Full Build Maverick’s F/A-18E Super Hornet

This is a building video of my version of Revell`s F/18E Super Hornet in 1/48 from the Movie ,,Top Gun Maverick".
Timestamps
00:00 Unboxing
00:31 Cockpit
07:24 Landing gear and intake
13:09 Build an painting
22:58 Decals
24:32 Wash and weathering
32:38 Assembly and final details
33:53 Finished model

[@justinball2250]

Boeing employee who works on the F18. Great job in general, but I wanted to applaud specifically your job on the choice of colors on the nozzles. Everyone always gets it wrong and it looks so fake. The nozzles have this brownish dark gray hue to them. Could have been a bit more gray, but I really think that you nailed it with that bronze color. Best job I’ve seen in getting that color. Immediately noticed it during watching. Good job.

[@HobbyModeller]

Many thanks for the great praise. It's nice to hear that I chose the right colors for the nozzles. Thank you 😄.

[@andrewirl2524]

I completely agree with the color choice on the nozzles!

[@stevenyoung1999]

Justin, do you know of a reason why planes aren’t regularly steam cleaned or similar to keep them looking tidy? Just looking at all the weathering needed to make it look real, makes you wonder why they’re allowed to look like this in reality, surely a persistent fluid leak is a fire risk as well as component failure or even slippery floor on an aircraft carrier, is there a good reason why they’re not better maintained?

[@Bloodreav3r]

Those are not sealed tight when on low pressure heights but when at max flight height otherwise the seals would pop an the plane would be destroyed when the pressure changes. I heared that sometime ago in a documentary about the Blackbird. I guess to an extend that is true for every aircrafts, but i could be wrong 😅

[@davidlam8611]

I built the Revell F/A-18 back in the 90s and I can confirm that the instruction manual and plastic constructions were exactly the same, except for the modifications of the F/A-18 body and different decals. You did an awesome job assembling this jet!

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you. For such an old model, the quality is not bad at all.

[@animalyze7120]

Those were the F-18 C/D Hornets and are very different Aircraft from the E/F Super Hornets introduced to the public in 99/2000. This one is a bit longer and wider than the originals with a new air frame obviously. Those kits you were building are very different even though the new ones were derived form those, new molds had to be and were made.

[@Jonathan-ol4to]

Returning to modelling after 25 years, have learnt so much from this video - Thank you so much

[@myles_bennett77]

Making a comeback myself. Such a great hobby and I’ve missed it. Good luck to you. These are amazing videos👍

[@miguelflores2901]

AMAZING WORK , before buying the model kit I thought I only needed paint and glue , now watching your video made me realized how much you need to know and all the materials you can use . Love how you show all of the materials and brands that you use for this kit but would be even more helpful if you like described what each of the products are for ? Again amazing work !

[@michaelsticka7839]

I spent 22 years in the Navy as a mechanic on these! Awesome Awesome job!! So very realistic!

[@myles_bennett77]

That must have been awesome. Thanks for your service!

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you for the praise. 😄

[@peersoeters]

Can you send this to me 😂😂. Absolutely a fantastic piece of art.

[@HobbyModeller]

😁🤣 Thank you for the praise.

[@albertandrews130]

Great video. Love when modelers do the Top Gun subjects. The USN goes to great lengths to assist in the production of those cinematic extravaganzas. Nice work great tips for me to use. Pre-shading especially.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Really well done on the painting and weathering, I was sold when you lifted the masking off the blue color after spraying the black. New Sub.

[@HobbyModeller]

Many thanks for the great praise. The masking and painting with blue color was complex than using the decals, but I find it more realistic.

[@jayrohumbertoguzmanvalenci1351]

Excellent work. I like your Super Hornet, with all weapon stations, and the paint of the thin lines in ligth blue are fantastic, better than decals. Well done washes, shadows and filters. A really beautyfull model. Greetings from Guatemala, the Land of Quetzal Bird, simbol of Freedom.

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you very much for your great praise 😊

[@Sarge-1972]

Turned out to me a nice kit well done I'm going to pick this one up !

