Jb65rams Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 My entry for this GB is Revell-Monograms Grumman F3F, first produced as the civilian Gulfhawk in 1960. So the moulds are older than me, just! First surprise was discovering two kits in the box when I opened it, I don’t remember buying a second copy. One (loose) in silver plastic and one (bagged) in grey. Looks like the original decals have had it, so will be using the Yellow Wings aftermarket decals which I also don’t recall purchasing. As I said the kit was originally released as the Gulfhawk, from reading around now the internet it appears Monogram did update the the cowling to depict the F3F-3 but didn’t update the upper wing. The F3F had a 32’ wingspan compared to the Gulfhawk’s 28’7” wingspan. Lone Star Models did make a wing correction but doesn’t seem to be available any more. A change to the cockpit is also required as the as kit retains the DF loop behind the pilot's head as fitted to the Gulfhawk but the F3F-3 has a headrest there instead. Got some thinking to do, do I use the second kits to extend the wings or do I except them as is and build them both (easier to fit into the cabinet). Decisions, decisions. I do like the instructions from the older boxing. 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dnl42 Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 Ooh, nice! You could also build Gulfhawk II, but decals would be a problem. I looked to see if DrawDecals had decals, but sadly they don't. They would be hard to make yourself as they need white. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 Brilliant,this should be superb in the big scale! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toryu Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 Wonderful! I remember converting the original Gulfhawk to an F3F-2 when I was a youngster. The result wasn't close to any known version of the Grumman, but I thought I had done a great job. Looking forward to your approach. A wing extension from the second kit sounds like a good idea. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted June 21, 2022 Share Posted June 21, 2022 (edited) Great choice the F3F is a great fighter. Ive read the gear on these kits can be tricky so maybe something to look out for ? My $ is build it as is not many will know the wing issues ? Edited June 21, 2022 by Corsairfoxfouruncle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted August 29, 2022 Author Share Posted August 29, 2022 Just to let you know I have not forgotten this. I have finished my entries in the F-5, Canadian and Blitzbuild GBs so now have some time to work on this. I’ve decided to build it out of the box and see if I can get the working undercarriage to work. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted August 30, 2022 Share Posted August 30, 2022 Good to hear Jb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted August 30, 2022 Author Share Posted August 30, 2022 Small steps. Made a start on the cockpit. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted September 3, 2022 Author Share Posted September 3, 2022 Started work on the working feature of the undercarriage. Designed to work when you wind the propeller. Assembly was fiddly. The plastic to quite brittle, I tried it when assemble, it worked after a fashion, but the joints look very weak and seemed to be under a lot of stress. So I decided to fix them in the down position. You can see the large cog that forms part of the working feature sticking out of the side of the fuselage. Now I have fixed the undercarriage down I am going to remove the cog and fill the gap. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toryu Posted September 3, 2022 Share Posted September 3, 2022 Aw - you really remove the cog?? It's such an important feature of this model! I remember working the gear until something broke inside. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted September 5, 2022 Share Posted September 5, 2022 Coming together nicely! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan31 Posted September 7, 2022 Share Posted September 7, 2022 Agreed, cog be gone....Nice progress, this will look cool in this scale !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted September 10, 2022 Author Share Posted September 10, 2022 The main sub assemblies have been completed and primed. For the yellow wing and red tail I am employing the power of pink. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted September 10, 2022 Author Share Posted September 10, 2022 Red and Yellow surfaces painted. Main wing is only dryfitted. For an old kit, it’s proving a very enjoyable build. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spitfire Posted September 10, 2022 Share Posted September 10, 2022 This should look very smart when the paint is finished, looking forward to more. Cheers Dennis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted September 16, 2022 Author Share Posted September 16, 2022 Making slow but steady progress. Started decalling before final assembly. The 3 colour prop tips where provided as decals. Tried them but didn’t like the result, I struggled to get them to wrap the tip, they just fractured, so stripped them off and broke out the paint and masking tape. Finally beginning to look like an aircraft. 13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted September 17, 2022 Share Posted September 17, 2022 That's looking a sure fire winner J,looking forward to the finish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted September 17, 2022 Share Posted September 17, 2022 Very nice, Ive developed quite a fancy for the interwar period particularly Navy aircraft. I have an F3F but need to add a few others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jean Posted September 17, 2022 Share Posted September 17, 2022 These yellow wing planes are a delight to behold. And when built to your high standard..... I can't wait to see the finished model. JR 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toryu Posted September 18, 2022 Share Posted September 18, 2022 This is going to look great. Excellent work on the colours and detail! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted September 24, 2022 Author Share Posted September 24, 2022 Rigged with EZLine. Was a relatively straight forward process using the molded in fittings. Was then just the simple task of fitting the engine. With that I am calling it finished, will am to take some better pictures for the gallery over the weekend. A thoroughly enjoyable build of an aircraft from the golden age of flight. 14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jean Posted September 24, 2022 Share Posted September 24, 2022 Hi JB, Allow me to congratulate you on a stunning build. The plane is delightful, and as this is my favorite period of aviation, I am really happy to admire your model. Superb modelling. JR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted September 24, 2022 Share Posted September 24, 2022 Agreed very well done Grumman, Thank you for building it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted September 25, 2022 Share Posted September 25, 2022 This kit's now on my hit list J,great job on her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ventora3300 Posted September 26, 2022 Share Posted September 26, 2022 (edited) Lovely paintwork and decaling on the F3F. You must be proud of this one. Edited September 26, 2022 by Ventora3300 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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