Motivated by Stikpusher’s RVAF Bearcat build, I went Bearcat hunting at PAMSCON almost two weeks ago. One of the Bearcat kits I found was this one: the Hawk/Testors F8F-2 kit. I’m sure I built this kit two or three times since high school.
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Not a real bad kit really. Low parts count, no real fit issues. Both raised and recessed panels lines, featureless cockpit, adequate engine. When it’s finished, the airplane will be a drone control aircraft. Stay tuned.
I’m gonna watch this project [;)] Looking forward to seeing what you’re going to do with this.
Following. I built that one ages ago
Bearcat Update.
Major assembly is complete, seams puttied and sanded. Went out on the porch to the paint bench and sprayed the model overall Stynyl Rez White primer. I figured the white primer is needed over the silver plastic because the wings and tail will be Insignia Yellow. Plus, I maybe will do some subtle pre-shading under the yellow and the Mr Hobby Navy Blue. Tomorrow I’l wet sand the primer to get the airplane ready for masking and paint.
Did some pre-shading on the Bearcat this morning. I would like the pre-shading to be subtle so I used Tamiya Neutral Gray. This afternoon I’ll start painting the Insignia Yellow on the wings and tail. Thanks for looking in.
I’ll be watching.
Then look at this, JohnnyK: Painted the wings and tail this afternoon. The yellow is Tamiya Flat Yellow with a touch of Tamiya Orange. Tomorrow Mr Color Navy Blue, then gloss clear.
Yup, that’s yellow!
Boy what a classic,kit has to be at least from the 80’s
Great job with the yellow
Just looked the kit up on Scalemates. When the kit was issued under the HAWK label Scalemates says 1968. Under the Testors label, Scalemates says 1991. Either way, it’s a really old kit.
Not your usual F8F Bearcat.
Looking real sharp Frank! This sure will be one colorful aircraft.
Was out on the paint bench this morning. The major painting is done, now for some touch up, detailing and painting the insignia. I used Mr Hobby Aqueous Paint for the first time for the fuselage color. I just happened to have the color on the paint shelf, don’t know how/where I acquired the paint though. After watching a couple of YouTube videos on how to apply the paint, I thinned the paint 2/1 thinner to color and the paint performed as expected. The blue-gray is certainly a contrast to the yellow and red. I like it!
I still have one I built in 1968. It was state of the art back then, I’ll tell ya!
Looks greats Frank. Will she be glossy when complete.
It won’t be real glossy. I have a bottle of Alclad Light Sheen clear coat that I will probably seal the paint with. Not too much weathering either.
Bearcat Update:
Painted the black today. The anti-glare panel, and the aircraft identifier markings, all painted Tamiya Rubber Black. Next will be the white markings then the national insignia.
Nice work, Frank. Plan on keeping it for a long time, I have proof that it can be a very sturdy long lasting model. Here’s a Hawk kit I built in 1968, photographed yesterday. I can’t believe even the uncoated decals on bare plastic have held up so well.
Well, I’m calling this build done. The build was mostly easy but the paint was a lot of work: Masking and unmasking. Mixing the right color yellow. Fixing mistakes. Plus, when you photograph your model, you see all of the things you missed. But here it is, an F8F-2K Drone Control Aircraft. I do have one boast though: No Decals! All marking and insignia are painted. That’s really where all of the work was, cutting vinyl masks, applying them and painting. I’m really impressed with how it all turned out. Without any further ado, here’s the Bearcat. Comments and constructive criticism always welcome.
Oh yeah, except for the paint it’s entirely OOB.
Very sharp Frank! I’ve got to add one of those drone aircraft to the shelves. Really colorful and well done.
Looks very nice! Great work on painting all of those markings. [t$t]