[@HobbyModeller]

I also think that it is of good quality for a Revell model. Have fun building 😄

[@michaelnaven213]

Your work really came together and the result was a fantastic work of art. Well done sir!

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you very much for the great praise.

[@piperthirtytwo]

I just found this kit at Michaels for only 20 bucks. I am currently doing the Revell Maverick F-14 level 4 with 97 parts. I saw that this has almost double the parts and it's a level 5. I am a little intimidated to start it. Thanks for the build video. Keep up the good work.

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you for the praise. Most of the parts are the rockets, but you don't need all of them. It was a simple model. The hardest part I found was the size of the model.

[@timothyr.cyphers6939]

Thank you for doing these!!!

[@zachgray118]

That was awesome! Id love to try some of those techniques on my rc f18

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Good luck with your model.

[@Billytool]

Absolutely beautiful man can't wait to see the movie the world needs it in some weird way great articulation

[@albertandrews130]

I hope you saw it by now! It is awesome!

[@fishnchips5826]

Beautiful build! I hope one day my model will look as good as yours 🔥

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Surely it will 😄👍

[@retroprime6206]

This video made me want to go get an F-18 so I ordered one, I can't wait for to arrive!

[@ColinRobinson666]

Beautiful work!

[@partouchefranck]

Thanks for this video. I’m building this model by Hobby Boss 1/48 and your video giving me some ideas for my models and my painting. But I’m à rookie and Iwill try to do it as well as you done it. Good job. And sorry for the mistakes I’m french. Bye ✌️

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you for the great compliment. I'm glad I could give you a few tips. Good luck building your F-18. It will definitely be great 😄👍

[@cheunglab]

Incredible build 👍👍👍

[@bernardanderson3758]

I used to do this in my earlier years and my Brother put together a See thru P-51 mustang that included prop and retractable landing gear

[@redcastle12b31]

I love your work! Great build!

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@animalyze7120]

Great build and Great work!

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you 😄

[@Sage-in3mq]

I just started my first model and I hope that one day mine can look as good as yours

[@patrickgaebelein]

BEAUTIFUL! The missiles, and ESPECIALLY the JADAMs would not be so weathered, 1-They are stored hermetically, 2-JDAMS are generally only loaded to be USED, they are essentially new when installed, and are dropped They would look new. Missiles are rarely, (AIM) if every fired, with the exception of AGMs like mavericks, HARM and Shrike.

[@davidf5372]

Quit complaining, it's a freekin model.

[@skulls_7162]

@David F 8kr

[@user-bm6fc6fi7e]

TOP GUN is so cool😍 I learned about weathering.

[@nutillion9334]

Wow looks amazing!

[@henrysanchez4810]

That came out excellent, that kit is my next build..

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you very much and have fun building 😄

[@muratakbulut8370]

Thank you very much for this very valuable information. If you will excuse me, I can sometimes have small questions about the issues I have problems with. Thank you very very much again. respects

[@bernardanderson3758]

Beautiful craftsmanship

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you 😄

[@cesarrodriguezcastaneda494]

Excellent work my friend. Congratulations.

[@user-bm6fc6fi7e]

The best TOP GUN 🫡

[@danielcarlson800]

Fight's on!!!!!! Let's turn and burn!!!!! EXCELLENT JOB!!!!!!!

[@HobbyModeller]

Thanks 😄

[@danielcarlson800]

@@HobbyModeller Oh, you BET!!!!!

[@Flightlevel320]

That's incredible work!

[@HobbyModeller]

Thanks 😄

[@monkeyhobbies]

Great build!

[@HobbyModeller]

Thanks 😄

[@Gurashi]

Great work and lovely Super Horner... 23:09 Though I'm puzzled how Maverick came to fly a CAG bird in the movie.. He'd never been given command of a VFA let alone a CVW. Edit 1: It's a shore based aircraft and the livery was part of TOPGUN (the school's) anniversary color scheme. The light blue stripes and dark blue background is a homage to the TOPGUN instructors's flight suit and baby blue shirt they were under it.

[@HobbyModeller]

Thanks 😄

[@sidv4615]

It's just a movie man. Also don't you think the original VF sounds better than VFA?

