RCAF CF-18, Hornet 20th Anniversary

John Thomas
Nice start

Ekki
Following.

Dave Burgess
This is a REAL challenge to paint! There are SEVEN different colours to paint, each of them requires a separate mask. First, FS36375 underside and vert stab, bottom outside; then FS35237 topside; then FS36118 trianglular shape on upper & lower wings & stabs; then red, topside, forward fuselage (I could rely on the red decals for this, but I never like to take the chance); then black, topside forward, scallops round the nose & vert. stabs inside, and outside, top; then orange on the bum, top & bottom; and finally, the yellow highlights! Thats basically 6 diiferent masks. Almost all of them have to be painted with reference to the decals on the decal sheet, so I've had to photocopy the decal sheet several times, and use them to create painting masks for each of the colours. Will look great when I'm done - but WHAT A BITCH!.

So far, I've done 3 colours: FS36375, FS35237, and FS36118, so I'm half way there. Took 5 hours today to mask off the dark grey triangles on the wings & stabs (4.5 hours of masking, 20 min to set up & tear down/clean the airbrush, and 10 min to actually airbrush the colour). I've uploaded pics so you can fast scroll through the progress.

Jens
Thanks Dave for the detailed FS color specifications 👍 I have the leading edge decals in 1:48 but I'm always shy of the colors because every manufacturer has his ideas about the mix 🙁 and of course your model is admirably successful (Y )

Chris Parsons
Coming along nicely though, I did this one in 1/32, mostly painted the markings as well.....it is a bit of a beotch now matter how you look at it

Dave Burgess
Yeah, but what a rewarding finish, for all that work!

Chris Parsons
True fact, very colorful

Dave Burgess
Well, I left the best for last - this is my most favourite and colourful RCAF Hornet paint scheme so far: the RCAF 20th anniversary Hornet. I had some issued with splintering of the red and black, but unlike the Canada 150 disaster, this one I was able to recover from. It DID require 2 or 3 applications of microwaved Solvaset (25 sec.), to get the decals to lay down; they were very stiff and resisted both Microsol and room temperature Solvaset. Thank goodness I was able to finally get them to lie down. I would have been REALLY pissed if a SECOND Hornet scheme screwed up on me!