UPDATE: I have now finished building the Meng kit. It goes together really well. Once the paint and primer is on the panel lines are not so bad. But the plastic is soft - i.e. like Airfix. So be careful and gentle when sanding. Clear parts best I have seen. Overall I think Meng is the best 1/48 Super Hornet kit in terms of build and value for money. I will let the rivet counters talk about shape.
I ordered the meng last night after I watched your review...it sells on Amazon for 160$...thank you for mentioning lucky models...I went to the website and ordered mine for 60$...also, I learned about florys dark dirt wash from your videos, great product...I’m learning lots of little tips from watching your videos...thank you and keep em coming
So for those of us with a Hasegawa kit in the stash, keep it, it's, I think anyways a better moulded kit. As far as weapons, when I built mine I had the Hase weapons sets and enough left over stuff to load mine out. I would agree on the decals and masks and instructions that Meng beat Hasegawa hands down. (BTW, look in the bottom corner of the Hasegawa decal sheet it if says "(OFS) Japan" it's in house and if it says (SLK) its usually Cartograf, often it will say it there as well, the 1/48 NASA Special F-104 kit number 09427 has Cartograf decals). I think Meng went a bit heavy on the panel lines and that's popular lately for some reason, just look at a recent Model Collect kit and even AMK are a bit heavy with the panel lines. Good review on the both though, thanks for that.
Having now built the Meng, got to say it is an excellent kit. I actually have a 7 part video build on my channel each Friday. The Hasegawa is not a bad kit. But if I were to buy a new one, Meng would be my first choice. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Richie
Nice comparison, Ritchie. I don't have the Hasegawa kit to compare, but I pulled out my 1/48 Revell kit to just have a look, for sh*ts & giggles. It's also from a 2005 tooling. The panel lines on the Revell kit seem very similar to the Meng kit in terms of thickness, although some are clearly sharper on Meng's. The Revell kit has more rivet detail, but the Meng kit has sharper vents and other raised surface details. The Meng kit also has the lowered flap option, which the Revell kit doesn't. The Revell kit has nicer details in the boarding ladder recess, and more wheel wheel details, but I'll need to check my reference book to see if it's accurate or a bit of whiffery on Revell's part. Wheels and landing gear details don't seem too different between the kits. No weapons in the Revell kit. Meng definitely wins out, but if one was to build the Meng & Revell kit in flight, it would be difficult to notice any difference. The Revell kit only cost me $12 at Hobby Lobby with the 40% off coupon, so it wins on price. I think I'll build the Revell one in flight and the Meng kit gear down & wings folded.
I'm sold on the Meng kit. Admittedly, I'm a bit of a kit snob in that I only like to build higher end kits; Tamiya, Hasegawa. mainly because I'm not really a fan of filling and sanding gaps. :) I wanted the Hasegawa because I just finished the mighty Tamiya F-14A in the Jolly Rogers livery, and I wanted to do the different eras of the Jolly Rogers squadron. F-4, F-14A, and Super Hornet.
Agreed. Also the Meng plastic is thicker which makes it fit and join together better. It is quite soft though... similar to Airfix plastic. So I am having to go easy with the sanding stick.
I ordered the Meng one but prefer the Hasegawa, specially the EF-18 Growler that has all the parts from the F model but with the more updated fuselage vents and ACS rear cockpit panel. For a 2020/21 mould I expected a little more.
That's because people are too name brand focused, people think MENG and automatically assume it's the better choice, which it's not and costs $10-$20 more. The hobby has gotten far more confusing and stuffed in the last 15 or so years, especially for newcomers scaring most folks away with insane model pricing and very little in regards to dollar to detail issues.
Overall a good side by side comparison, Richie. 1) The yellowed white Hasegawa decals can be brightened with UV light. Just tape them to the window facing outward or stick them under a UV lamp. 2) Maybe you should do more comparison videos on your channel then? I think that would attract more viewers. That's very useful content for people who are looking into buying a new kit. The "consumer information" genre I guess? 3) Have you considered getting more lighting? Unfortunately, I think your videos are underexposed and sometimes dark and could use more light. I'm not thinking big expensive studio lights but ordinary LED lamps would do the trick. 4) Which kit to buy, though? Well, there's not a lot of difference between them. But you do get more bang for your buck with the Meng version. I look forward to watching more shenanigans on your channel! 😀 👍
I have to say that Meng kit really nice looking kit better detail in some places but I have the Hasegawa and I love especially the fact that the Hasegawa can be made either in the single seat or two seat version it has the parts for the wing fold yes you have to pre cut them simple the only side effect with Hasegawa decals is they do not old up well with age they easily just fall apart if they get more than a year or two old from being printed.
I have the Hasegawa and it's just fine, the Meng is nice too but My Hasegawa was a lot easier on my wallet than the Meng one would be, also Cartograph decals aren't all that , thanks for the review.
One is enough. That would be a serious mojo sucker for me doing two of the same subject at once. I have the Mig-21 to finish after this. Then my next project will probably be either a Kiowa or SH-60R.
