Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet
VFA-87 "Golden Warriors" , U.S.S. George H.W. Bush, 2017
Kit Manufacturer : Meng
Scale: 1/48
The Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet is the backbone of modern United States Navy carrier aviation.
Introduced to replace the legendary F-14 Tomcat while complementing the earlier "Legacy" Hornet fleet, it combines advanced avionics, exceptional reliability and true multirole capability. Equally effective in air superiority, precision strike, close air support and maritime operations, the Super Hornet has become one of the most versatile combat aircraft ever to operate from an aircraft carrier. Its adaptability has also provided the platform from which the EA-18G Growler, the world's premier carrier-based electronic attack aircraft, was developed.
The Meng 1/48 F/A-18E Super Hornet represented a major step forward in my scale modeling journey. As one of my first modern jet projects after returning to the hobby, it offered the opportunity to explore new techniques, from advanced cockpit detailing and intake construction and painting to subtle weathering and operational finishes.
The project challenged me in many areas, particularly in achieving realistic tonal variations, integrating aftermarket upgrades, and balancing weathering with the clean appearance typical of carrier-based aircraft. Throughout the build, I refined several painting and finishing processes that would become part of my standard workflow.
The Super Hornet remains one of the projects I am most proud of, not only because of the final result, but because it marked a significant growth in both confidence and technical skills.
Build Summary
Kit: Meng Model LS012 Boeing F/A-18E "Super Hornet"
Aftermarket: Red Fox Studio 3D Cockpit decals, Gloria Models Exhaust Nozzles, ASK Ejection Seat, Eduard Wheels
Completion: June 2026
Gallery
Click or tap any image to view it full size
Paints
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Primer
Mr. Surfacer 1500 Black
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Thinner
Mr. Color Levelling Thinner (Thin ratio paint:thinner 1:1.5)
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"Two Greys" camouflage
Upper Surfaces: AK Real Colors RC919 Dark Ghost Grey (FS36320)
Lower Surfaces: AK Real Colors RC920 Light Ghost Grey (FS36375)
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Major Details
Landing Gear Bays: Ak Real Colors RC806 Flat White (RAL 9003)
Landing Gear Legs Ak Real Colors RC806 Flat White (RAL 9003)
Wheels: Ak Real Colors RC805 Rubber Black
Exhaust Nozzles: AK 484 "Extreme Metal" Burnt Metal (Exterior), AK Real Colors RC891 Insignia White (Interior)
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Weathering
Flory Models Weathering Wash “Grime”
Abteilung 502 Oil “Smoke”, “Raw Umber”
Selective Dry-brushing with Ak Real Colors RC820 Aluminium on exhaust nozzles
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Clear Coats/Final Finish
Before decal application: Mr. Color GX100 Super Clear
After decals application: Mr. Color GX100 Super Clear
Final Finish: Mr. Color C181 Semigloss Clear
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Key Techniques and Features
Black Basing and Marbling
Applied over black primer to create tonal variation and avoid a uniform monochromatic finish
Operational Grime and Panels enhancements
Flory Models Wash "grime" was applied over Gloss Coat to allow easy removal of excess and overall adjustment
Oil weathering
Abteilung 502 oils were used to create subtle streaking, panel fading, and operational wear, and highlight interior nozzle petals
Intake pour paint method
Self levelling "home wall" white paint was poured into the intake ducts to achieve a seamless interior finish
Metallic exhaust weathering
Layered metallic paints, washes and dry brushing reproduced the heat staining and wear
Exhaust Nozzles
Aftermarket Gloria Models Exhaust Nozzles Type 2 in open position were used to enhance detail on and realism of rear fuselage
Ejection Seat
ASK 3D Resin Printed Ejection Seat was used to increase the cockpit level of detail and realism
Lessons Learned & Practical Tips
The following techniques proved particularly effective during this project and will be carried forward to future builds
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Sprue Goo
Sprue Goo (dissolved styrene in liquid cement) produces cleaner seams than conventional filler because it becomes part of the surrounding plastic. It is particularly effective on external fuel tanks, underwing stores and fuselage joints where invisible seams are required
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Black Basing
Black Basing, produces convincing tonal variation by applying heavily thinned camouflage colors over a black primer, in this case Mr. Surfacer 1500, and a random marbling pattern (light grey or off/insigna white). Keeping the paint translucent (around a 1:2 paint-to-thinner ratio) and applying multiple very light coats, allows the underlying contrast to remain visible, resulting in a more realistic, weathered finish without excessive post shading
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Gloss varnish before weathering
Applying a gloss coat before washes and oil weathering provides a smoother surface, allowing pigments to flow naturally into panel lines and recesses while making excess material easier to remove. This results in cleaner, more predictable weathering and reduces the risk of staining the surrounding paint