Building the Hasegawa 1/48th Scale F/A-18F Super Hornet Fighter Jet plus Flight Deck Display

This video documents building a Hasegawa 1/48th scale F/A-18F Super Hornet (Kit #07238) plus creating a homemade flight deck display base.
Aspects of weathering, airbrushing, sanding, putty work, painting, decaling, scratch building, and photo etch efforts are covered.
The Flight Deck Build starts at 21:42
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Aircraft Photo Credits: Public Domain-- Navy and other military governmental sources.
Background Sound Effects: FreeSound.Org-all used are under Creative Commons (0) with no attribution required.

[@stephencannon3140]

You have that model so realistic that you might need to wear hearing protection and make sure you don’t get too close to the intakes!!

[@TAdk1969]

Very Good Job! I spent 20 years in Naval Aviation and I remember when VFA-103 "Jolly Rodgers" used to he VF-84. Prior to transitioning to the F-18F Super Hornet, VFA-103 used to be the F-14B Tomcat. The aircraft you've built is called the "Show Bird", or CAG (Carrier Air Group) bird. Each squadron will forgo the tactical paint scheme on one aircraft. At Christmas VFA-103 will replace the "bones" with candy canes, and put a Santa's Hat on top of the skull as well. You did a very good job on the aircraft markings as well. Most aircraft don't have all of the markings that come with model kits. A lot of those markings are worn off during the maintenance cycle, and the application is over kill. I was very impressed with your use of the pencil to fill in panel lines, very nice. OUTSTANDING JOB! Here is a really good story on the history of VFA-103 and the legend of the Skull & Bones! The day was April First. The year was 1945. The place was Ready Room Three onboard USS Bunker HIll, on station one hundred miles off the coast of Okinawa. This day would mark the beginning of the invasion of Okinawa. Fighters Squadron SEVENTEEN would participate in the invasion, providing air support in the area. Fighter Squadron SEVENTEEN's reputation in the Pacific theater was well known, and Japanese pilots feared the sight of VF-17's Skull and Crossbones emblazoned F4U Corsairs. Ensign Jack Ernie and the other squadron pilots completed their preflight briefings and headed to the flight deck of USS Bunker HIll to man their aircraft. Jack and his fellow pilots had already shot down over 100 Japanese aircraft, and anxiously awaited the day's opportunity to add more Japanese kills to their record. Two hours later, however, over the skies of Okinawa, Ensign Jack Ernie began losing engine oil and in an attempt to disengage from the fight with his crippled Corsair, was attacked by two Japanese Zeroes. Without the full power of his engine available, Jack was at a disadvantage, but he fought valiantly, splashing one of the Zeroes before being overcome by the second. As his Corsair plummeted earthward he made two transmissions; "Skipper, I can't get out" followed by a short pause and then, "Remember me with the Jolly Rogers." For his actions that day, Ensign Ernie was posthumously awared the Navy Cross. His remains were not recovered until many years later, after VF-17 had been decommissioned and the Skull and Crossbones insignia adopted by Fighter Squadron EIGHTY-FOUR. After its commissioning in 1955, in an attempt to trace the history of its squadron insignia, the story of Ensign Jack Ernie was revealed to VF-84 by Jack's family and upon their suggestion and consent, Jack's skull and femurs were encased in glass and presented to the squadron, thereby fulfilling Jack's last request of being remember to the Jolly Rogers. To this day, Ensign Jack Ernie is retained on the squadron rooster and his skull and bones go with the Jolly Rogers wherever they go, serving as a symbol of courage and heroism for all Jolly Rogers to follow. www.f-14association.com/tales/the-legend-of-the-skull-bones.html

[@seananthonyegan3395]

You have inspired me to start building models again thank you 😊

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Sean, that's terrific to hear, have fun! 🙂

[@BuggSmasher]

Having read so many books over the years about weathering techniques and then just being over whelmed with all the steps, this video summarized all those concepts into one motivational video using my favorite subject, the F-18! Thanks you for your effort and time. I am now a subscriber.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Bugg Smasher, thanks! There are many different techniques to achieve the same results. I hope these videos help demonstrate some of the "easier" methods to getting some decent effects.

