Oldgitian Posted March 21, 2022 Share Posted March 21, 2022 Although having been building models for many years this is my first since joining the BM forum so I hope this overview is of interest to like minded Fleet Air Arm enthusiasts. The kit is the vintage Tamiya GRUMMAN F4F-4 WILDCAT from the early 1990s. To my mind it still stands up well to more modern versions even though the rear fuselage rivet detail is rather heavy. I had no problem putting it together and only complicated things for myself by deciding to include the AIRES wing fold conversion. This is cast resin and very finely detailed but extremely delicate and I managed to damage some of the components whilst cleaning up the castings. Thinning down the wing sections to accept the cast parts was a chore but I think worth the effort. The only other issue was that I like to have canopies open, particularly when we spend so much time and effort on the cockpit interiors. The kit transparency is too thick to slide aft of the cockpit so I reduced the fuselage spine a little to allow it to sit down in a more realistic fashion. This butchery can't be seen once the canopy is in place. So there it is, my first BM post. I'm now rummaging in the stash to decide on the next project. Thanks for looking. Ian 37 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmerboy Posted March 21, 2022 Share Posted March 21, 2022 That’s a great job you have done there, the undercarriage and wing fold look very delicate, brilliant first post! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ c Posted March 21, 2022 Share Posted March 21, 2022 Great looking Wilcat/Martlet, nice work on the wing fold too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry1954 Posted March 24, 2022 Share Posted March 24, 2022 Nice one Ian, looking forward to seeing it in the flesh hopefully at next months Viking show. Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy400 Posted March 26, 2022 Share Posted March 26, 2022 Well done. Looks great and I love the folded wings configuration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murewa Posted March 26, 2022 Share Posted March 26, 2022 Awesome, wing internals look great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunny Posted March 26, 2022 Share Posted March 26, 2022 Very nice build and finish Ian - the wing fold looks superb and was well worth the effort! Cheers, Roger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted March 26, 2022 Share Posted March 26, 2022 Great work on this, with a cracking paint finish and weathering, looks stunning. Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maginot Posted March 27, 2022 Share Posted March 27, 2022 Nice job. The great thing about wing folds is that you can cram the display cabinet as full as the hangar on a carrier 🤓 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Beema Posted March 27, 2022 Share Posted March 27, 2022 Great job on your Wildcat. Nicely finished. You need to follow that up with another RN aircraft to keep it company. An anti submarine Swordfish would look good beside it.. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldgitian Posted March 27, 2022 Author Share Posted March 27, 2022 Thanks everyone for your kind comments. Been trying to decide on the next build. It will definitely be an FAA aircraft but I need inspiration. I have a large cupboard where I keep my stash. My wife calls it the "Narnia" cupboard because there's a whole secret world inside. Just heading in now. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sky Keg Posted March 27, 2022 Share Posted March 27, 2022 Your attention to detail is superb Ian. Your Martlet here is one to be proud of. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corsaircorp Posted March 27, 2022 Share Posted March 27, 2022 Now that's a great looking Martlet !! Congratulations !! Totally agree with GB and BBB !! Another FAA bird will look great beside it... Join the band of happy Fleet Air Arm Maniacs.... Sincerely !! CC 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex-FAAWAFU Posted March 29, 2022 Share Posted March 29, 2022 Lovely Martlet. Fly Navy! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bertie McBoatface Posted March 31, 2022 Share Posted March 31, 2022 Nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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