This
is my Monogram 1/48 F6F-5 Hellcat. This kit was originally put together circa
1980-81 and finally refurbished on
04/22/09.
Construction
The
original decals were stripped off, seams were filled in and gun barrels were
drilled out. Scratchbuilt items include brake lines (beading wire), retaining
straps/anti-sway braces for drop tank (lead foil, plastic rod), rocket stubs
(plastic card), aerial wire (fishing line - 2lb. test) and whip antenna
(brass wire). Kit tires were replaced with resin ones from True Details with
pitot tube replacement (original one broke off and was lost) courtesy of Bill
Bailey (thanks Bill!). The forward-angled aerial post was removed, hole
was drilled out and post was re-positioned at a straight angle to represent the
-5 variant.
Click on
images below to see larger images
Painting
Engine
faceplate was painted black and drybrushed with black/steel mixture to highlight
cylinder detail. White striping on wingtips and tail is Krylon Satin White with
Model Mater Dark Sea Blue airbrushed on for the overall finish.
Weathering
& Decaling
After
the base coat was sprayed on I ‘misted’ a light coat of Intermediate Blue to
the topsides of the fuselage and wings. I applied an oil wash of Ivory
Black to the landing gear and inside of the wheel well covers. Light
exhaust staining is Model Master Acryl Flat White drybrushed on.
Decals
are from Aeromaster Sheet # 48-202 'Fighting Hellcats'.
The
model represents Eugene Valencia's aircraft of VF-9 aboard the USS Lexington
in1945.
References:
Happy
Modeling!
Rick Reinbott
Click on
images below to see larger images
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