[@voodoonights1671]

Lovely model and display. Very enjoyable and entertaining video and well put together as always - not to mention educational :-). Always thought a flight deck was smooth LOL till i actually thought about how stupid that would be.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks so much VooDoo Nights! ;-)

[@Planehazza]

I've just got to the end of the video. I like the addition of the famous F-14 - MIG23 shootdown audio.

[@Planehazza]

@Juice I can't get a ****in' tone!

[@butirki77]

This guy is amazing, he is talented, and works with passion. Keep up the good work and keep building brother

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks for the very kind comments yousif!

[@TheModelGuy]

I'll definitely be using your pencil shading technique on my E-3 build. That's so simple and effective

[@kadejaxx701]

I know im asking randomly but does any of you know a trick to log back into an Instagram account? I somehow forgot my account password. I would love any tricks you can give me

[@tonybenedict172]

@Kade Jaxx instablaster ;)

[@kadejaxx701]

@Tony Benedict I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and Im in the hacking process atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@kadejaxx701]

@Tony Benedict it worked and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thanks so much you really help me out !

[@tonybenedict172]

@Kade Jaxx happy to help =)

[@dt4629]

Max, I’ve spent about 40 hours watching your builds since I got back in the game a month ago. Your vids are great, but your instructions and insert of paint colors are so instructional and valuable. Love your commentaries. Please keep it up. I’ve subscribed. Btw, what colors are your missiles here? How come you didn’t use white? Just curious. Looks awesome regardless.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks dt4629, I'm glad you're enjoying the series! New upload soon ~ within a week. Some of the missiles used to be painted white, but more and more they're being painted in shades of grey. I used XF-19 "Sky Grey" on the Sidewinders here.

[@dt4629]

Thanks Max, for the info. Looking forward to the next build.

[@Dantfermo]

Back in the day I made the F4 in the same scale as this. It was perhaps the best model I've ever had. The kit came with metal photo-edged cockpit details and rubber tires

[@paddybarnes7776]

Dude, by far my most appreciated model builder given not only your background but also your vast knowledge of these jets. Very much appreciate your narration.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Paddy, thanks much for the nice comments!

[@alexlascu2136]

Who's here because of Top Gun: Maverick?

[@thomream1888]

Hi Max! Another awesome class in modelology. Your skillset continues to grow, and you are nice enough to invite us along. Thanks! I was excited to watch as the build progressed, and then you topped it off with that superb audio. And I noticed you had two thumbs-down - You don't think that might be the two MiG drivers that got splashed, do you?! Sore losers... hehehe! PRIMO.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Thom, love the comments! Looks like I have one "MiG" flyer in Ecuador and the other in Taiwan according to YT analytics so far... :-P

[@aaaeee2862]

Do you sell your work? You can get thousands for that. If I had “ thousands” I would buy it. If you sell your work, that is.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Aaa Eee, thanks, I don't really sell my work because I don't think they're worth so much and I've seen many others do better model building than me. 😇

[@richardgoold3306]

G'Day Mate, I have the Hasegawa 1/72 F/A-18F (# 1 Squadron) and the E/A-18G (#6 Squadron) RAAF decals both are nice kits too

[@Johnny-tt8zc]

After watching this, I think I want one of these. Also,like the ocean background sounds.

[@JimCars]

Woow really nice, im building my first F18A Hornet from a Hasegawa kit 1:72 , i will learn to much from your video, thanks for sharing

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi JimCars, I'm glad the video may help bring success to your project. 😃

[@erichvonmanstein6876]

Wow thats a trip at the end you got the f18 next to a raptor. I got the same two jets in a fly by pattern both with the jolly roger paint scheme

[@punman5392]

Kind of ironic that the US Navy flies the Jolly Roger on some of its planes

[@MaxAfterburner]

🏴‍☠️

[@erichvonmanstein6876]

How so?

