CrankyCrafstman

Hey all just found these on Ebay. They look better then the kit parts. We'll see when they get here from the Ukraine. Since I now have two kits I ordered two sets. They run about $25.00 US dollars including shipping. As soon as they get here I will post some pictures. Ron G

Just some pictures to show how good the fit is on all the cowl panels and wing to fuselage. It does fit together really nice, and will be much better once finally glued in place. I found these on Ebay. They look really good and are better then the kit parts. We will see when they get here from the Ukraine.

Be aware. There are two different types of rocker covers for the engine, one works the other one doesn't, by this I mean once assembled it doesn't fit inside of the cowl. I had to grind the heck out of mine to get the engine to fit, and it still doesn't fit well. I don't rember which one is correct one to use have to dig through my photos and notes to find out. Ron G

Just watched "Strategic Air Command" so I'm ready. are you going to do a B-47 to go with it Ron G

Hey Martin Good luck and have fun, but when you get off of the Buffalo don't step in the Buffalo chips... I said chips not %*#^... lol Ron G

He also has a resin crankcase that is actually round. He now has replacement rocker covers and tha small oil cross-over tubes, to replace the cast on ones. His videos on how to put the 1/24 Airfix F6F-5 Hellcat together are very informative. They show how to apply the Airscale instrument panel and how to detail out the cockpit. He also shows how to detail out the rear fuselage area and how to reinforce the undercarriage legs. He's doing one as a FAA bird and one as a US Navy one. Ron G

Went into my hobby store to get some CA glue $3.49 and walked out $173.00 bucks shorter. I got the glue and somehow another 1/24 Hellcat followed me out the door. Ron G

Way to go Ernie!!!

Hey Graham Is it possible to purchase just the trolley without the cookie bomb. I'm going to use it to scale it up to 1/24 scale to use with my Airfix Typhoon 1b as a rocket trolley, I already have a tractor to pull it and some figures to us on a diorama. If I can figure out my sons software I can model it up and try to 3D print it on his 3D resin printer. Ron G

Here are a couple more pictures. the head rest plate has been modified to a F6F-3 style. The rivets on the side were added with a toothpick (cocktail stick) and Perfect Plastic Putty mixed with some superglue, then just dabed on. These are the reinforcements for the -3 version. Plastic angle and rod. You will be able to see these through the side windows that I still have to add. have to add the water tank and oxygen bottle. Still have to prime and paint. This will be done in Grumman interior grey. Thats all for know have to get back to modeling. Ron G

Works for me. The LEDs are from Ebay cost about $20.00 bucks. I now have them ducked to the window, used the piece of pink foam board in the window to route the ducts through. Ron G

That Lanc looks great Ernie. Ron G

Damn! I didnt think about using zip ties. See it does pay off being on these forums you learn sumpin' new every day. Thanks Bill. Ron G

Hey all Anyone have an idea on how I can fix this? I was thinking about using a hair dryer and warm it up, the clamp it together and use cold water to set it to the new shape. I'm I wrong, never had this problem and I really don't want to screw up my Hellcat. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. I don't think glue alone will hold it unless I can get the edges closer together. Ron G

Here is a little update, just some pictures of the engine area temporarily assembled for photos, not completely painted need to add a lot of detail and weathering.

Hey 1to1 All those pictures are of the vertical flange tank. So maybe the other tank that comes in the kit, the horizontal flange one without the pylon is for the FAA Hellcat. Ron G

Hey all Anyone know why there are two different center line fuel tanks in the new 1/24 Airfix F6F-5 Hellcat kit? I've searched on the Net but haven't been able to find any information. The kit instructions don't even mention the other tank. Was wondering if there were differences between the F6F-3 and the F6F-5 tanks. Thanks Ron G

Just a little update these is the engine temporarily assembled with the prop. front of the engine through the cowl. port side view. I've started some preshading. starboard side view. rear view, don't forget I'm doing mine as a F6F-3, so most stuff here should be light grey, but decided to mix it up a little for some contrast. I figure it has been in for repairs a few times and had mixed parts added. still have to add a lot of details and some more weathering. I have most everything painted now. I just have to add wires, piping and oil tank and armor plate etc...etc. ...etc. Ron G

Looking good Clunky

Hey all Anyone have any ideas on where to get drawings with dimensions for a WW2 type "D" bomb trolley? I've sent a message to Graham @ Iconicair but haven't heard from him. So I would like drawings so I can make my own in 1/24 scale for a Tiffy diorama. Ron G

Hey nmayhew I do have Master Models barrels for it. They are for a 1/24 scale P-47. Ron G

Hey all Just sent an email to Aerocraft Models requesting that he make a set of landing gear for the Hellcat. The ones in the kit are pretty flimsy. Nige has a video on YouTube on how to strengthen them but it takes alot of hand drilling and some wont be comfortable doing that. Ron G

Hey Ernie Wait till you see the spark plug detailing on the engine. I'm working up the courage to start on them next. Ron G

Hey Jeff It's called 3:00 dioptor reading glasses and the strongest opti-visor...lol and it's getting to the point that that ain't strong enough. Ron G

Hey Randy Could you tell what diameter and width of those tires are please. Are they the same size as the kit ones? Ron G