US NAVY F/A-18E BLUE ANGELS

The real subject

The Blue Angels are the display squadron of the US Navy, which performs at air shows in a striking blue and yellow finish. The F/A-18E is the single-seat version of the twin-engine carrier-borne Super Hornet. The combination of the two gives a model that catches the eye through its colors before its shape.

What to expect from the kit

This item belongs to the group of so-called egg plane models: the fuselage is deliberately shortened and enlarged into cartoon proportions, so the model is not to scale and no scale is given for it. It is built from parts that are assembled and finished according to the enclosed instructions. The number of parts, the contents of the decal sheet and the extent of the color scheme are not stated here; you will find them in the instructions in the box.

Building and painting tips

• Spray the blue area onto a smooth base; irregularities show more in a rich color than under camouflage.
• Lay the light yellow features onto a light base, otherwise the shade gets lost.
• Align the decals with bold lettering to the axis of the fuselage; on a short fuselage any deviation shows at once.
• Finish the cockpit before you close up the fuselage.
• Glue the clear canopy with a cement intended for clear parts.

Who it is for

Egg plane models are rewarding as a quick build between two demanding projects, as a gift or as a first airplane for a younger builder. They fit into a display case where there is no longer room for a model to scale.

Terms of supply

The kit is supplied in its original packaging. Paints, glue and other building supplies are not in the price, unless stated otherwise.