Meng F/A-18E Super Hornet 1/48 Scale | Full Build Video

Greeting everyone! I'm happy to present to you my build video for the 1/48 scale Meng F/A-18E Super Hornet in VFA-31 "Tomcatters" CAG markings! Meng has produced a fantastic kit and I had a lot of fun putting this one together!
instagram: hammerheadmodelmaking
/ hammerheadmodelmaking
Also be sure to check out Stonehaven Miniatures!
www.stonehavenmini.com/

[@garyyoung4074]

Ah!!! With a pilot figure included. AWESOME. I will buy this one. Nothing worse than a sexy jet fighter broken, ....down for maintainence, with all the access doors/pilotless cockpit open, need a mechanic figure on those kits included!!!! LOL!!!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

some mechanic figures would have been awesome, could have made for a fun little diorama on a carrier deck base!

[@ScalerDan]

Great kit, very nicely built! I couldn't resist either and now all three Meng Super Hornet and Growler versions are waiting to be built...

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Good choice, man, I need to catch up then! ha ha

[@georgewelch2366]

First rate modeling and I love your conversational narration.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@mozwald1]

Great build. I live right by a Navy master jet base and let me tell you the super hornets are LOUD as hell!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I've heard them first hand and yes they are incredibly loud!

[@goldenmanuever1176]

That is really sweet. You did a nice job on the turbine outlets. I have a 1/32 Trumpeter Super Hornet I have to build. I am currently working on a Revell 1/48 Strike Eagle. The only Meng I have is a 1/9 pre painted Ninja H2R. BTW get up and personal with the 1/1. It’s significantly larger and louder than one would expect….earplugs suggested 😂

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I've built that Revell Strike Eagle, and even though its a little on the older side, I still find it to be a good kit. Also, good luck with your 32nd scale Hornet, that will be a big beast!

[@Leescreativeart]

Great job with the bill Brett. Excited to see what you do with the other variance. And I am sure at some point they loaded the FA was way more than it needed because boys will be boys with their toys.😅😂😂

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Definitely want to do a Jolly Roger -F, but haven't decided on the -G.

[@gregoryandyuliakaplan7505]

Fantastic build! Absolutely beautiful Super Hornet.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you kindly!

[@jerrystone7521]

😂 LOL!! Loved the comment about Air Force GREY in a Navy jet!! Very nice! Keep it up! 👍

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Lol, well, there is rivalry between the two branches so I'm sure someone out there is going to cry "heresy" about it! But, if the color works, I don't really care about the name ha ha! Thanks for watching!

[@lesthiele4921]

Excellent build and paint finish and weathering, congratulations on a job well done, best regards from Australia

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you so much 😀

[@dianaweidler5001]

Im only half way through the video and Im just Amazed at the amount of detail thats put into this model, you did an amazing job on thoughs intakes and the kit in general!!! another great video! keep up the good work!!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Greatly appreciated! Thank you for watching!

[@tladrt48]

Very nice work !! Great video and tips !!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Danvers97]

This was my unit! (Squadron)

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Right on! Thanks for your service!

[@peterhughes7099]

A lovely build there, I'll have to buy an E model. I have the 2 seater in my stash, you have made me decide to sit back and see how you build the F model, as I also decided to make it a "Jolly Rogers" aircraft.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Fear the Bones man! Yeah, hopefully I can get to it sooner rather than later.

[@peterhughes7099]

@@HammerheadModelMaking I look forward to seeing the build, along with whatever is next 🙂

[@daspanzer135]

Looks awesome! Cant wait to build mine someday

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

You'll enjoy it!

[@Ale.Scalemodels]

Another piece of art! 😏

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you my friend!

[@neilhaas]

I like this jet thats nice

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you!

[@aigarslindentals8315]

Nice work !

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@SprueFascinationChannel]

Lovely job 👍

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! 😊

[@rutgaurxi7314]

Absolutely beautiful as always, however I have one knit pick: bear in mind that this is my opinion only, I don't think the house paint quite works, and really builds up on the interior towards the "bottom" of the piece. But you acknowledged it and experiments are everything in model building. Still excellent work.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Yeah, I don't disagree, like I mention, I'd like to try the latex paint next time, I think it covers more evenly and will avoid that build up. Thanks for watching!!

[@kiwiruna9077]

You got to love a CAGs bird, now looking forward to more of Mengss offering.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Yeah, the colorful ones are really fun!

[@RazedModeling]

Great stuff Brett!🙌🏻 really love this build 🔥

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks Matt!

[@jessewatkins1338]

Beautiful job on this Super Hornet!!The folding wings look exceptional. This kit is definitely on my list.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks, I highly recommend this kit!

[@themodellingmuppet]

Love these videos but they always end up costing me money 😉🤣🤣 Another great job dude 👏

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Lol, sorry not sorry!

[@themodellingmuppet]

@@HammerheadModelMaking 🤣🤣🤣

[@bastiandijkstra6832]

Great kit, excellent result!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!

[@gonzalomendoza3152]

Amazing build! I love the work. I also love that you did not over weather the aircraft. It is spectacular!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@ryanparkin6156]

Really enjoyed watching your build you do a great job explaining your process, will be buying one of these now !

