Another 1/72 scale Arma Hobby kit.
Normally I build most of my models in 1/48 or 1/32 scales. Since I had the opportunity to “Expand my horizons” with these awesome kits in 1:72 scale, I can’t seem to get enough of them.
This one, is one of their earlier F4F’s, (Since discontinued as it is seen here, but rereleased with new decals since) and if memory serves, one of the “Expert” sets. Basically, that means it comes with PE and paint masks. Personally I hate PE and avoid it, but there were a couple pieces I did use. The gears in the landing gear bay, the seat harness and I think there were ign wires? (I forget half the time what stuff I used on which kit…pathetic ain’t it?)
The kit is fantastic right from the box. I find that the instruction sheets can be a little, “Fuzzy” to use a word? At first, a little hard to figure out what Arma wants you to do. I advise y’all to take your time and test fit stuff first. You will figure it out fast enough. Trickiest part of the entire kit is the wheel bay. At first, you’re gonna look at it and think, “Who the hell designed this like this?” I assure you, it does work and it’ll make sense.
I painted the model using my own custom mixed Tamiya Acrylics; Blue grey over Light Grey, (standard early war US Navy and USMC scheme). Decals were very good and responded well to the usual popular setting solutions. Markings are those of Capt. joseph J. Foss, VMF-121 based at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal during October and November 1942. Number ‘84’ wasn’t Foss’s assigned aircraft, but he did fly her a number of times, shooting down several Japanese aircraft, at least two of which, were the Mitsubishi A6M ‘Zero’.
Weathering was done using Flory Weathering Washes, AK Weathering Pencils, Tamiya Weathering Powders, thinned oils, pastel chalks and a little post shading. Infini Aero Rigging was used for the aerial.
I can’t say enough about these awesome little kits and I absolutely recommend them. They are not for the feint of heart though, having a little model building experience under one’s belt would be VERY helpful. These aren’t Tamiya kits.