[@longlance67]

I love your work great presentation and skills to boot!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks a lot Shane, I appreciate it!

[@longlance67]

my pleasure ! :)

[@AG-yh5hi]

Fantastic build! You inspired me to get back into scale modeling after 38 years. Just bought the Hasegawa E and F kits, and may build both at the same time! What airbrush model do you use? Awesome job!

[@TheModelGuy]

@@longlance67 He's just missing that relaxing Irish accent :)

[@peroinzimbabwe5842]

dude, I love your videos. You make stunning models, you have the knowledge on the planes you make and I find out something new every time I watch your video and youre an inspiration to me since I want to be an air force pilot or an engineer working on jets. Keep up the great work.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks TheFlashJoe, I'm delighted that you're enjoying the channel's efforts. I wish you the best in your career aspirations. Keep working at it, it will be so worth it when you get there!

[@stephencannon3140]

If these marking look familiar think back about 40+ years....The movie. “The Final Countdown” with Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen....USS Nimitz goes through a time warp to December 6th 1941. Aircraft at the time was the F-14A Tomcat. I believe the markings stayed the same but squadron got re designated from VF-84. The original markings were VF-84 and when 84 was decommissioned in 1995. The markings and nickname were transferred to the VF-103 even though the aircraft remained the same (F-14 Tomcat) In 2004-2005 VF-103 became one of the first transition squadrons from the F-14 to F-18E/F. Super Hornet. Some F-14 squadrons got F-18E (single seat) and some got the two seat F models. The aircraft depicted in this display is the CAG Bird. A navy tradition that goes back many years where every squadron under the air wing has one aircraft painted in the CAG motif with the high visibility tail markings and in some cases gloss paint instead of flat. X00 is the CAG aircraft regardless of what squadron operates and maintains it. The CAG is mostly administrative but has to be qualified in one of the aircraft assigned, could be tactical, could be rotary wing, could be Airborne Early Warning. CAGS need to keep current and qualified so may fly missions either training, currency and in rare cases operational combat missions. If safe for flight and available the first choice would be to let. CAG fly the side number with their name on it but not written in stone. Great model and display but some background on the specific aircraft markings and history.

[@okkami676]

I really like your commentary, esp from 15.10-15.30. Good work!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks for your comments and for watching!

[@AvengerII]

I have to admit that as a two-seater, the F-model looks better than the B- and D-models. Those smaller, earlier production two-seaters look off-balance somehow with the extended two-seat canopy. The F-model look better with the additional bulk. From certain angles, it actually kind of resembles the F-14. The F-model doesn't quite have the range of the E-model. It gave up about 1,000lbs of fuel to accommodate the second crewman. Who knows how many more Super Hornets they'll build. The Navy may need to buy more since the earliest production planes are running hard against their guaranteed frame life (6,000hrs; quite a few are well over 5,000hrs). ************** Did anybody else read they were talking about extending the Block 40 and 50 F-16s in US service to possibly 20,000 flight hours? I kind of wonder how well that's going to work. They've had problems with fatigue and cracking on the F-16 since the early models. The Navy retired its F-16Ns because they wore out quicker than expected (constant 9G turns and higher than normal stress will do that). Frankly, most of the Fourth Generation planes still in US service are looking tired. They can't retired F-15C's soon enough. Those planes are getting dangerous to fly.

[@chandrachurniyogi8394]

the only element missing is a 1/10 scale model the USS John F Kennedy (CVN-79) nuclear powered super carrier!!! been eagerly looking for larger (1/32 & 1/35) scale model of the carrier borne F/A-18E Super Hornet (Block III) multi role fighter!!! please advise!!!

