Hasegawa

1/32 F-18 Hornet model kit

Product Article by Artur Kapusta on Dec 21  2005

 

 

 

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

Photos and text © by Artur Kapusta