in height and well detailed.On the gear
covers there are few pin marks.Exhaust nozzles...not bad but it will
be better if you build them from scratch or find a resin equivalent :)For the
armanent you get Sidewinders for the wing tips and the Sparrows for the
under-fuselage launchers.Overall the parts looking good in spite of
the age of this kit.There is also a standing pilot but he looks very tired,
really! :)
DECALS:
There is only one
option of decalling Hornet.In box there are markings for the YF-18 when
this aircraft was rolled out of MDC's factory in St.Louis in 1978.This Hornet
was overall white with blue and gold stripes.The decals are rather thick but
looks good.They`re also very clear.Every single word is readable.Because of
large surface of decals for the fuselage and wings you`d better get new,full
bottles of MICRO SET and MICRO SOL or paint it.
CONCLUSION:
This is really a
fine kit.Now we have a lot of Hornet's models on the market but none of
them is a pre-production plane.Hasegawa 1/32 Hornet is the only one.This
model is cheap also.In Poland I bought it for 250 PLN (77
$-really good price).The Academy Hornet costs 500 PLN (155 $).If you wanna have
F-18 like no other I would definitely pick one up.With a little work
this would be a real show stopper.
Arthur
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