Joe's 1/72 Academy Grumman F6F Hellcat

[flyjoe180]

Okay, I've arrived a bit late as usual but count me in.


This is my 'Lands on an Aircraft Carrier' GB contribution: Academy's 1/72 Grumman F6F-3/5 Hellcat. I'm going to build the F6F-5 version in the overall glossy sea blue scheme. I'll be starting once the Boeing clears off so I have some space, which shouldn't be too far off now.


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A few other Grumman products already being built for this GB, with one very nice Wildcat already done, so I'll add to the cat family. Sprue shots etc to come once I have room.

[Guest]

That's a fantastic choice Joe!!


Very interesting. I will be watching

[papa 695]

Ready to watch this one Joe

[colin m]

Nice one Joe. I've done a couple of Academy kits and liked them all.

[flyjoe180]

Sprue shots:


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Looks to be nicely moulded. You get the different windshields, the heavier-framed one being for the F6F-3, the simpler one the F6F-5.


Decal sheet. Unsure how these larger ones (national insignia, tail chequers) are going to go on a dark colour such as dark sea blue. I might look at painting them on.


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[flyjoe180]

I have made a start in the meantime. The cockpit is a simple affair. I added some tape seat belts and dry brushed the wall details in white. The instrument panel has a decal provided. It broke into three bits so I had to paint the details in where I could. Not a good omen for those decals later. This is a fit test.


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The engine is painted, the inside of the cowl is painted, and the engine fitted into place.


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A dry fit showed some work will be required on the wing roots, the cowl to fuselage area, and the fuselage underside seam.


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[flyjoe180]

I got that instrument panel sorted, painted rest of the interior and set my masked canopy and windshield into place.


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Tail planes are also fitted. They require a bit of attention as the fit is not positive.


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I've dealt with the wing roots and tail planes already as you can see in the previous photos. The wings have detents for the rocket rails or a bomb load. I drilled out the rocket positions and have filled in the bomb detents.


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I've sanded the guns and flattened the ends of the barrels (they were a bit flash ridden) and I will drill the barrels out.

[papa 695]

A very nice start Joe

[flyjoe180]

Thanks Ian. I think I might just prime this in white, paint white in the appropriate areas and mask the stars and bars and tail markings off. That would leave only the risk of the numbers on this dodgy decal sheet.

[monica]

nice start Joe,and making good progress,

[colin m]

Not hanging around are you Joe ? Looking good though.

[flyjoe180]

Have had enforced pause in the builds so no more progress to report for now. Thanks for the comments so far.

[papa 695]

I hope it's nothing serious Joe and your back at it soon.

[flyjoe180]

I hope it's nothing serious Joe and your back at it soon.

Just work in the way Ian. Thanks mate.

[papa 695]

That terrible 4 letter word Joe