I have another question for you guys. Several days ago I was asked by a volunteer at a local military history museum to build an F6F-6 Hellcat for a special display honoring a local Navy WWII ace. The museum would like the Hellcat to be large scale. What is the largest scale plastic kit of the Hellcat offered? I have found some large wooden kits but have never built an all wood kit.
I know that Hasegawa made an F6F-3/5 in 1/32. I’ve never seen the kit built up, so I’m not sure how much work would be involved to convert it to a -6.
I’m sure you mean F6F-5, or 3, the only variants of the Hellcat except for the -3N,-3E, and -5N. The 1/32 Hasegawa kit will build into either the -3 or -5, it has the alternate parts where necessary and the instructions lead you through both. Squadron has it in ionventory, it’s almost always available. It’s a great kit, IMHO.
F6F-6 (actually XF6F-6) was a prototype. Only 2 were made, and it never went into production. Noticable difference was the 4-bladed prop.
Thanks guys
I guess the person who asked me was mistaken. I will show him the Hasegawa kit.
The Hasegawa kit is nice considering it’s age. Has raised panel detail & a very poorly fitting windscreen, but can be built into great model with a little extra work. There is a new 1/32 Hellcat announced from Trumpeter/Hobby Boss, but no idea of a release date.
Regards, Rick