[@stevenscherry4143]

"One of life's mysteries, sir"

[@gianluigimarino8264]

Fantastic job. 🤩🤩🤩

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you 😄

[@muratakbulut8370]

Thank you very much, sir, for the video. love from turkey master

[@Forestowo]

Very nice one :) Thanks for sharing!

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you too 😄.

[@DavidRamirez-ww5kv]

Great job. I plan to get this kit.

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you, for this price it is a lovely model. Have fun with it.

[@caterinagambino1645]

Ottimo servizio e ottimo sequenza di montaggio:Complimenti: Bravo:

[@muratakbulut8370]

You are a true inspiration master

[@HobbyModeller]

Many thanks for the great praise 😊. Greetings back.

[@SprueFascinationChannel]

Great job 👍

[@mikemissel7785]

Great video and build

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you 😄

[@egmccann]

"OMG you didn't use FS#### and those seats are FS#.... not Citadel orc snot blah blah blah!" ... there. Someone complaining about colors who doesn't mean it in the slightest, just to get the rivet-counting sort of comment out of the way. ;) Nice result, nice techniques. I keep considering doing oil washes and such, I just rarely do - I'm often going more for "interesting paint scheme" than "miniature replica." (And even many of the schemes I *do* do are anniversary or airshow - or frequently repainted prototypes, so...) One of these days I'll actually *use* the stuff I picked up!

[@anku6595]

Echt super geworden ,

[@HobbyModeller]

Vielen Dank.

[@FernandoHenrique-ij3tt]

Awesome!

[@DeLanScaleModels]

Sehr schönes Video, gefällt mir gut

[@HobbyModeller]

Vielen Dank 😊. Das bedeutet mir viel.

[@reinaldosorgan3944]

Amazing, Wonderfull

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you 😄.

[@user-nz1co2ef8g]

So beautiful

[@ILSRWY4]

Great build. Looks fantastic. Its a real Shame Revell provided this kit with fake, incorrect or fictitious U.S. national insignia. Even the real movie plane used in filming had correct and authentic U.S. National Insignia. But otherwise this is a great kit and you did a good job on the build.

[@jonkroll1341]

I'm currently building Mavericks F-14 tomcat from the first top gun

[@bravo2025]

Great job 👏 👍

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you 😄

[@MrKrc2002]

Nice work

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you 😄

[@sferguson1130]

For a $20 kit, you made it into a true work of art! 🙌 Currently building this model, and I’m wondering if ballast is required, for balancing the model? I’m assuming you would’ve showed it in the video, but better safe than sorry 👌

[@HobbyModeller]

Hi. Many thanks for the praise. I didn't have to use any weights or ballast for the model. It's very well balanced.

[@ialexpau5076]

Only 20? In europe 40

[@Brucie_Boy]

I was thinking about using the same technique by masking the blue instead of using decals. Thinking I was being original then I saw your video -_-

[@HobbyModeller]

I'm so sorry 🤣🤣👍

[@goldenmanuever1176]

Nice job on turbine outlets.

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you.

[@ItzDoge420]

So cool

Great work. Very nice Hornet. Greetings. Aleš 😎👍

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you so much 😄

[@cbspock1701]

Looks great

[@HobbyModeller]

Thanks 😄

[@Noizemaze4]

daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn that is amazing !!! I wish they had smaller toys for this pre-painted since I can't do any of this hardcore stuff Dx best I can do is hand paint a few gundams =/

[@dxw5795]

Sir, your technique is impeccable and the end result is a beautifully and realistically finished model air plane. However, one thing that puzzles me is why did you choose to ignore the joint at the bombs, tank, and the nose cone? Those joints, especially when accented with a wash, are glaringly obvious and is very distracting from your otherwise very beautiful finish.

[@doc0core]

Thanks for the vid, amazing skillz!!! Sorry for n00b question, is there any model kit of Super Hornet with conformal fuel tank? I have not found it! Prefer 1/72 but any scale would be cool, thanks!

[@Kwago1]

I asked for "MLB Maquettes 1/48 Weapons" & you're first on the list. Should I ask you stranger?

