![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-01.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
Like any self-professed aviation geek, I was a massive fan of Top Gun: Maverick and upon seeing that DEF Model has issued decals for the aircraft in that movie including of course, Maverick’s F/A-18E Super Hornet, I just had to build one. The kit will be the newish Academy offering that is (somewhat) snapfit. I pretty much cemented everything though.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-02.jpg?resize=859%2C480&ssl=1)
Unlike the F-14 of the original film, photos of the Top Gun: Maverick aircraft used are readily available on the Internet. There were actually two Super Hornets painted up in Maverick’s scheme: an E and an F. The E was used for the exterior shots when we see Maverick doing his ‘pilot shit’.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-03.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
Work begins with the cockpit. Instrument details are nice but no restriants are prpvided for the seat. Note that the cockpit comes with the rear cockpit tub as one part.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-04.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
The seat details are decent but I added more using styrene strips. In my opinion the ‘X’ on top of the headrest is something that must be done because it’s a very obvious feature when seen under the canopy. I also did my usual masking tape trick for the belts.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-05.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
With the seat being so visible, the added details help.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-06.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
Next is carefully painting the cockpit and drybrushing the details on the consoles. I decided to paint the screens green instead of leaving them black as they should be (being off) to make the cockpit slightly more interesting visually.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-07.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
The kit is sold as a snapfit kit. Parts fit using the pin and hole method and for the most part, they fit very well without the need for cement.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-09.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
I had to use clamps to get the gearbay and bottom fuselage together.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-10.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
The intakes are paired and required painting before assembly.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-11.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
Academy’s approach to the intakes is much better than Hasegawa’s.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-12.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
There is however a rectangular slot inside each intake that needs filling.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-13.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
These were filled with styrene plate and sanded smooth.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-14.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
Looks good. Note the very positive locating holes for the gear doors. I’ll happily sacrifice realism for this solution any day.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-15.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
the rear cockpit is covered with a rear deck insert. Note the molded-in actuator: there’s no open canopy option.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-16.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
The two halves come together using a pair of large pin and holes.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-17.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
More clamping to force the two halves together. If I had to do it all over again I would remove the large pins and simply cement the halves together for an easier fit.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-08.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
Looking at photos of Maverick’s Super Hornet, when attached, only the inner most pylons were used so I filled the other two sets of holes with cut sprue.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.rocketpunch.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wip23-acad-f18e-1-18.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
The upper fuselage comes as one piece with the main wings so any alignment issues are avoided. This is shaping up to be a nice kit.
Build Log
Pt.1 – Construction | Pt.2 – Construction | Pt.3 – Painting & Finishing