Monogram 1/4 F6F-5 Hellcat

[Hoggarth]

Last summer when I started getting interested in modeling again, I was in a local shop and picked this up from the discount table for $5. I finally opened it up last week and decided to build it. I'm glad I did. This will give me a good learning experience and will give me a chance to try some things on a cheaper, cheesier model so I (hopefully) will be more prepared when I start my newer, bigger builds.

So here are a few progress pics I took while watching the Superbowl and working on this.

There is no cockpit in this kit. I thought about trying to find an aftermarket upgrade, but decided to just build it OOB. I did order new decals for it since the ones in the box are 50+ years old and very yellow and grungy. I painted the pilot, who turned out pretty well. The instrument panel is one of the decals that remains on the backing and is just glued to a flap of plastic.



Here we are with the fuselage and center wing section in place. Just a bit of putty in the seam and I'm good to go.



Here is the underside. There are no wheelwells, just the open inside of the wing. I painted the inside of the wings AS-20 Insignia White along with the wheel struts. The tires are a mix of P3 paints Greatcoat Gray and Thamar Black.





More as I go along. Thanks for looking. Any and all comments are welcome

[mincemeat]

You like like you're doing a great job so far! In the handful of models I've done since coming back, every one is a learning experience!