[@_that_loudass_powerstroke2656]

Do you have any good tips on doing afterburner flame and on the f14 you did can the landing gear been stored

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Redneck gaming, the landing gear on the Tamiya F-14D kit is set up for "gear down". You'd have to do some modifications for a "gear up" display. For afterburner effects, you'd probably need to get into LEDs and there are a few model videos out there that tutor viewers on methods and techniques you may want to check out. I haven't personally done any lighting effects for my models so far. Thanks for watching! 😇

[@_that_loudass_powerstroke2656]

@@MaxAfterburner okay thx brother and thanks for your service

[@michaellefand9614]

Excellent video. I love your explanations of the various techniques you used. Your build videos are very inspiring, especially to someone who is picking the hobby back up after a 30 year hiatus. I did have a couple of questions. When you used the oil paint to discolor the engine nozzles, did you thin the oil paint before applying? How long did you wait before using the cotton swab to remove the oil paint?

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Michael, for engine nozzles, I usually dab on a little black oil paint right out of the tube and slowly thin it out to my liking using the cotton swabs. I generally don't wait more than a minute or two before wiping it off.🙂

[@williamarden5441]

VFA103 transitioned to the Super Hornets in 2004. I actually trained the airframers from VF103 to work on the Super Hornet. I then went to 103 in 2007 which was the worse mistake I ever made. The squadron turned into a 💩 hole

[@ONLYPLA]

good !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Hyojin's PLAmodel TV !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bigalexg]

Wow. Spectacular job Max! Really went the extra mile with the flight deck. I'm just getting back into model building and you have raised my expectations of what this hobby can be. You make a good video too, clear and easy to follow instructions and generally very informative. I am truly inspired - liked and subscribed!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi bigalexg, welcome aboard! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the video as well. I hope you have great fun and success with all your model builds! 😊

[@stephencannon3140]

The AA is two parts. A. Indicating east coast. N would be west coast. The second letter represents the specific carrier/Carrier Air Wing. Yes it is possible to be based on land in one coast but your air wing/carried the other.

[@esitu5655]

I am sure someone has said this already, but you can put decal right on top of the cockpit details. Decal solution will suck it down nicely.

[@PhantomMark]

nice thx, interesting you seem to have some of the same problems the Revell F18 SuperHornet has, the intakes and trail edges as they tuck into the rear of the body behind wing etc. I am currently building the Revell and hoping I learn't something from your vid here, so thanks again.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi PhantomMark, thank you, and good luck with your Hornet! 😃

[@crsvetteii1753]

In my humble opiion, I see the washes are significantly overdone on both the gear struts as well as the gear bays.

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Another truly well-done project. Thanks for sharing all your techniques!

[@MaxAfterburner]

No problem!

[@ryanyoung8245]

My favorite build so far, really nicely done. You should do a CF-18 with the false canopy paint job, looks really cool.

[@PerisModels]

Great video my friend 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks buddy! Peri, you're a much better model builder, so your comments are priceless!

[@PerisModels]

Max_Afterburner ☺️☺️☺️

[@hgbarnes1584]

HEE HEE That looks amazing. Exceptional video young man. Thank you.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks HG!

[@eduardviska]

Me first gun airbrush.... H+S Ultra or Ywata CN Neo ? Me interest H+S Evolution solo.... Pfuu big money for first gun....?? Super Hornet 1/48 Hasegawa me to time in target. GJ S. Hornet !!!!

[@alexlighting29]

I wish I was as good as this guy is making Fighter jet models but I don’t have the materials to do it

[@BenderIsGreat_34]

This is AWESOME. Very impressed by your thoroughness and attention to detail. Looks like the real deal. Just wanted to nitpick on some stuff(which are all depicted on your reference photos during the first part od the video); VFA-103 Jolly rogers is attached to carrier air wing 7, having the tail code AG. 103 also runs modex numbers in the 200s. Thought this could contribute to your already perfect model.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi, I'm afraid I was stuck with the decals included in the kit. It seemed "off" to me at the time, but I went with what I was given... 🤔

[@EduWushu]