[@DeltaTango]

Beautiful work! I particularly appreciate the details of paints/mixture ratios and A.B. sizes you included with each step. I am, however, a bit perplexed that you apparently performed no seam/gap filling and sanding. ??

[@myles_bennett77]

Yeah, I noticed that too, but I think he’s specifically concentrating on the finish. This model is a bear and much filling and sanding is needed. Let’s face it, that would be a boring watch!

[@ddisplaying3689]

OMG WE USE THE SAME GLUE!

[@HobbyModeller]

I think it's the best 😄👍

[@fordobricks4351]

Hello! I love your plane model videos especially this one! Just a question dose the landing gear retract on the models or do you just pop it off?

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you 😄. The landing gear is fixed and cannot be moved.

[@cdrocrossdiscovery]

Damn. I wish I had your skill. Exemplary job,

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you for the praise 😄. But I also needed years of practice.

[@kudukilla]

Having seen the movie now, this particular plane never saw combat, so the missiles would be blue indicating training missiles. Can’t remember what color the bombs would be to indicate training color. Instructions probably said to paint them colors of real combat munitions because kit was out long before movie.

[@aznlegendray]

90% of the steps I was like “why you do that...?!!”, later realized “OH WOW that’s why...”

[@HobbyModeller]

Like in an exciting crime story 🤣. Thank you.

[@aznlegendray]

@@HobbyModeller Lol More like watching Macgyver doing his tricks

[@Roosterfox]

Nice build thinking of doing this especially after watching the film. What made you paint rather than using the decals and your opinion was it wort the extra work

[@HobbyModeller]

Hi. I think paint looks better and more realistic than decals. That's why I tried it this way. For me, the extra work was worth it.

[@funkytownjedi]

🔥🔥🔥

[@bdh985]

Amazing work, what exact airbrush did you use? I'm not coming up with anything for "infinity airbrush".

[@fabiosilva3799]

Very good! Please,1/48 Kinetic Mirage IIIE

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you. The Mirage looks interesting. I'll see what i can an be done there.

[@Dunhillscalemodelling]

Gut gemacht 👍 Ein SUB mehr 😉

[@HobbyModeller]

Vielen Dank für das tolle Lob 😄.

[@BearBaillie]

Hey mate I have just bought this model as it is a childhood memory of the original. I suffer from early onset Parkinson’s and can’t keep my hands steady so you have any tips that would help me to do this project. Thanks in advance

[@HobbyModeller]

Hi. The model is very simple. It doesn't have many small parts, and if you do it with a little calm and patience, it shouldn't be a problem despite the illness. The hardest part, in my opinion, is the landing gear. Maybe you can try building it in a flying version to get around this. Have fun and success building 😄👍

[@TeddyTalco]

Amazing job! do you have a list of the paints , etc that you used?

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you. Unfortunately the video was too long ago and I no longer have a list of the paints used. But in the video all the things I used are shown.

[@TeddyTalco]

@@HobbyModeller thank you!

[@MrRobban56]

Hi, was inspired by your video and are a beginner. Wondering if there is any color scheme so I can buy the colors and washes needed. Very nicely done. // Robert

[@HobbyModeller]

Hi. I am happy if my video could help you. I learned all my techniques and color inspirations by watching youtube videos. Maybe this can help you too.

[@terrancechang9601]

Hey just wondering I’m new to modeling can you link all the supplies you used on this build thanks!

[@rickbourn971]

Was this the Revell Germany kit or the Revell Monogram version? Are they the same kit either way?

[@nickward4963]

Hi, do you use thinners when removing the wash? Thank you in advance

[@frankiehobby]

Like the video, thanks

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you, too 😄.

[@mikemissel7785]

I have a question when you airbrushing let’s say the mixed colors when thinner are you using and what is the ratio?

[@michaeltrivette1728]

that's not how airbrushing works. The ratio I give you may work with my paint and at my humidity level, but not with yours.

[@davec4310]

Nice work…but…….that particular hornet never saw a ship, so it should be a near factory paint job. That jet is also now one of the Blue Angels aircraft now.