Another great video mate, I have a Meng on it's way from HK as I write. Still looking forward to seeing it in the flesh, but might not be selling my Hasegawa Hornets after all :) A pity the Hasegawa Hornets are so hard to locate for reasonable money :) Cheers Richie
The panel lines may be overdone. But I was working on this a lot last night and the fit and engineering is perfection thus far. Also has ability with using poly caps and pins to change out weapons which I did not notice when looking at it the first time.
@@RWHobbies is that pretty common to release it every other year? I was more or so looking for a revel or Hasegawa. At least the decals I had ordered said to get one of those models. Every where I look it’s out of stock or really over priced being that one hasn’t been released from the company’s for a few years.
Yes, I think they are great kits. Unfortunately prices have gone up a lot for those two in particular. Used to be on cheaper end of market, now quite expensive. I think the new HB 1/48 Growler is close to $100 retail. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. Richie
@@RWHobbies Funny you said that. I just ordered my first HB kit from China...the 1/48 Growler. I got it for $72USD shipped. Have you ever seen a Growler or Super Hornet? What country are you in?
@@RWHobbies Yes, I saw that. You did a real nice job on that. When you get a chance, check out the real thing. They are a lot bigger and louder than you would expect.
I rarely comment on these videos and the only reason I’m doing it now is because I think it would legitimately help you produce a better product. Your lighting is terrible. If you really want viewers to really be able to see stuff that could use some attention.
UPDATE: I have now finished building the Meng kit. It goes together really well. Once the paint and primer is on the panel lines are not so bad. But the plastic is soft - i.e. like Airfix. So be careful and gentle when sanding. Clear parts best I have seen. Overall I think Meng is the best 1/48 Super Hornet kit in terms of build and value for money. I will let the rivet counters talk about shape.
That’s the biggest thing I’m interested in in kit reviews. How well does it go together, and is it a putty hog.
@@kudukilla In my latest bench update I talk about it and show finished model...
ruclips.net/video/mulagD2r6ME/видео.html
@@RWHobbies heading over to check it out.
Thank you for such an in-depth review of these models. Very helpful information!! I’ve been wanting to build both brands of f/a-18’s
You’re welcome. Meng was a great kit to build.
I ordered the meng last night after I watched your review...it sells on Amazon for 160$...thank you for mentioning lucky models...I went to the website and ordered mine for 60$...also, I learned about florys dark dirt wash from your videos, great product...I’m learning lots of little tips from watching your videos...thank you and keep em coming
You are so welcome!
So for those of us with a Hasegawa kit in the stash, keep it, it's, I think anyways a better moulded kit. As far as weapons, when I built mine I had the Hase weapons sets and enough left over stuff to load mine out. I would agree on the decals and masks and instructions that Meng beat Hasegawa hands down. (BTW, look in the bottom corner of the Hasegawa decal sheet it if says "(OFS) Japan" it's in house and if it says (SLK) its usually Cartograf, often it will say it there as well, the 1/48 NASA Special F-104 kit number 09427 has Cartograf decals). I think Meng went a bit heavy on the panel lines and that's popular lately for some reason, just look at a recent Model Collect kit and even AMK are a bit heavy with the panel lines. Good review on the both though, thanks for that.
Having now built the Meng, got to say it is an excellent kit. I actually have a 7 part video build on my channel each Friday. The Hasegawa is not a bad kit. But if I were to buy a new one, Meng would be my first choice. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Richie
Nice comparison, Ritchie. I don't have the Hasegawa kit to compare, but I pulled out my 1/48 Revell kit to just have a look, for sh*ts & giggles. It's also from a 2005 tooling. The panel lines on the Revell kit seem very similar to the Meng kit in terms of thickness, although some are clearly sharper on Meng's. The Revell kit has more rivet detail, but the Meng kit has sharper vents and other raised surface details. The Meng kit also has the lowered flap option, which the Revell kit doesn't. The Revell kit has nicer details in the boarding ladder recess, and more wheel wheel details, but I'll need to check my reference book to see if it's accurate or a bit of whiffery on Revell's part. Wheels and landing gear details don't seem too different between the kits. No weapons in the Revell kit. Meng definitely wins out, but if one was to build the Meng & Revell kit in flight, it would be difficult to notice any difference. The Revell kit only cost me $12 at Hobby Lobby with the 40% off coupon, so it wins on price. I think I'll build the Revell one in flight and the Meng kit gear down & wings folded.
I'm sold on the Meng kit. Admittedly, I'm a bit of a kit snob in that I only like to build higher end kits; Tamiya, Hasegawa. mainly because I'm not really a fan of filling and sanding gaps. :) I wanted the Hasegawa because I just finished the mighty Tamiya F-14A in the Jolly Rogers livery, and I wanted to do the different eras of the Jolly Rogers squadron. F-4, F-14A, and Super Hornet.
Meng was a great kit to build. Panel lines quite big though. I hear the new Hobby Boss kit is supposed to be nice . Richie
The darker gray makes Mengs pop more the Hasegawa
Agreed. Also the Meng plastic is thicker which makes it fit and join together better. It is quite soft though... similar to Airfix plastic. So I am having to go easy with the sanding stick.
