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Rob Pollock
195 articles

Grumman F8F-1B Bearcat

May 1, 2014 · in Aviation · · 19 · 5K

This is one of the series of Bearcats.

The build is OOB with the following exceptions: Radu Brinzan seatbelts, (part) replacement of kit decals with a set from Berna, and miscellaneous additional wiring and plumbing to the engine area and wingfolds.

The kit decals are for machines of the French/Royal Thai Airforces in the early 1950s. The Berna set is focused on French Indochina machines in the same period.

The machine modelled here is GC I/9 “Limousin”, Cdt. 2ème Escadrille, French Indochina 1951-1952. As a commander's personal aircraft I've given the an immaculately maintained finish.

The kit's cowling is a clear, one-piece section, meant either to be installed painted, or left clear to show engine detail. I opted to separate the cowling into individual sections, and leave the engine completely exposed.

For Glossy Sea Blue, I used Humbrol 15 (Midnight Blue). I think Xtra produce an actual GSB, but I prefer to work with enamels.

Included in the photo sequence is a -1B under maintenance at RAF Duxford in 2011.

Reader reactions:
8  Awesome

11 additional images. Click to enlarge.


19 responses

  1. Outstanding, Mr. Pollock...simply outstanding!

  2. that's really quite beautiful

  3. Fantastic build Rob, Really well done.

  4. Superb build for this planes in french colors !

  5. Very nice Bearcat….a tough subject to make interesting, but you got it done.

  6. Great job on this ! Excellent work !

  7. This is outstanding Rob, how many hours have you got invested in this ?
    N.

  8. Nice engine work!

  9. Beauty!

    Best regards, Vlad.

  10. Well built Rob. The engine bay brings it to life.

  11. Fantastic Rob,

  12. Exceptional build.

  13. I really like the way you've presented this, Rob, wings folded and engine cover removed, it sets it off very well.

  14. Very nicely done.

  15. Simply gorgeous, Rob !

  16. Very nice indeed

  17. Rob, what a great job on the Bearcat, very distinctive markings, and super detail. All this in just ten days? Amazing! Many thanks!

  18. Rob,
    You did and excellent job on this. I like everything about it.

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