1/48 Hasegawa Grumman Hellcat Mk II

by Leon Storla

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Here is my Hasegawa 1/48 Royal Navy Mk II Hellcat. It was a great kit to build with excellent fit and good detail. I did use True Details' cockpit and an Eduard instrument panel to improve the interior, but the kit's cockpit would be a fine option. I used Model Master paints for the main painting and pastels for the very light weathering. The kit decals were used, except I decided to paint on the white stripes rather than use those decals. For the panel lines, I decided to try a new technique which was to use a mechanical pencil sharpened with sandpaper; I really liked the results and the control it gave me, but am searching for a lighter lead for the next attempt at it.

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Another first for me on this model was repositioning the ailerons and rudder. I am a very slow builder, so it added quite a bit of time to cut out, clean up, and close off the pieces, but I really like the results. 

In addition to the True Details cockpit, I used a set of their weighted tires. I really like the tread detail, but question if they are too flat. I also used hypodermic needles for the gun barrels and drilled out engine exhausts for a more realistic appearance.

The Hasegawa Hellcat is a joy to build, and I encourage everyone to try one; after building it, I got another for my stash and the future.
Leon 

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Photos and text © by Leon Storla