**** DONE: 1/30 Grumman Hellcat - Carrier Aircraft GB

[ccheese]

Username: ccheese
Name: Charles
Category: Intermediate
Kit: Guillows rubber powered balsa/tissue F6F "Hellcat"
Scale: 1/30

Accessories: None that can be purchased. However, I am going to make the rudder in two pieces. Ditto for the stabilizer. We've all see aircraft parked. In most instances, the elevator is in a down position. This one will be down also. And, I am going to make the ailerons separate, so I don't have to outline them with tape. I wanted to put the flaps down, but.... the flaps in the F6F we only in the lower section of the wing, and I have no way of splitting the wing.

I will have to modify the landing gear, also. Another instance of a "bent pin", which will not do.

Prior to the build I did quite a bit of research on the Hellcat. Thanks to Mr. Stephen Sherman, who wrote a piece for Acepilots.com, I have quite a history on the F6F. I have learned that prior to production there was an XF6F-1 and an XF6F-3 (only one dash two, with a turbo charged R-2600). Also, there was one F6F-4, fitted with a two speed turbo charged R2800 engine. Production wise they went straight to a dash five and on to -5N and -5P. The -5N and -5P had a 20mm cannon in the innermost position on the wing, and 200 rounds of ammo.

Because there was not much external difference between the dash three and the dash five, this will be a standard U.S. Navy F6F-3, not dedicated to any pilot or squadron.

The watchword for this build will be, "Leading edges rounded, training edges tapered".

Charles

 

[Lucky13]

Nice one Mr. C!

 

[Airframes]

Another good one in the offing I think.

 

[KoJo]

This will be a nice build!!

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Good on you Charles another 'cat', the more the merrier.

 

[brucejscott]

Another excellent choice Charles, You could do an early -3 in blue-grey over light grey with six position stars.

 

[destrozas]

I love doing this work and do not have to be stored flat and these aircraft, I encourage charles

 

[Wayne Little]

Good to see another one on the go Charles!

 

[rochie]

good one Charles, two on the go eh ?

 

[meatloaf109]

The only real major exterior difference is the -3 has those extra windows behind the cockpit, and the -5 doesn't. So you could go either way.
Welcome to the big cat!

 

[ccheese]

Thanks for the encouragement, Lads. Think I will go with the -3, as the plans show a small window behind the cockpit.

As all good naval projects do.... it all starts with the keel. Got the keel down this morning. Then formers for both sides and the one side member. Next move is the stringers.

(Jockeying two builds at one time is a chore !)

Charles

 

[rochie]

good start Charles

 

[Catch22]

Nice Charles.

 

[Wurger]

 

[brucejscott]

Rapid start Charles. What kind of glue do you use?

 

[javlin]

Well,well,well Charles has got it go'in on doesn't he.

 

[Airframes]

Good start Charles.

 

[ccheese]

Rapid start Charles. What kind of glue do you use?

I use two different types, depending on what I'm doing. I use a quick dry Testor's balsa airplane glue and I also use Elmer's white glue (extra strength). Both dry "clear". The Elmer's is good for filling cracks, even if you need more than one application. When dry either can be sanded or shaped with a sharp blade. To attach the tissue to the balsa, I use Aero Gloss clear dope.

Charles

 

[ccheese]

Been working on the fuselage of the Hellcat, today, in between things that had to be done around the hacienda. Got a bit more done. Note the framing for the little window, behind the cockpit. That's not included in the plans, BTW......

Charles

 

[brucejscott]

Got another dumb question for you Charles. Do these kits come with the tissue or do you have to buy it separate?