CrankyCrafstman

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

Thanks guys, I'm progressing slowly. Still working on the engine area. I have the engine halfs finally painted and detailed. Still have to do the ignition leads. I'm only putting spark plugs on the front side of the front bank and the rear side of the rear bank. The rest you really can't see that well because they are covered by the baffles. You can see photos on my post for how to do the P&W R-2800-10W #2. Ron G

Just a small update. I received these in the mail a few days ago. They are 1/24 scale valve stems, they are actually for detailing 1/24 scale cars, but work on planes too. Shot of the Hellcat wheel and tire. Close up of the valve stem. I hope someone like Barracuda will make a set of tires for this kit because the ones that come in the kit aren't very impressive. Also the outer wheel cover is missing some detail. It's very noticeable if you look at the real thing you will see what I mean. Ron G

Ok, thanks Tim

I'm going to put this on the calendar. I can be the designated driver, I can't drink, liver transplant. Ron G

Not this year, but would like to go next year as long as it ain't on the west coast.

Looking good Ernie. Would like to see that in person. Ron G

Sure wish I could go to the Nats, but alas not this year. Anyone know where it's going to be next year, would like to plan on going to that. Ron G

Hey 1to1 He only has a few left in 1/24 so you better get in touch with him quick or you may be out of luck. Ron G

Just got this in the mail from bigTim, thank you, it's a 1/24 scale print of a ww2 US aircraft carrier deck. It's 18.0" x 17 3/4" just right for my 1/24 F6F-3 Hellcat (converted from a F6F-5). I found some US Navy figures on Shapways, there 3D printed in lots of different poses. There a bit pricey, but not to bad at today's pricing. If I can find some 1/24 scale tie down strips I might replace the printed on ones. I know they make them in 1/32 scale, not sure if they make em in 1/24. All I have to do is trim it to size and glue it to a piece of 1/2" - 1" thick foam board. Ron G

Hey Trigger Is that a radio controlled F6F-5 or did the pilot bailout?...lol

Hey all Found this on the net. Would make a cool add on to my 1/24 Airfix Tiffy or Mossie pulling a bomb or rocket trolley. These are the trolleys I'm talking about. I would have to scratch build the trolleys and then find some 1/24 figures to use for ground crew loading rockets and/or bombs. It would definitely be a cool diorama. Ron G

Hey all I thought I would let everyone know that Nigel is making some replacement and add on stuff for the 1/24 scale Hellcat. He has a replacement engine core, to replace the out-of-round one that comes in the kit. And he is making all three fuel tanks. These are resin castings so there will be some cleanup to do on them but they look really nice. I ordered a set of the tanks. I already fixed the engine core on mine, so I don't need that part. It will save ALOT of sanding though. So go to YouTube and look for the videos he is doing on the big Cat and he will show you how to get them. Ron G

Hey Jeff I know how you feel we, the wife and I, are on our third Golden Retriever, his names Chance. He's getting up there in years and I think he may have cancer, a lot of lumps. When the last one Dusty died, from cancer, it really broke my wife up she couldn't eat or sleep for a long time. She had to have another one. Don't know what will happen if Chance passes away, I know she wont take it well. So I feel for you buddy. Ron G