Grumman F6F-5 HELLCAT - French Naval Air Fleet (Heller 1/72)

[ArmouredSprue]

GRUMMAN F6F-5 HELLCAT
Heller 1/72

Hi all

I had this very old Heller kit sitting in my stash for over 30 years. Due it's age it was not engraved panel lines, so I decided to use it as a practice for my first ever try to engrave panel lines in a kit. It was not perfect but I've learned a lot.

I had some issues with some seams that were hard do cover even after several re-dos with super glue.

I've used only acrylic paints, mostly Gunze Acqueous Paint.

The decals were another challenge, due it's age they broke apart once in the water. Luckly I had two set of the decals, so I sprayed a coat of Lacquer clear coat and applied as usual. However, the decals were very transparent so I decided to double up them using the other set of decals, it was not perfect but better than originally.

Weathering was made using Tamiya accent panel lines, watercolours pencils and pastels.

Overall it looked good but not standing a chance in a model show.

I've tried to represent an aircraft part of the Flottille 1F operating on the French Aircraft Carrier Arromanches in Indochina circa early 50's.

Reference photos (images searched and available on the internet):

The model

Cheers

 

[Wurger]

 

[Airframes]

Turned out well.
I like that "Oops" moment in the second from last B&W pic !

 

[fubar57]

Very nice Paulo. U.S. aircraft look great in French markings

 

[Crimea_River]

Nice work.

 

[T Bolt]

I have the same kit I've had sitting in the stash for the last 15 years, bought cheep to assembly for my son as a toy but never got around to it. I never dreamed it could be made into such a nice finished model.
Very well done!

 

[hal bregg]

A really good effect. I wouldn't recognize an old Heller kit here. Good job!.

 

[ArmouredSprue]

Thanks all! It was good to learn new techniques.
Cheers

 

[Gnomey]

Lovely work!

 

[le_steph40]

well done !

 

[ArmouredSprue]

Cheers mate