This is the excellent Airfix 24th scale kit of the magnificent and highly successful Grumman Hellcat in its later F6F-5 form. This aircraft was the most successful fighter in terms of kills in the Pacific during WWII (google the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot for example). A true classic from the Grumman "iron works". Grumman had to replace their earlier F4F Wildcat which was outclassed by the Japanese zero and they came up with a beast of a plane powered by the marvellous P&W R-2800 Doubt Wasp engine giving 2,000hp. Another classic
. The main users of the Hellcat were the US Navy and the British Fleet Air Arm in WWII. The French Aeronavale (Navy) used these later in the 50s in their war in Indochina (Vietnam).
Kit box art - I just love their red branding. Makes these kits stick out on the hobby shop racks...:
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Malcolm Reid, on Flickr
Kit colour schemes - 2 x US Navy (WWII), 1 x British FAA (WWII), 1 x French (Indochina) :
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Malcolm Reid, on Flickr
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Malcolm Reid, on Flickr
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Malcolm Reid, on Flickr
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Malcolm Reid, on Flickr
So what about the kit ? Well, I'll say it's the best Airfix kit I've built by far. I've built quite a few of their recent new 48th scale releases which are simply wonderful to build. But this is to another level in terms of fit and detail. Some observations :
a) The "oil canning" effect of riveted airframe panels is amazingly replicated and lends a whole new 3D detail to the model. Under paint, the wavy panel lines are very perceptive but not overstated making it look the part. However, oddly enough, they missed this on the inner wing upper surfaces for the unfolded wing option. A minor design error...
b) The fit - the CAD on this kit is so accurately translated to the actual moulds and plastic that even a layer of paint on a mating surface can lead to fit issues. Scrape the paint off and the fit is spot on. That said, some parts need a liberal test fitting and scraping away of some excess plastic i.e. in the engine assembly. The fit is so precise that things like the individual exhaust pipes click firmly into place and don't require any glue. I used very little filler on this model.
c) No additional detail is required apart from the engine ignition harness (for which Airfix provides clear guidelines on how to install) and some minor tubing in the engine bay. The main wheels (tyre portion) could benefit from a single cast resin unit though...
d) Airfix have a nifty way of replicating seat belts in plastic. Very realistic indeed. Cockpit detail is exceptionally good.
e) Ailerons, elevators and rudders are all articulated, and not in a finicky Trumpeter manner. The trim tabs themselves are also articulated onto the relevant flying control surfaces. Flaps can be fitted in the extended or retracted position. Most images I've seen of Hellcats roosting show all control surfaces to be retracted or in neutral postion.
f) Option is provided to fold the wings. This is useful as this is one big model with wings spread.
g) Extensive undercarriage bay detail - most beautiful I've seen on any kit to date with the possible exception of the Tamiya 32nd F4FU Corsair.
Samples of the 71 page instruction booklet in the new Airfix style :
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Malcolm Reid, on Flickr
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Malcolm Reid, on Flickr
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Malcolm Reid, on Flickr
The kit cost R2,550. Is it worth the price ? Absolutely (assuming you have the cash handy). You'll get many hours of pleasure assembling and painting this thing. I really enjoyed every aspect of the build.