Thanks for the video! Im trying to follow same steps you did to learn, more specifically the marbling effect, which is quite nice. Question: I see you use cotton to mask the landing gear bays. Doesnt that make the cotton fibers to be stuck to the model when you paint with the black primer? Up to this point Ive been using blue tac, but I always have problems with this kind of big empty spaces that need covering

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi EduWushu, glad the video may be of help to you. The cotton usually doesn't adhere since the airbrush paint layer is micro thin, but it can leave some fibers behind in spaces that need to be plucked out for sure. I've noticed that other modelers use pieces of rubber foam instead which would alleviate the cotton strands problem. 😎

[@cliffordlockman1015]

I like the video but it is a model, he makes it look so old. I would like if some guys would make it look new instead of old

[@djurgens76]

thankyou for taking your time to make these video's, they have been such a big help and I reference them often. Great work Max !!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks silverstacks, I'm glad you like the videos and that the effort put in them has helped you out 😃

[@msanchez7317]

Forget if I've asked before, but do you play Digital Combat Simulator (DCS)? Check it out sometime if you haven't already. Dig the models. It's a shame Tamiya doesn't make more 1/48 models.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Mario! I've been looking about getting back into DCS now that VR is becoming the norm. I also have enjoyed videos on the Eagle Dynamics F/A-18, it looks tremendously fun! But, where to find the time...

[@zakobrien8764]

What model/specs airbrush and compressor do you use?

[@texmurphy5611]

I noticed how you never get paint bleeding under the tape when you use a regular brush - how do you prevent that? No matter how carefully I paint over the tape - including away from the tape, something always bleeds under it. BTW - I love your instructional videos!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Tex, I try to use very minimal amounts of paint when hand brushing near masked off areas.

[@ripperstoolbox]

I just creamed my pants. Thank you.

[@calvingifford9442]

Fantastic work & great job on the display piece! Of course, the Air Boss is going to be calling out: "Chocks & Chains aircraft one zero three"!! LOL

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Calvin, thank you very much! 😉😃

[@Zone5Aviation]

Always like the Super Hornet. I built VX-23s Bio Fuel test aircraft dubbed "The Green Hornet" using the Revell 1/48 F/A-18F kit. I modified the wings and dropped the flaps and slats as I could not find the Wolfpack resin set so I had to construct it myself. Only disadvantage was the the outboard flaps ended up being a tad shorter than the inboard ones. I used Steel Beach resin seat head box covers, HUD Cover and covered exhaust nozzles. A set of Eduard photoetch seat harness and RBF tags were used and some scratch made intake covers. Decals were from Afterburner Decals which are no longer available. Here's a short photo build video I did from my Zone 5 Models Facebook page which begins with an intro as what the the Bio Fuel test was about: facebook.com/zone5models/videos/1747272748733486/

[@MaxAfterburner]

Fantastic job! I just saw that Revell came out with an F/A-18E in 1:32 scale recently.

[@Zone5Aviation]

@@MaxAfterburner Yeah they did and it's nice to see a mainstream kit manufacturer issue markings of a Test and Evaluation unit which they've done the CO's jet of VX-9 Vampires. AMK are about to release their 1/48 F-14D Tomcat also with VX-9 Vampires of the black tomcat Vandy 1.

[@CAPNMAC82]

Great job; especially the deck section. Mind, now it needs chains, chocks, and RPFs or a white jersey will come write you a pile of Safety Violations :-)

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi CAPNMAC82, 😲

[@cheesy6688]

Not to be rude but ur hands look like ur 60 ur voice sounds like ur 18

[@leewilliamson7114]

You can make your life easier when spreading the concrete paste if you use a 12" drywall knife. I did drywall for a living and you can get a flat uniform surface usually with one wipe. These can be found at any home depot or lowes.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Lee, thanks for the tip! I tend to use things I have around the house already to save money 😃

[@Thetindallman]

If you put the cockpit decals over the molded details and then press down lightly with a small piece of a paper towel, they’re go right on the molded detail without breaking.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi SpringHawk, great suggestion! I sometimes worry, however, that the look of the decals are too bright or cartoonish looking in some kit offerings. Your technique sounds very useful if the decals look more realistic though. 👍

[@Maxtherocketguy]

27:23 alternative title:how to paint a aircraft carrier(I will copy it)

[@windsorcorbin9026]

FYI: If the bird is powered down all wing flaps and front slats droop and the rear elevators droop at a 30 to 40 degree angle. The only time the rear elevators are level is when the hydraulic and electrical system's are powered.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Windsor, in my F-16 days the horizontal stabilizers did the same type of thing with the leading edges pitching up. For maintenance we would pull down on them and level them out.

