I built this release back when it was new in the late 90s, but lost that build in a shelving collapse just a few years later. Still have the broken pieces in a bag in my attic.
This time around, I really found a liking of the earliest Hellcats before they went with the tri-color camouflage. I also liked the early-style insignia. Of course, the decal sheet did not include these markings, so I went looking for something on eBay and various model sites. Found a Montex Mask set that included markings appropriate for an early Hellcat, and added a set of AM gun barrels as well. I also added a PE set for engine details.
Paint is from Vallejo - light gull gray and M-485 blue grey. Weathering with a custom mix of black, brown, and gray for exhaust stains, various AK and Vallejo engine oil / fuel stains, and ground-up pastels.
Contrast this build with my earlier attempt at this Hellcat.
Moving on to my next, a dual build of Hasegawa’s Hawker Typhoon Mk IB and Eduard’s Hawker Tempest Mk. V.
Great build Aggieman! Really like to see the Hellcat in a different color scheme other than the dark sea blue. You did an excellent job on the exhaust streeaks too.
What’s yer secret? Where did you get that work stand? I have NOT seen the likes of it anywhere! Oh! The Plane, Well, It’s just too nice to say anything except—Awesome!!
Thanks Eugene! The tri-color is my favorite, but rarely do we see Hellcats in the initial scheme that was more like a Wildcat than what most think of for Hellcats.
