Revell 1/72 scale F8F-1 Bearcat

[LA2019]

Completed my Revell 1/72 F8F-1 Bearcat. Built out of the box with a little bit of detailing on the front stuts (disc caliper pistons, brake lines and that "V" looking part that connects the upper and lower struts...sorry, don't know the name!)and hand painted.

I'm satisfied with the finish of the kit but the overall quality of the model is not the greatest. I think this is an older Monogram model from years ago and it shows. Almost all raised panel lines, no cockpit detail what-so-ever and main gear housing that is all open. But, at least my Grumman "Holy Trinity" of "Cats" is complete; Wildcat, Hellcat Bearcat......

 

[JohnAnthony]

Looks great to me! As far as I'm concerned, raised panel lines do a better job of simulating lapped panels than recessed. Looks like you had a lot of fiddley decal work to do.

 

[Matt308]

That is a neat little kit, very well executed. I love that little bird.

 

[Gnomey]

Good work!

 

[JohnAnthony]

You know, so many of these older little kits are undervalued today. Do a search for full-build reviews on this Bearcat and you'll find nary a one, nevermind that it builds into a great model in the right hands. The aesthetic nowadays seems to be shelling out big bucks for state-of-the-art moldings with every bell and whistle. (I'm not denigrating that - I do it myself.) But sometimes we can forget that some of these modest kits really capture the spirit of the aircraft, precision engineering and a few details be damned.

 

[vikingBerserker]

What a sweet bird, well done!

 

[Lucky13]

Looks great mate, well done!

 

[aircro]

Does Your Bearcat look this way before assembling:

Monogram from net.

 

[otftch]

Nice job.
Ed

 

[Matt308]

Does Your Bearcat look this way before assembling:

Monogram from net.

That's the one.

 

[LA2019]

Looks great to me! As far as I'm concerned, raised panel lines do a better job of simulating lapped panels than recessed. Looks like you had a lot of fiddley decal work to do.

Thanks guys.

Yeah John, I was suprised at the amount of decal work. It was worth the all of the efffort though.....