A new set of 3D printed F/A-18E/F Super Hornet exhaust nozzles (early version) in 1/48^th scale are provided by Detail & Wonder Studios for Hasegawa and Meng Kits.

Note: There is no official website for Detail & Wonder Studios, but a Facebook page is available.

In the Package and Product Notes

There are two (2) 3D-printed exhaust nozzles inside a small but very sturdy black box. Each nozzle is individually enclosed in a plastic Ziploc bag and cushioned with a foam insert. These are drop-in replacements for the Hasegawa and Meng kits.

The printed resolution of the nozzle is immaculate and there are NO visible build-up layers. There is a lot of fine detail throughout the entire nozzle and some contrast color weathering will make them pop during the finishing stage.

Review Process

Removal of the nozzle starts with cutting it away from the frame and supports by using a razor saw. Then carefully wet sanding the forward side of the nozzle to remove the support nubs. Next, a cleaning bath of warm water and dish soap with an old toothbrush to remove any resin dust.

After that, I used my airbrush to paint the interior portion with Tamiya XF-2 Flat White and the outside with Alclad Duraluminum. After this, I weathered the interior with ground-up charcoal with a soft brush. The exterior was pin-washed with a mixture of water-Future-Vallejo Black.

Conclusions

This is a great 3D printed set to take your F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the next level of detail for the exhaust nozzle. They are a true drop-in replacement with no hassles and incredible fidelity in the 3D printing.

I want to thank Warspite Model Company and Detail & Wonder Studios for providing the 3D printed set and IPMS/USA for allowing me the opportunity to review it.

Highly Recommend it to everyone who wants to add more detail to their Super Hornet!