DML 1/144 F-18F VFA-32 "Gypsy Swordsmen"
By Bruce Simard
Greetings folks, we're back again with another "Smurf Modeling" project. For this article I'm attacking the DML F-18F Super Hornet, better know in the fleet as the "Rhino". This version will be the "Sedan" version if you will, the 2 seater. After I got my hands on this kit I really wanted to do something a little different. So the decision was made to open the canopy, fold the wings, and add in the engine intake and exhaust covers. Like most all reading this, we all want our models to be a little different, just to stand out from the crowd. Plus I personally love the self induced challenge. I also managed to find a gorgeous set of decals from Jasmine of Japan of VFA-32 The "Gypsy Swordsmen". So hopefully with the combination of markings and ideas it will be a unique model, but that is for you to judge.
The Kit
So what do you get to work with? In my opinion, a tremendous little kit. The photos really do not do the kit justice. This kit is crisp, extremely sharp, and very well detailed for 1/144th scale. Plus the fact you get 2 copies in each box, I think makes it a great value. As I stated in the previous article on the F-18E, it is not perfect, and there are a few items to keep a watch out for. The nose fit is one area that you have to watch on either model. But in all honesty this is a minor point. One area that is a bit more concerning is the external pylon mounts. As I stated in the earlier article, the pylons are angled outboard a noticeable amount. If the modeler is not aware of this, they'll be very disappointed in the end product. It really is not that hard to remedy the problem. I just sanded off the front mount peg, and adjusted per photos and plans for the correct look. (As you can tell, I'm not a rivet counter, nor do I measure these kits with a micrometer.... It's a hobby, folks! And this is 1/144th scale....) Below you'll see what you actually get in the kit.
As usual, I start with the front office. This is a decent rendition for the scale, and the seats are very usable although definitely benefit from a little extra detailing. Now you don't have to go completely wild here, a few straps and some careful detailed painting go a long way. The instrument panels and side consoles are detailed with bits and pieces of small decal. Although I did choose to add the hand hold bar on top of the RIO's instrument group, it is just too prominent to miss. Again this is the kit supplied windscreen and canopy, cut open with a extremely fine razor saw. After coating with Future floor polish and detailing I was happy with the result - no need to vacuform a new one.
The next area I really wanted to try something different with was the wing tips. I feel it was extremely smart of DML to give us this option. I really like having the choice, even if the fit for the tips in the down position isn't perfect. I had earlier decided to build this one with the wingtips folded, so I really went digging for photos for the fold area. Remember this is 1/144th, so I wasn't looking to make a perfect miniature, just the illusion of one. Using 5 thou card stock I cut extremely small "knuckles" if you will,for both the wingtip and the main wing. The important thing was for these to fit inside each other like your fingers. This took several attempts, as you can imagine, with some very colorful expressions in between fits. If you check out the photos, you'll see on the close up what I was trying to achieve. Again, you're the judge if it was or was not successful.
I do have to state the overall fit on this model was very good. There was very little filler used, mostly around the nose to fuselage joint. See the previous article on the F-18E on how to avoid this problem. Another huge plus with this kit is the stores given to you. Talk about some real variety! We get 2 external fuel tanks and 2 refueling buddy tanks,for missiles we get a nice selection. Included are Sidewinders, what appears to be AIM-120s, plus "Slammers". While the landing gear look a little petite, after installation I can vouch for their strength. The details on the gear and wheels need a wash to bring it out, you really don't want to miss or hide that.
Colors
Well, what can I say? Dark Ghost grey over light Ghost grey isn't the toughest color scheme. But with the very crisp details on this model, the smaller details will really jump out if you take your time and plan ahead. Checking quite a few photos, I've found some of the nose cones with a slight color difference. I used Neutral Grey, which, after gloss then flat, I was happy with the result. The kit gives you markings for lo-vis and very high vis VFA-213, the "Black Lions". (Interesting note here: notice the twin-tailed lions... this has been 213's markings ever since the Tomcats!) But since I wanted this to be the start of a wing build, I found some Great markings for VFA-32, the "Gypsy Swordsmen" of Air Wing 3 aboard the USS Truman. These markings (See photo below) were from Jasmine models of Japan. (Ahhhh, the wonder of the Internet!) I really liked the understated colors but the impressive emblem on the tails. These decals were quite impressive for the detail and clarity. They also went down quite well with the use of Microscale "Red".
Details
As with any model of any scale, the finer detail you add will definitely enhance the final product. With this in mind I decided to add Intake covers,(complete with squadron number and emblem) and exhaust covers. This was actually accomplished using aluminum foil pressed against the intake and exhaust pipes, cut out and painted. The remove before flight tags were also made from foil and painted up. How this does or does not effect the final model is up to you, I like the effect. The base is just a wood plaque from an art store that was stained. The deck is 40 thou plastic sheet with the sections scribed, and the tie downs drilled into it. This is to simulate a section of Carrier deck. The deck weathering was added for a boat in use. The Aircraft itself had minor weathering from normal usage applied, but this is a CAG bird, and best not be dirty!
Summary
That's about it for this build. I really enjoyed the build and associated challenges. I also have no doubt I will be building more F-18Es and Fs. With an average retail price around $14-$15 here in the states, plus the fact you get 2 examples in each kit, it is really hard to go wrong with these kits. I have to say I am very impressed, Keep 'em coming, DML!
