1/32 Trumpeter F/A-18F Super Hornet custom

[GabrielAbadi23]

Hello dear forum members my name is Gabriel, I recently purchased a 1/32 Scale Trumpeter F/A-18F Super Hornet, from what I’ve read the model is pretty big, it will be my first time attempting to build a model on this scale I’ve built 1/72 and 1/48 F-18 but not in a professional way a few years ago.

 

So this time I want it to be serious so I could display it.

 

I would appreciate if someone could help me with some questions regarding this model.

 

So far I’ve bought

The model obviously

2 Martin Baker MK-14 ejection seats by Legend (I found them to be more accurate than Aires)

2 PJ production Pilots so I could put the JHMCS Helmets

Tamiya regular, white and building putty

Tamiya extra thin cement

1 Liquid Chrome pen

Tamiya Masking tape 6mm

Testors Clear Plastic glue

Tamiya Weathering powders

Microsol and Microset for the decals

Trumpeter 1/32 Scale Air to Air Missiles (planning on modifying and adding the AIM-9X missiles)

Eduards Cockpit, Exterior, Avionics and Searbelt Photoetched Parts.

Another bunch of decals for the cockpit from Airscale

Is there anything else I could need to build this thing or do you guys think I’ve bought everything I need?

Now for the part I really need your help is:

Since the model is that big, I wanted to make it as detailed as possible I would like to make some parts movable

Avionics Bay

Landing Gear doors

Canopy (so I could open and close it)

Refueling pod 

Retractable Landing Gear

Flaps

Foldable Wings

has this been done before?

I’m searching on google for some miniature hinges as that’s the only way I think I could make all of this open and close.

Also I’m planning on using some parts (like struts, tiny screws, springs and metal pins) from a Highly detailed BBR 1:18 Ferrari Enzo I have here that suffered a fall from a shelve and it’s all in pieces.

The Struts I think would work for the landing gear and canopy so I could replicate the folding parts.

I would appreciate any ideas or help on this matter so when everything arrives I would have an idea of what modifications I’ll need to do.

 

Thank you

 

P

[MARU 5137]

Hello Gabriel...

 

WELCOME..  there are a lot of experts who will no doubt drop in and give you information.

 

hope you enjoy the Forums and Nice to have you on board.

 

[MARU 5137]

And I am looking forward to your WIP... it will be good to see your amazing build.

 

[MARU 5137]

Trumpeter F/A-18F Super Hornet - Works in Progress - Large Scale Planes
https://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?/topic/30618-trumpeter-fa-18f-super-hornet/

 

 

 

[MARU 5137]

superbug, twin tails ´n twin engines FINISHED - Works in Progress - Large Scale Planes
https://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?/topic/52737-superbug-twin-tails-â´n-twin-engines-finished

 

 

 

[MARU 5137]

Trumpeter F/A-18F Super Hornet - LSP Discussion - Large Scale Planes
https://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?/topic/77088-trumpeter-fa-18f-super-hornet/

 

 

[MARU 5137]

Trumpeter F/A 18F 1/32 build - Centennial of Naval Aviation Superbuild and Contest - ARC Discussion Forums
http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?/topic/224276-trumpeter-fa-18f-132-build/

 

 

[DocRob]

Welcome Gabriel to this place of large scale addicts. I'm not one of the experts for the F-18 as I rarely build jets, but I'm very much interested to see your ambitous project develop.

Cheers Rob

 

[Grunhertz]

Hi Gabriel I have one of these bad boys in the stash so I will be warching

[smitty44]

I have super detailed the E version, but did not do a work in progress online. One thing that jumps out is the Super Hornet used the SJU 17 ejection seat and not the Martin Baker.  A couple more things you may want to pick up are tires(kit has rubber versions) and ECS pipes or Bard Stacks to replace the kits. https://www.hobbylinc.com/quickboost-f:a18e:f-late-ecs-pipes-for-trumpeter-plastic-model-aircraft-accessory-1:32-scale-32130

  I say go for it, and have fun!

[GabrielAbadi23]

Hello thank you very much for your attention, I’ll pick up those ECS pipes right now.

Actually I noticed the seats I bought are actually SJU-17, thought they were MK-14, but it says SJU-17.

The rubber tires are no good on these kit? Or resin ones hold it better?

Also do you guys have any idea where to buy miniature hinges? So I could modify the panels and make the movable?

 

thank you again

 

when everything gets here for sure I’ll share pictures from day one

[harv]

Welcome to our mad house ! Several here build jets so I'll let th chime in. Looking forward to your build !....harv

[MARU 5137]

How about our very own RADU ... maybe he has hinges and things for all WINGY THINGYS.. 

 

All Products : RB Productions Store, Scale models and accessories by Radu Brinzan
http://www.radubstore.com/index.php?main_page=products_all&disp_order=1&page=2

 

 

[GabrielAbadi23]

I searched the website but couldn’t find any hinges there.

I’m looking at some aluminum, brass and copper rods on HobbyLinc so I could replicate the functional rods of the landing gear, ( I think it would work) but the thing is that I don’t have the plane with me yet and have no clue about the size of the landing gears, 

 

can someone tell me aproximately what’s the lenght of the front and rear landing gear on this plane? Pictures would help I guess

[HubertB]

A company called Microdesign have some 1/35 cowling hinges in PE, like here :

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-35-MicroDesign-MD035209-Hinges-universal-pianos-Photo-etched-set/173658399551?hash=item286ed8e33f:g:YOYAAOSwqUdbL4Ix

Hubert

[GabrielAbadi23]

I’m trying to look for the hinges that the high end diecast car use, which sine mimic perfectly the shape of the ones used in the landing gear doors. If everything goes well and with your help I think this model would be epic

[HubertB]

It really depends whether you want functional hinges, or simulated ones. The best simulation is then some plastic strips scored regularly ... Alternatively, I believe Archer have a decal sheet with simulated relief piano hinges.

Hubert

[GabrielAbadi23]

I was thinking about making them functional. Here are some pictures of the ones I’m thinking about using. They are 1/18 scale of high end diecast cars, the thing is that I don’t have the plane with me yet, so I have no idea about the sizing proportions, either this hinges would be too small, too big or they’ll work on it.

There are many shapes and types of hinges that’s why I wanted to use them in the landing gear doors, avionics bay, cockpit canopy and other parts that can be exposed, they are all made of metal which is good they are solid. Also the struts.