This is
a recent build of the new Hobbyboss version of the Panther, which updates the
old but still servicable Hasegawa F9F-2 version.
Hobbyboss has included accurate indented panel lines, more
detailed parts, and a nice fit of parts. There is a nice Eduard resin
cockpit and ejection seat available. There was much thinning and trimming
of parts, to bring them closer to scale , the wheel wells had added wiring and
connection boxes added, the flaps and elevators were lowered, the rudder turned,
and the front wheel turned, for a more active stance. The windscreen and
canopy were dipped in Future, which added great clarity to the clear parts.
The tail end was modified with carving to bring out detail around the jet
exhaust and the arrestor hook. The panel lines were all scribed deeper, to
outline them more distinctly.
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images below to see larger images
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The
model was airbrushed with a single action gun, using very thin Model Master
Glossy Sea Blue. The cockpit and wheel wells were painted interior green
with black consoles. the 5 inch rockets are painted aluminum with olive
drab nose cones, in the style of Korean war aerial rockets. The outline of
the Hobbycraft kit is very accurate and the finished product is a satisfying
reproduction of Grumman's first jet. Panthers were mostly kept in fairly
good condition, so the model was not heavily weathered. Panel lines were
defined more prominently with a sludge wash - acrylic dark grey mixed with
dishwashing detergent and applied to the panel lines, allowed to dry, and rubbed
with Q tips to remove excess sludge. The Panther did not turn out to be an
exceptional fighter, but it served well through the Korean war as a ground
attack aircraft.
Construction
began with the cockpit, and a number of shots are included of various
stages of the build.
Enjoy
-
Donn A. Wells M.D.
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images below to see larger images
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