I just got Hasegawa's FA-18C Hornet which will be wearing VMFA-232 decals (OOOH RAH).

The kit is number 07026 and lists at about 58 bucks. A bit pricey you say? Stick around and see what I found.

First off I have to say that the kit is very well molded, clean, little to no flash, and most if not all of the ejector piins are on inside surfaces away from the visible surfaces. There are about 75 plastic parts but the great thing is the white metal parts for the Landing Gear and the fret of Photo etch included in the kit. The P/E includes parts for the cockpit, the landing gear and the some of the weapons.

The decals include markings for VMFA 232, VFA-25 and VFA-82. These decals are clear but suffer from some distortion and "fuzz" at the edges. I purchased Eagle Strikes "FA-18C Hornets of the Fleet Part 1 (48002) which has Hi Viz markings for VMFA-232 and VFA-137 CAG.

The only real weak point I find is the cockpit lacks detail. The insturment panels are a bitoo smooth and the Ejector Seat is a bit weak.  I purchased the Aries #4211 Resin and P/E Cockpit and detail set.

I will continue the review as I build the kit up.

Happy Modeling,

Doc