Commission Build for Bruce Cooper

[Stikpusher]

A few words on the rockets and radar pods on the folded wings, and radome color. The radar would be left on. Wings are folded within moments of landing, and kept that way as the aircraft is taxied forward to make room for the next to come aboard. They will not be unfolded until moments before taxiing to launch spot. Arming is done with the wings folded. The added weight of six 5” HVARs would likely have been compensated for in the -5 wing fold mechanism. It already had to support the weight of the ammo for the guns. But, I can’t see rockets being carried as routine for a night fighter sortie. Their job is primarily air to air.
As far as the white radome goes, (the rounded front portion of the radar pod) that is made from fiberglass and has to be transparent to radio waves. So no paints are supposed to be used on those. That will affect signal. Any white or blue should be a dye in the fiberglass, so it should have a different sheen from the surrounding area if blue, or an off white color, not pure white, like paint.

[Duke Maddog]

Carlos, thanks for straightening that out. Okay, no bombs or rockets; but mount the radar. I think I'll try using Radome Tan for the radar dome to reflect the transparency of the dome.

Bruce, I don't want to experiment with this model. I want to get it finished, not take extra time experimenting with things that might A) delay this build and/or B) damage something that needs fixing. I'm a big fan of the KISS method myself. I'm just concerned that any experimentation will compromise my efforts to make this the best possible model for you and mighty stretch this out far too long to justify the compensation. Thank you for the offer anyway. Still, this is your model so if you truly wish for me to try it, I could.

Stay tuned, more to come.

[Medicman71]

Oh cool!! A Hellcat build. Who took my popcorn??

[speedgraflex]

I always pop plenty o’ corn, Medic; and looks like Carlos has some on hand! Duke—I was trying to be supportive by responding. I like what you wrote about work for hire very much. In this case, I feel the kit is a darn good one and will look amazing thanks to your talent and experience, so I am not concerned. Thanks for the information, Carlos! Very informative.

[Stikpusher]

Mark, I’d say not to use the radome tan. Here is a shot of a F4U-5N with the natural white fiberglass radome. It just looks more like a dingy white. Basic flat white with a drop or two of a very light gray like the Vietnam era Camouflage Gray 36622 should do the job.

[Duke Maddog]

Carlos thanks. I'll use some lightened camouflage grey then. I have four bottles I've been stumbling over lately so it's not like I have too little!

Bruce, thanks! I shall endeavor to live up to your expectations to the best of my ability. Stay tuned, more to come.

[mustang1989]

I'm always down for a Hellcat build. Beautiful aircraft.

[tempestjohnny]

I'm always down for a Hellcat build. Beautiful aircraft.

[Duke Maddog]

That's excellent Joe. Stay tuned, I've made some more progress on this plane. Pics forthcoming.

[Medicman71]

Found my popcorn now.