SPA Modeler

Hi all,

Time for me to start my first "serious" project since xxx years and my 1st "public" project ever.. exciting indeed..



Step 0:
Kit is Eduards ProdiPACK of "F6F-5 Hellcat Late."
Additional stuff: Alley Cats decal set and perhaps some scratch building also.

Step 1:
As I am not that fond of the particular paint scheme (a little bit boring because of only one main color), I needed something else!
Thomas initiated my brain to work and DoogsATX really hit the jackpot withi his comment/suggestion!

So, it will be one of the Hellcats used as a radio-controlled drone at the Bikini - atoll back in 1946.

Step 2:
Need to do some research first, for example.. In these radio-controlled drones.. how did the cockpit look like? Full of some radio controlling units a la 40's or something else.. Have not really found any more detailed information of those details, but will keep on looking...

So if anyone knows more of these special Hellcats, please let me know, I would appreciate that very much!

And finally... Due to extensive work traveling at this moment and on top of that an upcoming move to a new home, this project will be truly a "slow building" project.. So patience from everyone! :-)

Back to the drawing & Googling table...

- Kari

Kari, happy to see you start this WIP! Taking a first row seat to see you build this Hellcat!

Not too sure what was added / deleted from the cockpit as these were flown piloted and un-piloted, most of the normal instrumentation would be retained I believe. But be warned, check your references carefully; the Alley Cat decals, while calling out the Hellcats as -5's, most were in fact -3's. I found this the hard way after buying the decals. A couple of -5's do show up in photos though. Also the tail wheel strut needs to be lengthened, this was done presumably to aid in controllability on the ground when being operated remotely. They do look cool though in the drone colors! Hope this helps you with your project, look forward to seeing the build develop!

Nice kit and cool subject. Consider me tuned in.

Thanks guys!

@Scruffy: Thanks for the info! Very much appreciated!

- Kari

Great scheme, watching this one. I blame Doogs' often for my decision making.

Some work with the cockpit and the engine started.


And to be honest, slightly disappointed of the quality of the engine...

Though, perhaps not so visible in a ready kit, but still a little bit annoying...
Painted then the engine first with a layer of Mr Metal alu color, added some Steel on top of it afterwards.. The engine shines in the picture more than in reality as the steel took down the alu-shine pretty well. Painted the engine hub with Tamiyas XF-50 Field blue, fits better than Eduards proposal of gray.




Cockpit, hand brushed with interior green. But mostly struggling with the PE parts and the Zap CA glue... The glue is really like water, gluing everything else than the PE parts (like my fingers, lips (!) etc).. Wonder if there is an less running alternative ?
Will leave the belts for next day, enough with PE parts for tonight..



So, 1st day done... not so happy of the outcome so far, especially the PE parts.... But ja, it is what it is...

Will see what next day brings...

- Kari

Kari, looks very good to this point! The Trumpeter engine has some of those same issues.

Interesting subject you are building.

Thanks Lyle!

Nice start Kari! The engine looks great!