[@i.c.l2456]

what pressure and amount of paint for marbling effect after nato black? love your skill and didactic videos. thanks in advance!!!!.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi I.C.L., I use the standard pressure of about 20 psi. I don't make any special adjustments other than how I'm handling the airbrush trigger. 🙂

[@iamnotarussianbot4513]

I've built over 40 planes and 1 battleship in the past but never used paint. (I didnt have an airbrush)I kept them grey and they looked amazing once the decals were on. Anyway, most air units keep the actual planes grey don't they?

[@victorroman3252]

Phenomenal job sir. What were the width measurements of the center line and ladder line for a 1/48 model? I'd like to give your method a shot.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Victor, thanks! If you could send me an e-mail to my channel's account in the "more about" section, I can make up a diagram with the dimensions of those markings for you.

[@crsvetteii1753]

Why use an airbrush to paint deck markings?? The masking is straightforward and a littel spray can involves far less cleanup than an airbrush.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi CRsVette II, I prefer the better control I have using an airbrush vs. a spray can. 🙂

[@huynhvu01]

thank you very much for your video of building the F18F and the base. it is straightforward and useful

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Tung Huynh, thanks, I'm glad it might help you with some ideas for your own projects! 😃

[@pumelo1]

I like "White SKULLS" only on legendary F-14A. it somehow doesn't fit to F-18

[@MaxAfterburner]

Tomcats!

[@Marauder623]

A tip I learned to reduce the risk of damaging your pain work: enamel thinners work even better for removing graphite.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hmmm, interesting. Thanks for the tip, Marauder623. 🙂

[@ajobis1881]

Question for you...what is your recommended ratio mixture of Thinner and paint for your airbrush? Thank you.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi AJ, I usually mix with an 80% paint to 20% thinner ratio.

[@welshparamedic]

The end sound clip was from F14 tomcats taking down Libyan Mig21's I think?

[@MaxAfterburner]

Yes, it is. 🤫

[@SomeMaxiboy]

This build was f*cking amazing. Period :)

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Some Maxiboy, thanks for the enthusiastic comments! 😇

[@northendnec6120]

Hey pal just picked this up with my 8 year old son.what kind of glue do you recommend to use plz n thx u ..

[@MaxAfterburner]

I mainly use the Tamiya Extra Thin cement in the "green" bottle.

[@xx_PCCR_xx]

Great video! Well explained. Awesome dedication and details!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks xx_pCCR_x, glad you enjoyed it! 😄

[@AKRING30]

incredible skills i wasnt looking for this video but 9yr old inside me said STOP wait this is awesome

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi AKRING30, glad you stopped by and had some "youthful" fun out of viewing the video 😃

[@bd1bd1bd2]

fyi the decorative paint on the vertical stabilzers and around the cockpit is usually gloss

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi E Fan, I think I mentioned in the video that I wanted the gloss to look as if it had lost some of its luster during an extended at sea tour, hence the flatter look and only a limited amount of semi-gloss application.

[@wesleywarren5992]

How does the the "Cement Effects" keep from flaking off from the plexiglass?

[@MaxAfterburner]

It seems like part of the mixture sets up like a thin rubber. It doesn't feel rough like stone but rather like a soft plastic.

[@gsmi086]

Can I ask what the paint was used on the nose cone? I've been trying to figure out that tone to no avail. Thank you

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Gavin, looking over the video at that point it appears that I used the same color as the main body or only a slight shade difference from it. The base color was XF-19 "Sky Grey" acrylic by Tamiya.