[@HobbyModeller]

Thank you.

[@Angarsk100]

As someone who wants to get into military airplane modelling, this seems very far from attainable. What would you modellers recommend be the way to start? Are there "easier" models, brands, scales? How important is to have an airbrush? (significant investment)

[@HobbyModeller]

Hi. Revell models are well suited for beginners. I think tanks are best to start with. These often have only a few different colors and do not have a cockpit with clear parts. For planes, I think 1/72 is best at the beginning. Don't buy expensive ones at the beginning. And if possible, flying versions are easier. You don't have to build the difficult landing gear. I also started with brushing and only later, when I had more experience, got into airbrushing. You will make a lot of mistakes in the beginning and you will learn from them. This is normal. And every new model gets better. This makes it a very nice hobby. I hope I could be of some help and wish you the best of luck.

[@codyandres4897]

What tape did you use for the blue stripe masking planning to do the same myself

[@HobbyModeller]

Hi. I use the normal masking tape und the flexible masking tape (nitto tape) from Tamiya.

[@muratakbulut8370]

Hello dear master, When I apply AK PANELINE (2072) to the aircraft fuselage, after leaving it to dry for 2-3 hours and washing it with a dry paper towel and cotton swab, unfortunately the paint on the panel lines is erased during washing. In this case, the application does not have any features. The panel lines revert to their pre-application view. I watched you carefully. But I don't understand where I am doing wrong. Since I do not have any knowledge, I would like you to explain the application management to me if possible. Thank you very much in advance for your interest, I wish you a good day.

[@HobbyModeller]

Hi. That's hard to say. It is important that the paint are applied thinly. A glossy clear coat must be applied before the wash. Preferably no acrylic. I also make it very thin. 80% thinner and only 20% clear coat. And then spray several thin coats for a smooth finish. Leave to dry for 4-8 hours. And then apply the wash thinly and evenly. You can also try just painting the panel lines with the wash, and not the whole model. Then let the wash dry and carefully remove with dry papertowel. The rest is a matter of practice. It took me a few tries too, before it worked. I hope it helps you and good luck with your model.

[@muratakbulut8370]

@@HobbyModeller

[@muratakbulut8370]

@@HobbyModeller Thank you very much for this very valuable information. If you will excuse me, I can sometimes have small questions about the issues I have problems with. Thank you very very much again. respects

[@HobbyModeller]

@@muratakbulut8370 You're welcome 😄.

[@sci-fimodeler1701]

Hi, do you thin the varnish?

[@jimmayor8061]

How did you know what colors to use on the cockpit and instruments?

[@plumpdog1024]

On the side of the box it lists the paint to use

[@koreayoutube4037]

Where did you buy this product?And if so, can you give me a link?

[@CarltonyHarris-DJS-]

how did you fix the balance issue?

[@c88harris]

I'm new to modeling how i go about showing my builds

[@ItzDoge420]

Omg

[@yametetakiro5914]

can we build it without landing gear ?

[@zoomin030]

How to remove the wash? Only dry paper towel without any solvent?

[@HobbyModeller]

I don't use thinner. Just dry paper towels and cotton swabs. But with thinner it works too.

[@zoomin030]

@@HobbyModeller thank you!

[@yugonzales8760]

where did u get all the paints and the emails?

[@504Jay_]

What store did you get the paint from??

[@HobbyModeller]

Menzels Lokschuppen & Töff-Töff GmbH 😁. This is a shop in Germany.

[@pablonoescobar8421]

9:19 I need that tool. What’s the name of it and where can I buy one?

[@HobbyModeller]

Hi. This is „Tamiya 74150 Modeling Cutting Template Circular Ruler (Round/1-12.5mm) Model Tools.“

[@pablonoescobar8421]

@@HobbyModeller thanks so much! I was able to find one on Amazon, which I really needed for wheels

[@dragon03021]

What was the airbrush that you used?

[@HobbyModeller]

Hi. I use a Harder & Steenbeck Infinity CRplus Double Action Airbrush.

[@ItzDoge420]

What glue is it