HSD 120mm F/A-18E/F Blue Angel PNP EDF Jet

[Aros]

I went ahead and pulled the trigger (much to my credit card's moaning) on the HSD 120mm F-18E/F Blue Angel PNP EDF Jet.

Arrived today...Man, she's a beauty! Matte finish which I will want to paint a high gloss like the full scale. Elbee and others, I will really appreciate any insight into proper paint and technique. I want a glass-like finish like the full scale as much as possible. The cockpit and pilots are decent (it's a tandem cockpit) but inexplicably they are not painted as Blue Angels! Clutch the pearls!!

So with some detail work, man, she's going to be a beaut!

Quite a bit larger than the Freewing 90mm version. Made of a carbon/fiberglass composite. Takes the same power supply setup as my HSD 105mm F-16s did (2x 2S LiPos for receiver/controller, 2x 6S LiPos in series). So I am familiar with both the setup and controller it uses. Comes with full light package including formation green strip lighting, brakes, totally scale gear (will need to be painted white of course). From the video I've seen she seems to fly pretty solid and docile. At this price point I am going to leave nothing to chance and have all my i's dotted and t's crossed!

Maiden will be in the Spring. My flying season is pretty much toast.

You only live once! Why not buy some small fortune composite EDF you can soil yourself over trying to fly it!?!

[Elbee]

Aros,

Firstly, just let me say WOW, what a gorgeous model.

Go bigger or just don't show up, she is a beauty.

As for Super Shiney Glossy Sparkling Clear finishes, well if it were me, I'd refer to this chart for the correct product.

https://advancedpaintinganddrywall.com/best-gloss-clear-coat-spray-paint/

Then I'd PM f4u ausie and do whatever he says to do.

I used Tamiya Gloss Clear on my B-25C Clear Resin Printed Plexiglas rear bubble.

Dusted on 2 coats within 20 minutes of each other, then hit it with a fill coat (which was quite a bit of paint by comparison) and just didn't touch it for 24 hours.

Something as large as this, the technique would stay the same I would think.

You'd want the last coat to flow, so working with parts instead of assembled areas would be my thought.

That is, paint the stabs (bottom first), the verticals, the wings (bottom first), the fuselage in that order.

This order would also serve as good practice as you paint larger areas last.

Just spit-ballin' here, but that is how I would approach it.

Also, find an area to paint that has an over abundance of light, otherwise you'll get runs.

However, with clear gloss you can come back and wet sand mistakes and reshoot.

This is my $00.02 USD and no doubt Craig will have some sage advice and/or a better technique.

Congrats on the buy.

Best, LB

[Aros]

Great advice Elbee, thank you! Now about that cockpit...Check your PM's soon...

[Elbee]

Great advice Elbee, thank you! Now about that cockpit...Check your PM's soon...

Aros,

With the HSD dimensions, I would think scaling up the "Official Original & Authentic LB Freewing F-18C Cockpit Kit would be the place to start.

I know a girl who knows a guy that has met a guy who actually knows the guy who designed the original Freewing version...

What?!

No, "What's on Second, Who's on Third."
In any event, once the tub is sized correctly it would be downhill from there; he said and then remembering your HSD is a 2-seater...

Best, LB

[Aros]

Elbee as a dear old friend from a former forum community I used to run would say: "Check your PM!"

[f4u ausie]

Aros. Elbee. Is right on the money to make it pop... But If U really wanna go all out,, get the the guy that cleared the boat,, to clear it.. in a two part auto clear.. a full size auto paint gun atomises. The paint way more than a rattle can ever can. Vwala. A no orange peel finish.. the same. Process. Applies.. a nice dusty tack coat.. and one carefully applied full wet coat.. goes without saying. (Not) To bake it. or you will need a new 1.. working today. Will post a pic of something that pops.

[f4u ausie]

Oh I forgot....
Just opened a box(last night). With 1 of these in it. .. so I'm also goina b busy... Wanula Dreaming Aboriginal art al37. Version 2(for me). This time it will have those ferright. Things on the wiring.. that glider guy talkes about..

[davegee]

Oh I forgot....
Just opened a box(last night). With 1 of these in it. .. so I'm also goina b busy... Wanula Dreaming Aboriginal art al37. Version 2(for me). This time it will have those ferright. Things on the wiring.. that glider guy talkes about..

That sounds like a Great project, Craig! And I especially like the Aboriginal art on the fuse that you will put on it. I always have liked the 737. I got just a few hours in one for a type rating ages ago, (I think shortly after the Wright Bros. made some news with their flying contraption!)🤣🤣🤣

Have fun with it and please post photos on HS.

Cheers

Davegee

[f4u ausie]

Just one more postif the dumb Aussie had read. The post instead of scanning it. He would of duley noted. (It's not a foamy). Wish I was there. Aros I would love to make it really shine 4 U. Compasit paints up nnniiccely done heaps of spoiler kits

[f4u ausie]

Thanx Dave will do

[stojakovic]

more pic pls!

[Aros]

I spoke to a professional painter buddy of mine and without hesitation he said this is the magic potion. He said it doesn't orange peel, goes on and cures excellent. Smooth as glass. I just have to wait until the weather gets warm to shoot it. That may be a while, lol.

https://www.kbs-coatings.com/diamondfinish-clear-aerosol

[Elbee]

Aros

Good intel, thanks, LB

[f4u ausie]

Good find. Around 25 . Degee temp .is good. What's that. Around 75 or 80 f. U have got a while to wait.. will look nice shiiinnnnyy