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

[@georgewelch2366]

First rate modeling and I love your conversational narration.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@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

[@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!

[@lesthiele4921]

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

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you so much 😀

[@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!

[@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!

[@DeanSkrobis]

Love the hornet I was in the NAVY and saw them jets on the carrier I was on

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Awesome!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 🙂

[@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!

[@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!

[@daspanzer135]

Looks awesome! Cant wait to build mine someday

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

You'll enjoy it!

[@FredODaire]

Another beautiful piece

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you so much 😊

[@squidkid2]

As a modeler myself for over 60 years I'm really enjoying your build videos. In fact, I decided to purchase this kit because I really like CAG bird paint schemes, and this model has great "tail feathers". With the red and black paint scheme on the vertical stabilizers and the Tomcatter's artwork this kit checks all the right boxes. I might go with an aftermarket seat and no pilot and also get some photo etch from Eduard. I have built a lot of Hasegawa kits, but I wanted to dip my toes into the higher price category, and I wanted to be sure the fit and finish was worth the extra bucks and judging by your video it looks like this kit goes together very well. And I also like that it has a good range of ordinance, and the folding wings are icing on the cake. I think I will also build a carrier deck display base. I have one question. How do you film your build videos? I want to start uploading my build videos, but I have many questions about how to record them. Perhaps you could do a video episode on how you film your builds.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Sounds like you have a good plan for your build, I would also recommend some after market Exhaust, the kit versions are meh. As for recording my work, I just use my iPhone on a stand. It just points down at the area I'm working in. Nothing fancy, just make sure you have plenty of light on your work area, an more than one. Harsh shadows aren't Ideal. I'm happy to answer more specific questions if you have them.

[@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.

[@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!

[@shawnbaker5092]

Great, another model I will have to add to the Amazon account. Looks very nice. Guess I should start building some of my collection before adding yet another box to the stash. I would like to see you build an all black plane. The SR71 was notorious for leaking fluids when not in the air. Might be a challenge to weather something like that.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Yeah, this is one I definitely recommend having in your stash. I do have a U2 build on my channel.

[@shawnbaker5092]

@@HammerheadModelMaking saw that...

[@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!

[@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!

[@imdoobie80]

The weapons not really needing glue is nice. An idea I'm going to do is glue small magnets in the hard points and in the weapons so I can change them out.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Magnets are a great idea!

[@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!

[@MoonwalkerModels]

Excellent build Brett! We love it! Trent gave you a thumbs up on it!!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Best praise I could receive!

[@luizmartini6218]

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

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you so much 😀

[@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!!

[@aigarslindentals8315]

Nice work !

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@EarthGaming193]

2:25 "The pilot figure is really nice" proceeds to put in a headless and armless pilot in the seat. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Lol, test fitting!

[@Deano084]

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

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Right on! That will look awesome!

[@daffo001]

Absolutely fantastic job! Superb!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@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.

[@SprueFascinationChannel]

Lovely job 👍

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! 😊

[@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!

[@robertozanoni5186]

Bellissimo lavoro e ottimo video esplicativo.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you!!

[@birdsoup777]

Awesome work

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@spruetherapy]

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

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Excellent, you'll love it!

[@danielmateusz9293]

wow just wow!Superb work!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@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.

[@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!

[@bastiandijkstra6832]

Great kit, excellent result!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!

[@TommyEvans12]

Cool model and as always great work.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@joebringas4807]

Awesome job as usual my friend

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks Joe! Much appreciated!

[@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!

[@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.

[@tladrt48]

Very nice work !! Great video and tips !!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Omletik134]

Результат превосходный! Спасибо!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you!

[@themodellingmuppet]

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

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Lol, sorry not sorry!

[@themodellingmuppet]

@@HammerheadModelMaking 🤣🤣🤣

[@ChristianSchroter-ok4sk]

Hello mr.hammer!great work!,thank you for ur efforts.thank u4sharing. With best regards and sticky greetings. your modellmate.christian

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you Christian!

[@Ale.Scalemodels]

Another piece of art! 😏

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you my friend!

[@RazedModeling]

Great stuff Brett!🙌🏻 really love this build 🔥

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks Matt!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@WeeKangjun-uu5gk]

huge step an gap on the nose by applying black C.A glue which sandpaper grit are you using ? over acceleration deformed shape?

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I usually start with 400 grit to even out the plastic/CA glue, then polish it up with 800/1000/1200. I try to avoid using any accelerator if I can help it.

[@dradden1556]

Very nice

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!

[@neilhaas]

I like this jet thats nice

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@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.

[@mylesfaulkner2608]

New to modeling. Was given plane this for a gift. Do you have a list of paint colors you used. Thanks

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I don't have a list off hand, I do show most of the paints I use throughout the video, additionally, the instructions will have a list of paints required.

[@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!

[@WeeKangjun-uu5gk]

How to remove seam line on upper and lower fuselage without over sanding ?

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

For one thing, the joint was pretty tight, so it really didn't take a whole lot of effort, and I really just tried to concentrate my sanding to the seam line its self. Once I did some initial sanding, I added a little Tamiya white putty to the seem line, then once dry I sanded that back and polished up the plastic. I only had to rescribe a few details.

[@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!

[@Danvers97]

This was my unit! (Squadron)

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Right on! Thanks for your service!

[@darthhokum]

Perfect 🔥🔥🔥

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!

[@guaporeturns9472]

That’s pretty

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!

[@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!

[@paulcorrigan649]

Lovely work Brett. The FA18 is probably the last of the sexy fighters. F22/F35 just don't do it

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I agree, the F-18 just looks good from all angles.

[@ajaxmk69]

38:33 what about the legacy hornet, how about a finnish one

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I Finnish legacy Hornet would be cool, I've got a Canadian legacy hornet in my stash that I've been meaning to get to.

[@Thetindallman]

I flew along side the vf31 to Carter’s aboard USS Saratoga. The were flying f3h demons back then.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Woah, thats awesome!

[@goforitpainting]

Professional

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!

[@irishcaliman28]

Why the latex paint vs the enamel?

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Basically what I had on hand.

[@baiRaktar880]

молодцы китайцы, делают прекрасные модели (но дорого)....

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

They're not too expensive here, I found the price to be appropriate.

[@blackduck9867]

Very nice looking model. Amazing craftsmanship. Person on Instagram feels wrong it does not looks overloaded 3x 330 gal drop tanks, two 500 lbs. bombs, and four aim120, and two Aim9 - feels within a limits according to my humble understanding I can be wrong. Just add my two cents - that patches near canopy looks to light and glossy - as far as I know they should be dark and rough sandpaper style - ppl step there. Great job! Just to my taste too clean - more dirt and grime please feels as freshly washed.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you for the kind words and feedback!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!