I ordered the Meng one but prefer the Hasegawa, specially the EF-18 Growler that has all the parts from the F model but with the more updated fuselage vents and ACS rear cockpit panel. For a 2020/21 mould I expected a little more.
Agreed. Not a whole lot better for being 16 years newer and Hasegawa surface detail is superior.
That's because people are too name brand focused, people think MENG and automatically assume it's the better choice, which it's not and costs $10-$20 more. The hobby has gotten far more confusing and stuffed in the last 15 or so years, especially for newcomers scaring most folks away with insane model pricing and very little in regards to dollar to detail issues.
Overall a good side by side comparison, Richie.
1) The yellowed white Hasegawa decals can be brightened with UV light. Just tape them to the window facing outward or stick them under a UV lamp.
2) Maybe you should do more comparison videos on your channel then? I think that would attract more viewers. That's very useful content for people who are looking into buying a new kit. The "consumer information" genre I guess?
3) Have you considered getting more lighting? Unfortunately, I think your videos are underexposed and sometimes dark and could use more light. I'm not thinking big expensive studio lights but ordinary LED lamps would do the trick.
4) Which kit to buy, though? Well, there's not a lot of difference between them. But you do get more bang for your buck with the Meng version.
I look forward to watching more shenanigans on your channel! 😀 👍
I have two large lights. Not sure what the deal is but they seem more dull and not so bright. I will fix it. Richie
I have to say that Meng kit really nice looking kit better detail in some places but I have the Hasegawa and I love especially the fact that the Hasegawa can be made either in the single seat or two seat version it has the parts for the wing fold yes you have to pre cut them simple the only side effect with Hasegawa decals is they do not old up well with age they easily just fall apart if they get more than a year or two old from being printed.
I think I would go with HobbyBoss. That was released after this video was filmed.
Yeah I have not done either the Meng or the Hobby boss kits yet one day eventually I'll do them.
I have the Hasegawa and it's just fine, the Meng is nice too but My Hasegawa was a lot easier on my wallet than the Meng one would be, also Cartograph decals aren't all that , thanks for the review.
It is going together really well. I have just finished painting it and about to start decals. First part of build series goes up next Friday.
Thank you for comparison!!! Both models are good!Like! I already took the model from the meng.
Meng is a great kit and builds up well with no issues. Richie
@@RWHobbies Once again Thanks!
Richie.... a side by side build would be great as well. Comparing direction steps, fit, layout, etc.. Looking forward to the Meng build.
One is enough. That would be a serious mojo sucker for me doing two of the same subject at once. I have the Mig-21 to finish after this. Then my next project will probably be either a Kiowa or SH-60R.
Im on a 27 inch Gsync monitor and I can barely make out the details. Quite blurry but looks like the Hase kit can hold its own against the Meng kit.
Thanks for watching. Seems like the new HobbyBoss is the flavor of the month and the one to go for now. Richie.
Another great video mate, I have a Meng on it's way from HK as I write. Still looking forward to seeing it in the flesh, but might not be selling my Hasegawa Hornets after all :) A pity the Hasegawa Hornets are so hard to locate for reasonable money :) Cheers Richie
The panel lines may be overdone. But I was working on this a lot last night and the fit and engineering is perfection thus far. Also has ability with using poly caps and pins to change out weapons which I did not notice when looking at it the first time.
@@RWHobbies yep, looking forward to seeing how that part of the kit works [inter-changable weapons], cheers mate.
Wish they would put out a new F Model Super hornet. You can find an E model no issue but F models are going for what seems to be a lot!
The F and G are coming. I expect Meng will cash in on the E right now and release the F at the end of the year. Richie
@@RWHobbies is that pretty common to release it every other year? I was more or so looking for a revel or Hasegawa. At least the decals I had ordered said to get one of those models. Every where I look it’s out of stock or really over priced being that one hasn’t been released from the company’s for a few years.
@@derkyderk1900 The Hasegawa kit is like 20-30 years old now. eBay will be you best bet now. But yes, they are not cheap.
Chinese have really been cranking it up lately. I love Trumpeter and HobbyBOSS.
Yes, I think they are great kits. Unfortunately prices have gone up a lot for those two in particular. Used to be on cheaper end of market, now quite expensive. I think the new HB 1/48 Growler is close to $100 retail. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. Richie
@@RWHobbies Funny you said that. I just ordered my first HB kit from China...the 1/48 Growler. I got it for $72USD shipped. Have you ever seen a Growler or Super Hornet? What country are you in?
@@goldenmanuever1176 USA
@@goldenmanuever1176 I just built the Trumpeter 1/32 version so not buying another anytime soon.
@@RWHobbies Yes, I saw that. You did a real nice job on that. When you get a chance, check out the real thing. They are a lot bigger and louder than you would expect.
I rarely comment on these videos and the only reason I’m doing it now is because I think it would legitimately help you produce a better product. Your lighting is terrible. If you really want viewers to really be able to see stuff that could use some attention.
Agree. This was crap. Old video on kitchen table before I have set up my studio. I have moved twice since.
good try but your camera needs to be better. can't see much of anything.
This video is like 2 years old bud. Have you watched any of the newer content?