Eduard F6F-5 in 1/48

[Softscience]

I wrapped up the Eduard Hellcat this morning. Pretty simple kit, but needs care around where major parts fit. Nothing an average modeler can't handle. This was the Weekend Edition, so it did not feature many (in my opinion) essential details (e.g., instrument faces, drop tank straps). I added the straps from strips of yogurt lids, added some generic belts, and etched in some instrument faces with a needle. I used fuse wire for brake lines. Etc.

All painting was done with Tamiya paints. There are three shades of blue on the model, along with various oils used for weathering.

I'm very happy with how the model turned out, but I have to admit to having had more fun with the 1/72 version.

[Clashcityrocker]

Nice work. The paintwork is very good. It looks suitably faded and weathered.

Nigel

[jssel]

Outdtanding work Ralph

[JamesPerrin]

Another beautifully finished model Ralph

[JohnRatzenberger]

Yes, the different blue shades are quite subtle yet impart of very realistic wear & weathering look.

[skypirate]

Very businesslike, Ralph!
Great job of weathering.

Cheers,

David

[pmmaker]

I love it! Excellent work with the three shades of blue for that Pacific sun faded look. One to be proud of Ralph.

pmmaker

[iggie]

I love it! Excellent work with the three shades of blue for that Pacific sun faded look. One to be proud of Ralph.

pmmaker

What he said!! Excellent job Ralph

[Softscience]

Thanks very much, guys.

Your comments mean a great deal. But feel free to critique too.

[PTB11]

Excellent work. As mentioned above, the faded weathering is outstanding.

[ShaunW]

I can but echo the others in saying that is an outstanding Wildcat, Ralph. The weathering is beautifully done.

[Lone Modeller]

I echo the comments of others. One of the best attempts to represent faded blue that I have seen.

[Softscience]

I echo the comments of others. One of the best attempts to represent faded blue that I have seen.

Thanks.

The base is straight dark sea blue

this was followed by nearly complete coverage (but not quite) with dark sea blue mixed with flat blue, and a few drops of sky blue (maybe 4:2:1 but I didn't measure).

The last is a light misty coat of mostly clear with a few drops of flat blue and deck tan). This was sprayed on really irregularly and sparingly. The oils tied it all together.

[Marek]

Beautiful outcome, I like the paintjob. As far as weekend edition goes, it is still miles ahead from what we had before, isn’t it.

[Softscience]

Beautiful outcome, I like the paintjob. As far as weekend edition goes, it is still miles ahead from what we had before, isn’t it.

True. But looking back through rose tinted glasses at the Arii Hellcat I built around 1993 fills me with pleasant memories. Maybe the kit sucked. I don't remember. All models were fun back then. I wish I could bottle that feeling.