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Awesome, thank you! I don't think you'll be disappointed with the kit, I quite enjoyed it!

[@luizmartini6218]

Fantastic build and great weathering mate! Best regards from Brazil! 😉👍

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you so much 😀

[@spruetherapy]

Great build Brett! You've inspired me to stick this on my Christmas wish list! :D

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Excellent, you'll love it!

[@dradden1556]

Very nice

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!

[@TommyEvans12]

Cool model and as always great work.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@scottbeckmann966]

When you do the Growler spring for the aftermarket decals of the Star Warriors. A Super Hornet with "Vader" livery is awesome. I did the two seater as a Red Ripper and the Growler as the VADER. Don't be confined to the kit decals. After Market options open up a world of options. Also, the 3d printed instrument clusters are another great addition.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

That sounds awesome! I've see the prowler with the Vader tail flash, a growler with the same would be dope! Thanks for the idea!!

[@scottbeckmann966]

I used 1/48 Furball EA-18G Growler Anthology Part IV Decals. It contains marking for 7 different squadrons. There were enough decals to do two different jets. Not affiliated with them, just a satisfied customer. @@HammerheadModelMaking

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

@@scottbeckmann966 right on, I'll check them out!

[@joebringas4807]

Awesome job as usual my friend

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks Joe! Much appreciated!

[@xPhillMcDx]

Super nice job on this! I have the jolly Rogers sitting in the collection waiting to be built. I agree with the ordinance. Can never have too much!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

The JR -F is on my lost to get!

[@PirateMTH_ToddH]

Another great looking model. As always, your videos provide knowledge and inspiration. I have been considering an F-18F build. Thinking Meng might be the way to go. Thanks for sharing!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for watching, I can say, I really enjoyed building this kit, I think you couldn't go wrong if you decide to get it.

[@Deano084]

Excellent job! Have it in the stash! Waiting on my RAAF decals!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Right on! That will look awesome!

[@normansmith8184]

Masterful again Brett. Wonderful result. You mentioned an annoying Revell version which reminded me of a Revell 1/48 F4 I swore about in the nineties, good grief! It's really fun watching your videos. Thank you.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Many thanks! Yeah, the Revell kit was practically unbuildable. I don't think I've build a Revell kit in over a decade now.

[@normansmith8184]

@HammerheadModelMaking Unfortunately, I'm now swearing (haven't you heard me!) over a Revell 1/83 Mayflower of your pilgrim fathers 1620 era. I think that was when this kit was engineered, actually it was 1966 ouch, old enough. The parts fit where they touch but I will not be defeated by a lot of plastic bits glue and paint. Hats off to you again sir, all the best.

[@1stSgtSoulStealer]

I just added this to my Amazon wishlist because of this video. Been looking for a good Hornet/ SH model cause I am leery of Revell kits, but this kit is around the same price as the HobbyBoss, but the decals of this kit sold it for Meng.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Right on, I think you'll be pleased, and the decals are Cartograph decals, so they are pretty much the best ever!

[@guaporeturns9472]

That’s pretty

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!

[@xjetpilot]

I'll have to check into the Meng kits. I have the Hasegawa EA-18G Growler in 1/48 (currently not built yet) and a Revell F/A-18E Super Hornet Kit I'll build first, since it's the least expensive. Test my techniques on this one to get back into the hobby. Maybe build this Meng kit later? Nice job on your build, enjoyed it.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I haven't built the Hasegawa Super hornet, but I have built the Revell Super Hornet, it was a bit of a struggle because of some strange decisions they made with the engineering, I know the Meng kit will be a little more pricey, but so worth it! Good luck with your builds!

[@truthhurts9241]

Let's start at the beginning, Ooooohs and Aaaaahs. lots and lots of them. Absolutely lovely, thanks. So that's a Meng kit. Looks pretty damned good even though you didn't add "Brett detailing" to it. I can't believe the Canopy though, how can a quality kit manufacturer mess up that badly? Good job you (and now the rest of us, thanks) know how to sort such things. Again, thanks for sharing this with us. Regards...

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Let me just say I enjoy your comments! Always makes me smile. I agree, the meng kit is pretty good! I tried to find some places to add "Brett detailing" but there wasn't really any place it was needed. As for the canopy, its not that much of a surprise, its fairly common on modern jet models, because of the shape of most jet canopies, it really makes it difficult to get it all in a two part mold and they generally need 3 part molds. But, not terribly difficult to remedy. Thanks for watching!!

[@darthhokum]

Perfect 🔥🔥🔥

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!

[@jaapvegter9756]

Amazing

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jaapvegter9756]

@@HammerheadModelMaking You are explaining everything with a very relaxing voice and I learn a lot from you so I return the "thank you" 🙂

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

@@jaapvegter9756 Cheers!

[@goforitpainting]

Professional

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!

[@marekvalko2998]

For Intakes I use non thinned Revell Aqua and do the same technique like you .. but to avoid have bubbles or have some huge volume of color on some places I use directly the hairdryer ... its true that you have to repeat process several times (at least 4) but finish is much more better and you will have same thickness of color on all surfaces in intake.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thats a great tip, thank you for sharing!

