Saturday, July 9, 2011

EA-18G Growler

Hasegawa Hobby Kits' new 1:48 Scale EA-18G Growler is an amazing model kit! No, it's not a scale model of a pesky dog or an old disgruntled neighbor; it's a scale model of a fighter jet that has so much ordinance that it's a wonder it can fly.

The U.S. Navy Carrier-Borne ECM Aircraft is often referred to as the Super Hornet because of its extra fuel tanks and larger engine.  With its extended wings, airframe modifications and tweaks to its electronic systems and avionics the Growler had its first test flight in 2006 and went into production in 2007. 

The Growler boasts all the latest gadgets: including a tactical jamming system, accident prevention gear, an onboard Vulcan cannon with electronic measures, anti-aircraft missiles and air-to-air weapons.

The Hasegawa Hobby Kits' model comes packaged in large box with a full color illustration of the Growler in flight on the cover.  Inside are full instructions on how to assemble, paint and decal the model, along with a short history of the aircraft.

Parts come attached to 10 part trees and easily detach with little or no flashing.  Assembling the parts is easy as they fit snuggly together with no gaps or mismatched surfaces. 

Paint and decal application instructions allow modelers to match the configuration of the larger aircraft to the smallest detail.  The model may be assembled with the landing gear up or down, the pilot in place or not and the ladder used to enter the aircraft in place or not. 

The Growler is a model maker's model.  It requires a more skilled modeler to assemble it, but the results are well worth the time spent on putting it together.

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