1/48 Monogram F6F-5 Hellcat

Gallery Article by Rick Reinbott on June 18 2009

 

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.

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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:

  • F6F Hellcat in detail & scale, Bert Kinzey, Squadron/Signal Publications 1996   

Happy Modeling! 

Rick Reinbott

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Photos and text © by Rick Reinbott