Trumpeter F4F-4

[JohnB]

Since I've decided to shelve the Sherman and Skyraider I'm now getting started on my Trumpeter F4F-4. I plan to replace the kit seat and control stick with some from my spares stash. I'd like to replace the rubber wheels with plastic or resin ones but, as far as I've been able to determine, no one makes them.

To start I've painted the cockpit area with Bronze Green then I'll start with the black areas such as radio set, etc. I've got some nice decals by Wolfpack Designs coming from SB which should give me some good choices of markings, etc.

 

[Bomber_County]

Knowing the parts count etc ……you’ll have this finished by Xmas…….

[GazzaS]

Whoa...   another one!

 

[JohnB]

39 minutes ago, Bomber_County said:

Knowing the parts count etc ……you’ll have this finished by Xmas…….

Maybe not finished but certainly well along. LOL

[JohnB]

6 minutes ago, GazzaS said:

Whoa...   another one!

 

LOL As long as there IS another one then all is good.

[Martinnfb]

Is it done yet ?  

I would suggest to sand down the heavy ribbing detail from the rudder. Ailerons probably too.

[Peterpools]

John

Nice start on the Wildcat and always thought your way of painting the small parts on the frets was the way to go. But for the life of me, I just never seem to do it. Good call on using bronze green for the interior, right on the button.

Keep 'em comin

Peter

[JohnB]

2 hours ago, Peterpools said:

John

Nice start on the Wildcat and always thought your way of painting the small parts on the frets was the way to go. But for the life of me, I just never seem to do it. Good call on using bronze green for the interior, right on the button.

Keep 'em comin

Peter

Thanks Peter. That procedure works well for me.

[JohnB]

Making a little progress. All Wildcats, according to my info, left the factory with Bronze Green interiors. I replaced the kit control stick and seat with items from my spares stash as the kit one's were terrible.

[Peterpools]

John

Nice progress on the front office and the replacement joystick and seat do look good. I've done a bit more reading on the Wildcat's interior colors and those coming off the production line at Bethpage -3 and -4's, had Bronze Green front offices. Some references point out that aircraft produced by Eastern Aircraft, Interior Green was used - way too complicated. My money is riding with your choice as the way to go.  Thank goodness, we're not throwing Grumman Gray into the mix🙃  

Keep 'em comin

Peter

[JohnB]

40 minutes ago, Peterpools said:

John

Nice progress on the front office and the replacement joystick and seat do look good. I've done a bit more reading on the Wildcat's interior colors and those coming off the production line at Bethpage -3 and -4's, had Bronze Green front offices. Some references point out that aircraft produced by Eastern Aircraft, Interior Green was used - way too complicated. My money is riding with your choice as the way to go.  Thank goodness, we're not throwing Grumman Gray into the mix🙃  

Keep 'em comin

Peter

LOL Peter! Thanks!

[Kaireckstadt]

Nice looking front office John! 
The replacement seat and stick are a real improvement! 

[JohnB]

2 hours ago, Kaireckstadt said:

Nice looking front office John! 
The replacement seat and stick are a real improvement! 

Thanks Kai. Unfortunately there's not much can be done on the rest of the cockpit. I heard that Grand Phoenix did a resin cockpit for it but wasn't able to find one.

[JohnB]

Progress as of today. I'll start on the wings next. I plan to have them extended.

[Peterpools]

John

Nice progress on the Wildcat ... fuselage looks mighty good. Of course the wings are another thing and I always shutter thinking how a kit with folding or extended wings, the wings will mess together. Fingers crossed.🤞

Keep 'em comin

Peter

[GazzaS]

Looking good, John!

[Kaireckstadt]

Great work so far John! 

[JohnB]

14 hours ago, Peterpools said:

John

Nice progress on the Wildcat ... fuselage looks mighty good. Of course the wings are another thing and I always shutter thinking how a kit with folding or extended wings, the wings will mess together. Fingers crossed.🤞

Keep 'em comin

Peter

Thanks Peter. I hope the wings won't have too high of a cuss-factor but we will see! 😉

[JohnB]

10 hours ago, GazzaS said:

Looking good, John!

Thank you Gaz!

[JohnB]

10 hours ago, Kaireckstadt said:

Great work so far John! 

Thanks Kai. It has had it's "moments"!

[harv]

Your doing great John !....harv

[JohnB]

1 hour ago, harv said:

Your doing great John !....harv

Thank you Harv!

[Martinnfb]

Looking good John, don’t you hate the clear cowlings, I cringe every time I have to work with it’s brittle nature 

cheers

Martin 

[JohnB]

1 hour ago, Martinnfb said:

Looking good John, don’t you hate the clear cowlings, I cringe every time I have to work with it’s brittle nature 

cheers

Martin 

Yes, it can be "touchy" for sure. Same for the canopy parts. 🤪

[JohnB]

Since I'm not folding the wings I added some stiffeners to hold everything in place.