1:48 F/A-18F. Nose landing gear door

What the set solves

On the real aircraft the doors of the landing gear bays are as thin as sheet metal, whereas in a kit the same part is several times thicker for production reasons. On a finished model this shows above all at the nose bay, because that one tends to be open and the door hangs right at the viewer's eye level. A photo-etched part removes the discrepancy: it has a thickness matching the original and carries fine embossed detail that cannot be engraved into plastic.

Which model it is for

The set is listed for the F/A-18F, that is the two-seat version of the Super Hornet carrier-based multirole aircraft, in 1:48 scale. Try the shape dry before bonding; a small difference is easier to correct by reworking the plastic part than by bending the photo-etch.

How to work with photo-etch

• the parts are held in the fret by thin tabs, so separate them with a sharp blade on a hard surface, not with pliers
• make the bends in a bending tool or over a sharp edge, always in one movement
• bond with super glue, as polystyrene cement will not hold on metal
• degrease the surface before painting and use a primer meant for metal
• fit the door only after the bay has been sprayed, otherwise you cannot reach its inside

Who it is for

For the builder who wants the open nose landing gear to look right even from close up and does not mind working with small metal parts. Experience with photo-etch helps, but it is a small set, so it can serve as a start with photo-etched parts.

Terms of supply

A photo-etched set is supplied. The aircraft kit, paints, glue and tools are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.