Academy has re-issued their 1/72nd F/A-18C this time as a “Special Edition with limited availability” featuring a striking decal set –printed by Cartograf- to show the aircraft “300” from VFA-82 “Marauders” known as “Aflac” for obvious reasons.
When opening the box you find 4 grey sprues, one for the main fuselage parts, another for the wings and tail area, plus a duplicate sprue which comprises mainly the underwing stores. There is also a single clear sprue, for the canopy that can be posed either closed or open.
The sprues are molded very cleanly and there is no flash anywhere to be found. The recessed panel lines are sharp and thin. There is also delicate rivet detail in the different access panels.
The instructions are very clear and easy to follow; with a total of 16 steps (some have a few substeps). Color callouts are shown through the overall construction for all subassemblies and minor parts.