07/02/2026
G’day guys!!!
Another “rescue” kit saved from my pile of kits in need of either restoration, repair and resolution!
This was originally the 1/32 F6F-5N Hellcat from Trumpeter but I wanted to build as a regular F6F-3 coz I didn’t like the radar on the wing…looked like a tumor!
The kit has parts to make a regular F6F-5 (i.e. x6 .50 cals and instrument panel) or (as shown here) a F6F-3 (just had to pop out the plastic for the windows behind the canopy). It has the lines inside the fuselage halves for this mod but be careful when committing to the surgery as the clear parts aren’t very forgiving!)
The kit also comes with a sprue to make a towing tractor which is great and all but I would’ve preferred a pilot and deck crew.
Overall a great build but be prepared for above average amount of work getting the wings right if built down (I suspect it would’ve been easier to build them folded). Oh, and the tail wheel…my LAWD! Mine broke off so many times I had to drill into it then installed wire to make it sturdy enough to bear the weight! Weathering was somewhat minimal as you can properly go to town with these things! Sooooo any reference photos with Hellcats of the period in various states of decomposition from heavy usage! I only used aftermarket decals and seatbelts (albeit intended for a Mustang) and I had (for the first time ever!) even given it both an antenna AND static wires! Oh, and the “chin” intake…it’s molded uh, closed. I had to fix that then added spare mesh from some old Tamiya Challeger I kit!
As always, please post your criticisms and comments below!
Thanks for stopping by!
