Airfix A19004 Grumman F6-F5 Hellcat

Product Information

Similarly, the tail wheel leg is a single piece. The tail wheel strut and its retraction struts are well detailed. As you can see from the image, I built this with one wing folded. I'm not sure that was standard ops procedure, but I have seen one or two photos in that configuration. The reason for this was twofold: 1) to save space and 2) to show of the wonderful wing fold detail. This CAD screenshot image clearly shows the incredible level of detail which has been incorporated into the new Hellcat kit

Casting of the brass parts is perfect, and the only cleanup required is the removal of a small casting stub on the top of the main legs. The clear parts are definitely,.. umm, clear. On mine I see no sign of crazing, blushing, or fogging whatsoever. But like all other transparencies, a dip in Future will make them sparkle.Perfect casting; excellent detail; easy cleanup and assembly; metal legs will offer more secure mounting than the kit parts; oleo scissors and hydraulic cables cast onto the legs; easy to adjust rake and splay. Even though detail is now gradually being added, at this stage it is still more about the correct placement of components Before starting this model, I determined that I wanted to capitalize on the options offered. I wanted one wing folded with flaps up, and the other wing extended with flaps down and gun bays open. While the wings could be folded and unfolded manually (normally hydraulically), I am well aware that the flaps work in unison on both wings. This is my disclaimer on displaying the model in an “unnatural” way! Let’s see what grief I get from this decision, especially at a contest!!! The instruction manual follows the same format that Airfix has used in all their later releases. Each step is very clearly illustrated with the previously attached parts highlighted in red. There is typically only a few parts to be attached in each step. This makes for an uncluttered, easy to follow build sequence, but does make for a longer manual. I really like this format! Each year, Airfix impresses modeling fans with new featured products and special products. The British brand produces a wide range of kits to satisfy all modeller profiles. The topics presented are varied such as:

It was not until 1948 that the brand launched into injection molding. The first kit model is an agricultural tractor that is distributed to sales representatives of the Ferguson brand. The first model of miniature aircraft signed Airfix is created in 1953, a kit made of injected polystyrene. The Supermarine Spitfire Mk1 1/72 is the best-selling in the world. The airfix models have been a phenomenal success since the 60s. All large parts are very rough, which requires careful sanding to remove, while still retaining the stressed skin look Exploded view of the engine assembly detail, which would almost make an attractive model display in its own rightThe Aerocraft brass undercarriage set will offer a more secure mounting than the kit parts. In my opinion though, the greatest advantage of metal undercarriage is that the rake and splay may be adjusted after the legs have been installed. The completed wing bottoms attach to the center wing section using substantial wing fold hinges that insert inside the hollow forward wing spars. They were supplied for either extended or folded wings. They were so tight I sanded them until I could slide them in without the risk of breaking anything. She’s starting to look like a Hellcat!!!

Great instructions, although there are a few errors in Step 140 and 141. F24 is F28, F25 is F29 and F37 is F41 This change of mind return policy is in addition to, and does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law including any rights you may have in respect of faulty items. Here is my first 24th scale build in 40 years - how time flies. This is the fantastic Airfix Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat - the obligatory box art shot (Airfix currently has the best box art IMHO). Chris can add and remove various sections of the CAD file to make his work a little more manageable, and this image shows the addition of further engine detail This fascinating screenshot clearly shows how Chris needed to accurately represent a multitude of different rivets and fasteners in the Hellcat’s development files

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As usual, I just dived straight in without thought of photos and have only now thought to take any! This is being built OTB with the exception of the guns. Bought a replacement brass set (tho can't remember who from!) This scan image shows the Hellcat displayed with one wing in its stowed position and several of the access panels removed Despite a combat introduction which took place relatively late in the war, the Hellcat would go on to be referred to as the ‘mount of aces’ as it wrestled superiority of the skies above the Pacific from the Japanese Zero during a frenetic two years of fighting. Posting some quite astonishing combat statistics, it has been reported that almost 75% of all aerial victories claimed by US Navy pilots were attributed to the Grumman Hellcat, which earned an impressive combat kill ratio of 19 to 1 in the Pacific Theatre. Although combat claims can be notoriously difficult to corroborate during times of war, this meant that on average, nineteen enemy aircraft were destroyed for the loss on a single Hellcat, a statistic which could not be bettered by any other combat aircraft in WWII. Perhaps most significantly, the Hellcat made ‘Aces’ of no fewer than 305 US airmen, as this rugged and reliable fighter helped the Allies clear Pacific skies of enemy aircraft and speed them towards a hard fought victory. Obviously, the Hellcat’s naval aviation heritage allowed for some distinctive build options to be included in the new kit, as well as having wide international appeal for an aircraft type which saw service with the US Navy, US Marine Corps, Fleet Air Arm and French Navy. Detail is gorgeous, with oleo scissors and hydraulic lines cast with the main undercarriage legs as a single part for each side.

This next selection of images feature Paramjit’s latest Hellcat build, only finished a couple of days ago. He has finished the model in one of the scheme options included with this impressive kit, a VF-27 ‘Ace Maker’ ….. enjoy!

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Then used MIG washes - starship grime and dark wash - I like these products as they are actually quite oily. Let them dry and then work them in using a soft brush with a small amount of turpentine or white spirits The Airfix brand offers a wide selection of models in diverse themes. The collection contains simple models and kits rich in qualified details. The range is aimed at both modeling enthusiasts and professional modellers. Here are some of them: