Fujimi 1:72 Grumman E-2C Hawkeye "Screwtops"

[Radzy]

Hi,

My first entry for the Cold War Era GB will be ... Northrop/Grumman E-2C Hawkeye. This is the all-weather, carrier capable airborne early warning twin-engine turboprop engine designed on request of US Navy.

This is the pic of two E-2Cs (courtresy of Wikipedia):


The plane was ordered by US Navy in 1956 and the first prototypes flew in 1961. After passing initial tests it E-2A entered service in 1965. First models had suffered from ... overheating problems caused by too closely packed electronic equipment. Electronics were upgraded with new computer and proven more reliable. SO the version E-2B was introduced.
In 1971 first trials of version E-2C were performed and after several upgrades of electrionics, radar system, avionics and many other parts or systems it is still operational and used by US Navy, French Navy and air forces of Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan & Egypt (Hawkeye was also used by Israeli Air Force but was retired in 2002).

Construction was proven so reliable and good that Americans decided to develop new version E-2D (currently in trials stage) instead of replacing the aircraft with so called "Common Support Aircraft" project.

I've decided to build this aircraft, because I like it... I like it for being the last carrier borne propeller powered plane... plane of the size of B-26 from the WWII and because of this discuss circling on top of the plane . And I like it for these short scenes in "Final Countdown" & "Hunt for Red October" movies.

Few words about the model.
This is a Fujimi kit #72069 in 1/72nd scale. Very nicely done thing. Sprues look very good with not too many pin marks or overcasts.
Parts are clear but the details (especially rivets) seem very subtle, so I will have to be very careful with painting (not too many layers).
Instructions seem to be very clear at first look and according to them... well it should be an easy task as the instructions are only 6 steps long.
I will be building it OOB - I wanted to try Eduard's cockpit PE set, but I can't find it available anywhere... So well... OOB

And 2 pics of box and opening:




So wish me luck as other Cold War Era are on the way

Kind regards,
Radek

[Lee]

Nice entry Radek, look forward to watching this build up

[DC87]

Really great subject you've chosen, can't wait to see the build begin. Hope it goes well.

[Coen]

great first choice Radzy.
This is an awesome plane.
I'm looking forward to her getting knocked together.

[fly1ngdutchm4n]

Woooo.... nice!
I wish you the best of luck building this awesome kit Radzy!
Looking forward to see it build

[good2us1]

Nice choice, Radek!!! She's going look good!!!

[Radzy]

It took me ages to think what to do with poor cockpit, but as the possible PE parts were not easy to get (like 1 month wait time) I have made a decission...
So here comes ...

Update #1

Whoa this model is really PITA ... Hull, wings, rear section... all need fillings... lots of filler... I think I might have to ask Coen to borrow me some
Engine pylons didn't fit to wings neither in the way instruction said nor in opposite way...
I also had to put a lot of weight to front to stop it from sitting on tail...

Hull, wings and engines' pylons are put together with holes filled. Next I need to do is sanding.

Few pics:



Cheers,
Radek

[Coen]

That's a tonne of work you've done there Radzy.
It looks like you've got most of the hard stuff done.
I'm sure that you'll kick it into shape though.

[DC87]

Nice BIG update, nice work building up those main parts - shame about all the gaps, at this rate the entire worlds supply of putty filler will be held in 3 locations... yours, Coen's and Lee's

[Radzy]

I'm sure that you'll kick it into shape though.

Oh, I will kick it for sure... that or other way ... most likely "that" way, because I like this plane too much to spoil these feeling because of fillings

at this rate the entire worlds supply of putty filler will be held in 3 locations... yours, Coen's and Lee's

yeah, I started thinking about using acrylic plaster - you can have like 1,5kg for less than 10EUR ... just joking ofc

[Coen]

[PhildaFish]

I always prefer watching a good modeller build a poor kit as it shows off your skills as you turn in into a great model, good luck mate!

[Radzy]

I always prefer watching a good modeller build a poor kit as it shows off your skills as you turn in into a great model, good luck mate!

I hope I will be one some time, Phil.

Thanks for support

Radek

[Rob]

You certainly don't hang around! Looking good - great plastering skills

[T3hGuppy]

So whats happening with this build dude???

Some great work so far.