The first set is FA48041, which contains a pair exhaust engine parts for the MENG Super Hornet kit. The 3D-printed parts are shipped in individual plastic bags, inside of a durable cardboard box. The afterburner, blast tube, and nozzles are included in this set. The modeller is expected to know where the parts are placed. It is a modified version of GE’s F404 turbofan that was enlarged to fit the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The engine was developed from the F412 non-afterburning turbofan planned for the A-12 Avenger II, before it was cancelled.
The parts are beautifully sharp and as is typical these days with 3D printing pretty much ready to go out-of-box.
This set contains two identical nozzles, both in the closed position. This set contains two identical nozzles, both in the closed position. These will look great with some careful painting and weathering. Under some careful painting and weathering these will look excellent.
The afterburner ring is very nicely detailed but will be buried so deep inside the airframe that it will be invisible for the most part.
The blast tubes are printed as single pieces, eliminating the need to deal with painful seams common with most plastic kit parts.
A quick dry fit of the three parts showed a near perfect fit. I did not compare these to the Meng kit parts but I assume they will be a direct drop-in replacement.
J-20 WS-10C Exhaust Nozzles (for MENG)
From Fab Scale
1/48th scale
Set No: FA48059
Set FA48059 contains a set of two full exhausts for the new Meng 1:48th scale J-20 Mighty Dragon (LS002) kit. The two sections include the complete afterburner, the blast tube, and the detailed external nozzle in open position. The Chengdu J-20A Mighty Dragon’s engine is the WS-10C. This is an updated variant that has stealthier serrated exhaust feathers, and a thrust increase of 142 kilonewtons. The parts are ready to paint straight out of the package. They require minimal cleaning and only a few minutes. The J-20’s nozzles have serrated edges to enhance rear-aspect concealment. They are similar to other 5th Gen fighters that feature low radar observability (aka stealth). According to my research, the J-20A doesn’t include TVC (Thrust Vector Control), but this feature is being planned for the J-20B.
The nozzles are again printed in a single-piece. The biggest problem will be getting paint into the blast tubes.
F-104A/C/J J-79 Exhaust Nozzles (for HASEGAWA)
From Fab Scale
1/48th scale
Set No: FA48067
Set FA48067 contains J-79 exhaust parts designed to fit the Hasegawa 1:48 F-104A/C/J kits. This nozzle comes in an open position. This nozzle is likely to fit Kinetic kits. It consisted of an 18-stage compressor and accessory drive section as well as an annular combustion room, three-stage turbo, afterburner, and a turbine. The J79, like most afterburning engines of today, used a variable-thrust nozzle that was actuated by engine oil. The nozzle could be moved (opened or closed) according to the engine’s thrust requirements. Protective cage and printing supports need to be removed using a knife or razor saw first before assembly.
Both the exterior and interior detail on the nozzle is superb and matches closely to photos of the real thing. The alignment of the nozzles and blast tubes is keyed so that no errors are made.
The included afterburning unit will be hidden after the assembly of the fuselage and engine. Still it is a testament to FAB Scale’s 3D design skills.
CONCLUSION – FAB Scale 1:48 3D Printed Aircraft Exhaust Nozzles
Much like their 1:48 Aircraft Weapons, FAB Scale have released a set of excellent exhausts for your jet model projects.
FAB Scale will be new to most of you (as it was to me) but I’m happy to say their products do not disappoint. Detailed exhausts are always a favourite addon for aircraft modellers as they are super easy to use and often cheap upgrades.
These parts (plus many more in the FAB Scale range) can be found at the usual online shops, such as
and
.
I certainly have no hesitation is recommended these detail sets for your next modelling project.