Hello my fellow modellers, I'm looking at doing something different with a Hellcat build and looking at doing the XF6F-6 Prototype and just wondering what do I need to make this Hellcat as accurate as I can?
To answer your question.. for sure , you need a replic of the Pratt and Whitney R2800-18W engine, with a two-speed/two-stage supercharger and a four blade propeller. Basicly the two prototypes of the XF6F-6 ( Bunos. 70188 and 70913 ) were the F6F-5s powered by the mentioned engine.
Yes these doors seem to be of a little bit different shape that the standard ones. Here is the next shot I found via the net. I can recommed you a book of the Squadron/Signal Publication , in Detai & Sacle series no.26 or newer no.49. You may find there pics of the cockpit front and sides. Also a couple of shots more of the engine cowling. As far as the model kit is concerned... I would say you need one of F6F-5 version but the engine cowling could be "borrowed" from F6F-4. However I have to check on that yet.
I was thinking of using an Eduard F6F-5 Late kit for the airframe and decals plus use a spare 4 Bladed Hamilton Standard Propeller from the Tamiya P-47M kit. As you said those LG doors do look a different shape
Sounds good. The Eduard kit seems to go with the plan.. The LG doors should be easy to replicate. It seems that's the matter of the correct arrangment of the standard doors. Here is a diagram that can come in handy...
Note that the 18W engine is a "C" series R2800 and has a completely different shaped Gear Reduction Cover (nose bowl) than the tapered and rounded on on the "B" series engines. The 18W was also used in the F4U-4.