Well folks, if you want interesting schemes in US planes you'll have to rely on the Navy for many of those. Since fighters seem to attract a lot more attention than an E-2C, then the F-18 will do. For modelers, you have two very good choices for a 1/48 Hornet. If you are on a budget and don't mind a rather simple (by today's standards) kit that has raised panel lines and will require sanding and filler, then the Monogram version is what you should seek. If you want greater accuracy then the Hasegawa Hornet is the only real choice. Of course, you will pay a LOT more for it and you'll find it to be a fiddly build, but it will give you the best overall model.

The first plane is from VFA-113. It is quite common for deployed carriers to get a bit carried away with special markings over the Xmas period. This particular  USS Abraham Lincoln-based Hornet has the usual stinging hornet replaced with the Grinch. This is bound to be a popular marking. Go out and buy several of these sheets so Superscale will do more markings like this!!

The other is a black tailed Hornet from the test and evaluation squadron VX-9. The Hornets are based at China Lake while the Tomcats are based at Pt. Mugu. This Hornet has yellow trim on the front and top of the fin. The yellow and black will have to be painted on. On the other side of the plane, the Navy is gone and replaced by Marines. This marking as well as the modex and unit name are in red on the starboard side. Adds some interest to the plane! I can only guess that there is some time difference between the upper and lower VX-9 photos as the unit badge on the Marines side is without the 'sun,moon, and stars' or any shadowing as on the Navy side.

Either will be a nice change from the norm on your next F-18.

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