[@Otefnmjn]

howe do you know the tape measurements without cutting it out directly on the plane leaving marks

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Onion, I took measurements of the actual model and also of the illustrations in the instructions and then calculated how much to enlarge the drawings to the scale of the model for the templates.

[@vladdracul7810]

Thank you for this build. Know you were a 16s guy and I was in 18s (VFA 204 River Rattlers). Like the folded wing. Shows the planetary gears. Can tell you from personal experience those were a mother fucker to work on. Your attention to detail is outstanding.

[@MaxAfterburner]

The Blue and the Orange.

[@vladdracul7810]

@@MaxAfterburner laissez bon Temps rouler

[@walterheinen5298]

Incredible!! I have built models since 8 or 9, but never had your patience. I appreciate yours though. You guys are absolute Artist. Totally enjoyed the video, keep ‘EM coming. Now I just have to find someone to build my 3 foot long BIG E carrier.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Walter, glad you enjoyed it! it seems like a long time ago since this one was completed. A three foot long Enterprise? Yikes! 😵

[@pewterngold]

Beautiful job. Fantastic looking model 👍 I stopped working on Hasegawa models some time ago because of the ongoing issues I was seeing with pieces not fitting. I know, I know it’s part of model building. Seems to me that they’ve been struggling in that department more and more though. Enjoying your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi pewterngold, thank you very much, glad you're enjoying the "series"! 😄

[@greggmundkowsky5798]

Well done, back in 82 I was part of the flight deck crew that reskided the USS America (CV-66), after we removed the old nonskid we put the new on with paint rollers. The direction we rolled it depends on the part of the deck we were doing. The area you modeled was in the landing area so you could have chipped some away to simulate hook strikes on the deck. Overall very well done, the only complaint would be you did the wrong squadron. The Diamondbacks were on my carrier back then

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Gregg, and much thanks for your service!

[@nicolaguerini4422]

very good video, thanks!!! one question....what are the dimensions of the runway strip layout? ... I am looking for them but I have not found them. thanks

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Nicola, I recently got the same request from another viewer so I made up a diagram of the dimensions I used for the striping. Just send me an e-mail to the one I have listed in the "about" section of this channel and I'll send you the image.

[@nicolaguerini4422]

@@MaxAfterburner ...i send you an email.thanks

[@rapscallion3506]

Oooooooo…. “Shrink wrap!”….. be still my heart!….

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Rapscallion, shrink wrap seems to be less commonly used to seal model kits lately. I'm seeing more boxes closed with just a couple of cellophane stickers these days.

[@George-ew3gx]

Thanks for the video, could you tell me what is the diameter of the tie downs 1/48 scale (millimeter or inch)? I want to print some on my resin printer and can not find the dimensions of the tie downs. Thanks again.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi George, the diameter measures as 4mm.

[@George-ew3gx]

@@MaxAfterburner Thank You, and great videos...

[@iketutwidiwicaksana1092]

hay max..i'am from indonesian.i really likes your video channel...why not try built a Su-30m2 from "Indonesian air force" from academy hobby kits scale 1/48...its gonna be awesome

[@lewisway6811]

Love the flight deck display.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Lewis, thanks, I'm glad you liked it! 😃

[@gary6300]

Hi max just came across your channel your F-18 looks amazing and your carrier deck is just awesome really brings it together have just subscribed looking forward to more of your amazing builds thank you for sharing mate.gary from the UK.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Gary, thanks! I just discovered your comment in my "likely spam" comment folder (?). Thanks for watching and subscribing! 😃

[@bw2903]

I appreciate that you can build these because I would never have the patience

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi B W, thanks for watching! Hopefully, I'll keep building as long as viewers still visit the channel😃

[@raymadani270]

Hi Tom, Can you please help me with a question? I need to know what color is inside a jet exhaust ? and inner of the exhaust nozzle? Thank you in advance

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Ray, the jet engine intakes are usually gloss white. The exhaust nozzles generally have an almost flat white surface with a tinge of very light tan/yellow along with the black burn marks.

