discussion Trumpeter Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat 1/32 scale

[chameleon 2009]

The Grumman F4F Wildcat was an American carrier-based fighter aircraft that began service with both the United States Navy and the British Royal Navy (as the Martlet) in 1940. First used in combat by the British in Europe, the Wildcat was the only effective fighter available to the United States Navy and Marine Corps in the Pacific Theatre during the early part of World War II in 1941 and 1942; the disappointing Brewster Buffalo was withdrawn in favour of the Wildcat and replaced as units became available. With a top speed of 318 mph (512 km/h), the Wildcat was still outperformed by the faster 331 mph (533 km/h), more manoeuvrable, and longer ranged Mitsubishi A6M Zero. But the F4F's ruggedness, coupled with tactics such as the Thatch Weave, resulted in an air combat kill-to-loss ratio of 5.9:1 in 1942 and 6.9:1 for the entire war.

Serial: 50

Pilot - Capt.Josef Foss flew this Wildcat while stationed at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal on 12 November 1942. Camouflage: Blue-gray (FS35189) upper surfaces and light gray (FS36440) under surfaces.

paint that I used was model master acrylic as it was the only brand close enough

Her are the other items I used on this build

Model Kit:

- Trumpeter 02223 - 1/32 F4F-4 Wildcat

Aftermarket:

- Grand Phoenix F4F Wildcat Cockpit (32005)

- Eduard F4F-4 Detail Set (32109)

- Eduard F4F-3 Undercarriage (32183)

Montex 1/32 Masks & Markings for Trumpeter F4F-4 Wildcat

- Resin Engine from vector

External Detail:

- Scratch-built Ignition Wiring in Engine

- Scratch-built brake Lines & Hydraulic Lines in Landing Gear

- Antenna Wire and Insulators

- Use Eduard Photo-etch Exterior Details (where applicable)

Stenciled Insignia and Markings

hope you enjoy the photos

 

[Guest]

That is one great build and paint job Mike, I like the subtle weathering especially. Cheers Derek

 

[The Migrant]

Nice, a lot of work obviously went into that. The finish is superb

 

[Guest]

Amazing work mate

 

[Wendall]

Very nice indeed.

Jason

 

[Ian M]

Thats a great build Mike. I love the nice sun-bleached finish.

Ian M

 

[Guest]

Magnificent model!

The finish colour is sublime.

Can I ask, errhhh...you use a blue filter? is a nice touch!

 

[chameleon 2009]

Hi Polux I used many filters to achieve that finish, blue was one of them

Mike

 

[papa 695]

Stunning work Mike

 

[Guest]

Errm .. ignorant what is zee blue filter thingy all about ?

Very nice model Mike. Like the engine. Any chance of a closer look at the engine ? Shame to miss all that work.

Laurie

 

[Guest]

Very nice, excellent painting

 

[tr1ckey66]

Gob smacking!

Brilliant work crafted superbly. Everything is quality - pre shade, paint fade, detail (the engine is excellent), and the wash to bring out the surface detail. Everything oozes class.

Top stuff

Paul

 

[monica]

great build Mike, real do like it alot ,very well done, with the weathering, like the look of sun-bleached finish

 

[flyjoe180]

Amazing work Mike. Everything is top notch on this one, from the paint work, the weathering right down to the very nicely finished engine details. Awesome.

 

[Guest]

Might be one of the best Wildcats I've ever had the pleasure to see.

Ray

 

[chameleon 2009]

Laurie

Engine build pics during the engine build, hope you like them

mike

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[chameleon 2009]

Might be one of the best Wildcats I've ever had the pleasure to see.Ray

Thank you Ray I really appreciate that

 

[chameleon 2009]

Errm .. ignorant what is zee blue filter thingy all about ?Very nice model Mike. Like the engine. Any chance of a closer look at the engine ? Shame to miss all that work.

Laurie

Filters are used to bring out colour in various intensity's, so if you spray say a blue plane as per the wild cat, and just weather it, it will pro-dominantly a blue mono tone colour weathered, using filters and not just blue filters, reds and browns work well on different panels allows for the colour to vary, as on a real one, hope that explains it all be it very short in description, I didn't want to boar you to much.

Mike

 

[Guest]

Amazing, the paint wear around the canopy and 'pit is really nice.

 

[InFlames]

Love the engne and overall finish! Good work!