I need to ask this question to all you who build WWII aircraft. Every build I see in either FSM, someone’s personal collection, or at a contest the F^F is built without the small window just behind the seat bulkhead of the aircraft. I have looked at old WWII photos of this aircraft and all photos show this window. The instructions on my Hasagewa (forgive the spelling) 1/72 HELLCAT has it in the instructions. My question is, was any Hellcat built without that window? I am building an Hellcat and have notice people leaving it out. Is there a variant that does not have it? Please, I am not putting anyone done for leaving it out, I am just asking for my personal information. So far all the ones I have seen have been very nice models. I am just hoping this one I am building is as good as those I have seen.
The rear glass behind the canopy was found only on the F6F3 model of the Hellcat. The F6F5 model did not have this window. Depending on which version you want to build. Most kits give you the option so you will find the glass included. The two variant also carried different paint schemes. Most F6F3 where tri color dark blue medium white. The F6F5 usally where painted overall glassy sea blue. Hope this helps you out.
Soulcrusher
Damn, soulcrusher beat me to the line. I have Hasegawa’s 1/48 F6F-5 & FAA Hellcats. Both kits are so sweeeet Snoopy, so you shouldn’t have any dramas with the smaller version. Keep us updated.
Thanks for all your help and I will definately keep you updated.
I can think of (at least) one F6F-5 Hellcat with the windows - Minsi III, SN:70143. Every photograph I have seen of Minsi III has the rear windows, but it is definitely a -5 variant.
I only know this because it’s the one I’ve been researching the daylights out of. I’m building the 1/32 hasegawa and have been scratchbuilding a lot of parts.
Just pick a bird and find as many pics of it as possible. As you can see, nothing is 100% accurate.
-Fred
Yeah, those windows aft of the cockpit were one of those weird anomolies. Some early F6F-5’s had them, but some late F6F-3’s didn’t (or they were painted over). I don’t know the specifics, but I understand that this oddity had something to do with where specific aircraft were built and what plant built them. I guess you just have to go by the pics.
Semper Fi,
Chris