[@raymadani270]

@@MaxAfterburner Thanks Marine, you are a keeper. Your expertise is priceless yet you are humble and always available to lend a hand.

[@acescalemodeling]

wow very impressed the marbling effect is a very nice touch and the display base is stunning with the AK texture paint. I've built F-18 super hornet with the same exact fit issues, its weird you would think they would have the tools to fix that issue.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Ace, keep building!

[@alexdavis6677]

U like the bob ross of modelling

[@simonwallace699]

Looks fantastic. Great job. When I got to set foot on the Kitty Hawk (or was it Constellation - can't remember) back in 2001 I was shocked by how rough the F/A-18's were. Fibreglass/bog patches, scuffing, oil stains, spray paint touch ups - I was gobsmacked. You've done a great job in re-creating that weathering.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Simon, thanks! 😃

[@B501R]

US Navy has F-18, USAF has F-16

[@PhuVet]

No tie downs in flight path...they would interfere with the catapult and arresting gear....imagine hooking a tie down at 250mph....not a good situation for the ship or aircraft... the hold downs are laid out in that specific way also to aid in the deck wash down system.

[@RhodokTribesman]

What are the dots on the flight deck in the aerial photo?

[@marklazio11]

are you using a surface primer first, before the black paint ? i notice when i mask off the body the tape will peel paint off ! :/

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi, I don't use a surface primer. I let each coat of paint dry for about 24 hours before moving on. I'm not sure which tape you're using, but if you think it's too strong, you can put the tape on a t-shirt or something so that the fine lint will decrease the tape's tackiness before affixing it to you model.

[@marklazio11]

@@MaxAfterburner thanks again !!

[@fredtedstedman]

Enjoyed you vid Max , I have built most of the modern jets in 1:48 or 1:72 , I have got rid of most of them now but couldn't give up my Hornets , what a great looking plane !! I think the two seat configuration suits the Hornet 11 aesthetically . I like the shakey hand technique - I have a shakey hand already so I'll have to try that one ! Cant get interested in Raptor however , boring model to build ? Wales UK

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks fred Ted! I gained an appreciation for the F-22 while studying and building it. I wish I could fly one!

[@Pursnikity_20022]

I’ve seen quite a few of your videos cause I just because curious again to start building models. Planes / Helicopters have always been my favorite But damn. Looks like I need to step up my game. I’m now where near this good 😂

[@jeffd3201]

Excellent video as usual. Appreciate you taking the time to post this. A question: do you wash the parts before painting? thanks...

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Jeff! I do not wash my kits prior to building/painting. However, if I were to purchase a vintage kit, I would.

[@ryanwu332]

For panel lining,I found a new way. You could use gundam markers Gm01 and Gm02 to draw over the panel lines, then clean up with an eraser. Just thought I'd share this method, there are quite some videos about it on youtube.

[@ryanwu332]

I know this video is six months old but I thought I'd share it because I thought it was really cool.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Ryan! I worry about using markers as some paint mediums make the ink run. Are these formulated to avoid this?

[@ryanwu332]

@@MaxAfterburner They will not run within the panel line but you can clean up accidents with an eraser, using the flat side. Only tried this once so i may not be able to answer your question that well.

[@esselcolmo6059]

and I can see that you are a drummer!!! ahahaha congrats, very beautiful.

[@MaxAfterburner]

The practice pad makes a nice display base!

[@Gomendio]

Which type of airbrush are you currently using?

[@MaxAfterburner]

Still using the Iwata NEO.

[@kachinkafowler2572]

Did you paint the tie downs

[@papagai_5377]

This guy is the Bob Ross of scale model building

[@MaxAfterburner]

😇

[@tladrt48]

very inspiring! thank you for this great video--very well done!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Teddy, I'm glad you enjoyed the build!