Sheet #

Microscale 72-457 for F-18A/CF-118A Hornet

Price:

$6.00

Units:

See Review

Review By:

Scott Van Aken

Notes:

 

 

So, getting tired of seeing F-18 Hornet sheets as well? Bwa - ha - ha! Actually, this is one of the earliest sheets for the F-18. all of these are of aircraft that were in service before it was discovered that there was a fatigue problem with the tails so there are no additional strakes on the upper fuselage. The USN ones are in the early two color scheme.  The first USN fleet squadrons to fly the Hornet were VFA-113 and VFA-25. For the Marines, it was VMFA-314 and VMFA-531. I do believe that 531 has since been disestablished as I cannot recall seeing any of this unit's planes in a while.

Anyway, three of those four units as well as the CAF training squadron, 410 Sq are represented on this sheet of early F-18s. (Sorry, I just can't get myself to calling them F/A-18s. What a stupid nomenclature!)

This particular sheet has all of the required common markings and stencils to do all four subject, which is quite nice. There is a small diagram for the largest common markings. You are on your own for the zillions of 'do not step', 'do not push', do not etc... markings.

The first one is from VFA-113 on the USS Constellation.

Next is the Canadian 410 Sq bird. This one has slightly different and darker greys from the Navy Hornets.

The Marines are represented by the next F-18A from VMFA-531. A second set of bunos and a name are given for a second aircraft from this unit, though no diagram is shown for it.

Finally, a VFA-25 'Fist of the Fleet' Hornet. Again, it is from the USS Constellation. 

All of these very early Hornets are from the 1983 time period and shown on their initial deployment. If you are doing a series of F-18s (and some people model like this), you really should have some of these birds in your collection.

BTW, I copied the decal sheet in grey scale (for a smaller file size) since there is no color at all in them. That is why there is no blue background.

One thing that is missing from the sheet are the slime lights. You will need an aftermarket sheet to replace these items  or use the ones in the kit.

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet! 

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