[@BrodieD]

I've got a growler and F versions. I prefer the look of the double seat look. Outlaw and SMS paints are two awesome Aussie paint brands

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I prefer the double seat looks as well, and I've slowly been adding some outlaw paints to my collection, really liking them!

[@hattrick8684]

I’m surprised you never had an issue with Solvaset. I’ve had Solvaset, thinner and IPA eat right through Aqua gloss. I still use it, just MUCH more mindful

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thinners and IPA, yeah I've had those eat through the Aqua gloss, and I've had Solvaset eat through decals before, but never really had an issue with Solvaset over Aqua gloss. Perhaps I've just been fortunate so far.

[@BayouChilehead]

That was a great build! The details were quite good. What airbrush do you use?

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks! I used the Gaahleri 98D for this build.

[@jamesjester2542]

I think Kelik has a 3D cockpit decal set for this kit. Pretty nice when it builds up. Not sure if you knew. Great build as always.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Good to know, may have to look in to that when I build the Foxtrot.

[@gadeeshi]

Nice build, mate! MENG has the best F/A-18E/F/G on the market. Revell and HobbyBoss are awkward in geometry, don't worse your money.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for the tips!

[@jerrystone7521]

Also, any recommendations for a decal website? I know you have mentioned several sites in many of your videos, but anything specific to an old Revell-monogram AH-64 Apache? Thanks for any suggestions!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I don't have any specific website I go to for decals, i will generally just do a google search for the decals I am interested in, you can just search "Decals (Scale) AH-64" and you should be able to get a bunch of good results.

[@jerrystone7521]

What are the benefits of lacquer paints?

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

In general lacquers are considered pretty tough paints, not prone pealing, rubbing off, and you can use all sorts of other products over them with minimal effect on the underlaying coats. But, they do come with the fact that you must use good ventilation and a respirator when paint with them, as they have not good to breath in, so for people that are building indoors, that can be a bit of a challenge if they are not set up for it.

[@dakel20]

I gotta ask if you have a link for that intake idea. That's pretty wild.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I'm afraid I don't, I can't even remember where I first saw it, I want to say it was an article of Fine Scale Modeler, but I could be wrong, it was a long time ago.

[@dakel20]

@@HammerheadModelMaking I've actually found a few references to it after looking a bit. Looks like the top recommended is Kilz, and you tape the tubes closed and then pour it back out. And! Thank you for another great video and a gorgeous plane.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

@@dakel20 I'm glad you were able to find more info on it!

[@irishcaliman28]

Why the latex paint vs the enamel?

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Basically what I had on hand.

[@Chodaboysaix]

Is it that easy to build as you make it seems? With all these big costly kits, I always wonder if they are as easy to build as they appear to be on youtube. I mean, when I build a kit, I intend to honor it, like it is a challenge, a competition... If I cannot build it in a way I can be satisfied of, even a bit proud of, I feel that the kit is kind of wasted. I currently only build cheap 144e jets and ww2 72e to improve my skills and test lots of stuff but you know how it works, one always wants to build the bigger kit.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I do tend to gloss over certain aspects of the build, like sanding and filing seam lines and such, but I think I showed just enough to get a rough idea of what is needed to build up this kit, while it isn't quite at the level of a Tamiya kit in terms of fit, its really close. I think I spend about 3 weeks in total on this kit, and was genuinely surprised how quickly it built up. So, yeah, I would say that if you are a novice builder, this kit would be somewhat straight forward, but still offer a challenge. Its a well engineered kit.

[@grantmiller6570]

If it looks cool job done, doesn't matter if its not 100% realistic.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Oh for sure, "rule of cool" is definitely a motto I model by, and why I didn't make any changes once I had been told. But still, I guess it helps for people to be informed! Thanks for watching!

[@MDPinsonn84]

Great build! And no, the loadout is NOT overloading the aircraft. It’s at worst an inaccurate load given your mix of missions it’s loaded for, but who cares really? Lol

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thats just it though isn't it, I think it looks awesome! And thats why I did it! Thanks for watching!

[@MDPinsonn84]

@@HammerheadModelMaking it for sure does! I do that with my builds now and again. Make it real looking but still have fun with it!

[@neilhaas]

❤❤🇺🇸🇺🇲🤩😁💯🤗👍😊😊🎉🎉⭐⭐

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!

[@thelordofscrubs]

You pronounced ‘livery’ wrong, it’s the other pronunciation

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

whats the other way?

[@thelordofscrubs]

@@HammerheadModelMaking It’ll be easier if I used it in a sentence. “You’re not going to die, you’re going to live.” I hope this helps

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

@@thelordofscrubs I get it now, I guess my American accent is a little strong on this one 😂.

[@thelordofscrubs]

@@HammerheadModelMakingit’s okay, I’m American too lol

[@BigBlueZP]

It's pronounced "mung" by the way

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you for the correction!

[@mrcschubbyboymodels2503]

New subscriber here! Really enjoy your videos!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Much appreciated!! Thank you!