discussion Gary's Academy 1/48 scale Wildcat F4F-F

[gweller]

After building 7 1/72nd jets in a row I thought it was time for a change. The Academy Wildcat took my eye, so I thought I would have a go at it. It is relatively new tool, with lovely detail and a good fit. PE parts are included for the seat as well as masks for the canopy and wheels. The kit includes the option to build it with the wings open or folder. I decided to go for the open option, and this is my progress to date. Shame that 85% of this detail will be hidden once built.

 

[Geoffers]

Very nicely done, great looking “office” and undercarriage bay

Geoff.

 

[gweller]

A bit more progress. Everything went together with a minimum of fuss and only the slightest amount of filler. The fit of the parts is snug so it pays to do a good test fit before gluing

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

That does look like a good fit. Coming along nicely.

 

[gweller]

The horizontal stab needed a bit of sanding as the fit was very tight, but after that it was almost not necessary to glue it in place. Same goes for the rudder. The wing to fuselage joint was also very good, particularly the upper surface wing root which went together with no gaps etc.

 

[colin m]

Nice job. There's a lot going on in there for a 1:72

 

[gweller]

Nice job. There's a lot going on in there for a 1:72

Actually it's 1/48!

 

[colin m]

Actually it's 1/48!

Ah, I thought the engine frame was impressive at 1:72. But I see now, you've built string of 1:72 models. I must pay more attention.

 

[Geoffers]

Looking good Gary, your doing a great job

Geoff.

 

[gweller]

Thanks Geoff! Currently working on the radial engine and will post when I have something to share. I'm not the world's fastest builder.......

 

[gweller]

A bit more progress. the radial engine is nearly done.

 

[flyjoe180]

Nice work Gary. Engine looks good

 

[gweller]

Construction is largely complete and the Wildcat has received a couple of thin coats of primer prior. Academy provide different sets of parts for an open canopy or closed canopy version. As I am going for the open canopy option I used the "closed" canopy parts to mask off the interior, hence the rather slapdash masking!

 

[Geoffers]

Nice progress Gary the engine looks good .

Looking forward to seeing it come to life now with the top coats.

Geoff.

 

[gweller]

Thanks Geoff, brush painting always takes time as lots of thin coats seems to be the key to getting a reasonable result. And of course some of my build time is now being spent on the Spitfire GB. But at last I can see some progress.

 

[gweller]

Undersides and top surface of the wings/tail have now been painted. The fuselage needs another coat then the masking tape taken off - hopefully not too much touching up will be required afterwards. After that its a question of picking out some details, and then on with the gloss varnish to protect the whole model before moving on. Really like the AK 3gen paints, the go on very nicely with a brush once thinned down.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

For a brush painted model I have to say it is hard pressed to tell that from a airbrush finish. Nice work Gary.

 

[gweller]

For a brush painted model I have to say it is hard pressed to tell that from a airbrush finish. Nice work Gary.

Thanks Steve, but it's not just down to me, that AK 3gen paint is really nice. Dries quick and with almost no brush marks. The trick seems to be to thin it well and to apply many thin coats to build up the colour. It is however quite susceptible to chipping and it needs to be handled with care until varnished, even though I used an undercoat. I have had to do a few touch-ups due to scratches appearing while masking etc.

 

[Andy T]

I agree with Steve, that's excellent for a brushed finish.

The AK gen3 are my brush paints of choice. As you say, they can be a bit susceptible to damage, especially if applied thinned down, but they do firm up after a day or so.