1/144 U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet "Argonauts" (Single-Seat) (2 Kits in One Box)

Platz 1/144 F-18E Super Hornet

Platz released this model last August, kit No. AE144-1. The origins of this model is by Dragon (2006 release), as Platz notes on their box. Platz also offers a 1/144 EA-18G Growler.

Eight sprues of light gray plastic and one clear sprue hold the parts to build one of these super bugs. Weirdly, six are identified as sprue A. All are for the aircraft, and drop tanks. Clear sprue B is the single-piece canopy. Two sprue Es hold the weapons.

Molding is high-quality. I can't find any flash, sink holes, noticeable seam lines, or ejector marks that will be visible after assembly. (Except on sprue E parts but will they be noticeable?) Unfortunately, the connectors holding the parts to the sprue and their overflow tabs are very big compared to the parts. This will make it difficult to cleanly remove a part from the sprue without some clean up. Otherwise, the crisply molded parts feature rivet detail and recessed lines for paneling and ports. These lines are broad for 1/144 and they have "soft", i.e., rounded, edges. You can see what I mean in the photos of the fuselage halves. However, overall, the parts are crisply molded for 1/144. You may not cut your finger on them but they look sharp.

Dimensions: 13.5 x 27.5 x 4.2 cm