Tamiya 1/48th F4F-4 with KMC F4F-3 Conversion Set
This Wildcat is finished in the VF-42 markings of the machine flown by Scott McCuskey at the Battle of Coral Sea, while shipped aboard the USS Yorktown. The KMC -3 wings fit very nicely, but cutting and filing the mating surface requires a bit of care to preserve the correct dihedral. Stabilizers were sliced out with a Tiger Saw, yoke-shaped thingies were made from soft bailing wire curved to shape and smashed flat with a pair of smooth pliers. Brake lines added from thin insulated wire.
Decals were combined from Yellow Wings (insignia), Tamiya (insignia crescents on upper wings), and Superscale for the codes and BuNos. Paints are Floquil Intermediate Blue and their US Navy Grey mixed 50:50 with their Concrete from the Railroad Colors line. Ultracast Seat and Wheels.
7 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Editor said on December 1, 2012
That's a beauty, Erik. Very well done.
Craig Abrahamson said on December 1, 2012
Nice work, Erik...love the subtle weathering.
Tom Cleaver said on December 1, 2012
Very nice - that KMC conversion is harder than you allude to, so definitely congratulations for doing it.
David Hansen said on March 21, 2013
Beautiful job. Love the ridiculously oversized insignias on the wings.