1/48 Hobbycraft F8F Bearcat “Gulfhawk 4” Al Williams
Here tonight is another Hobbycraft Bearcat. This one is finished in the colors of Al Williams plane the “Gulfhawk 4”. The Gulfhawk 4 was a civilian version of the F8F Bearcat and was called a G-58. Only two G-58’s were built.
The real plane only lasted about a year and a half. On January 18th, 1949, Al Williams had a landing gear problem that was noticed in flight. He opted to make an emergency landing at Simmons-Knott airport in New Bern, NC. The left landing gear leg collapsed on roll out. This ruptured the belly tank which trailed fuel on the tarmac.
The plane caught fire and was a total loss. Bystanders helped Williams out of the burning plane. The plane burned to the ground. Sad story………………..
This is the “Hobbycraft” model which went together well with no filler needed. Here again this one had a problem with how the propeller shaft fit into the engine crankcase. It’s too loose, so the prop sometimes appears to be at an angle compared to the rest of the engine……….. The canopy is a little thick but it’s presentable.
This one was finished using “Model Masters” enamels. The “Gulhawk 4” decals came from the old “Testors” kit. I was concerned about the white portion of the wing and stabilizer “sun burst” being too transparent. So I decided to spray these areas in white before applying the decals. It seemed to help some. Before applying the decals I gave the plane a coat of Testors “Gloss Coat” from a rattle can.
I also cut the large wing decals apart removing the clear carrier film. I didn’t want to take a chance on them silvering. The kit was built out of the box other than the decals.
The dark blue leading edge cowling wrap was masked off and sprayed as well. I didn’t want to push my luck with the decals laying down around this area.
As usual, all comments are welcomed.
Enjoy !!!!
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11 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on November 20, 2016
Wow….I like this one, too. Nice paint job, Louis.
Louis Gardner said on November 21, 2016
Thank you Sir !!!!
Rob Pollock said on November 21, 2016
Another eye catching build.
Louis Gardner said on November 21, 2016
I appreciate the compliment Rob.
Jack Mugan said on November 21, 2016
Great scheme for a Bearcat…..nice work.
Louis Gardner said on November 21, 2016
Thank you Jack. This color combination really pops. I’ll bet the real one was something to look at for sure………
Bernd Müller said on November 21, 2016
Another fine looking cat and well captured, love your photo work !
Louis Gardner said on November 21, 2016
Thanks Bernd !!!! I’m still learning how to capture photos with my IPhone. I need to get another sheet of white construction paper for the back ground. Sometimes you can see the cloth as a back drop.
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on November 21, 2016
What a beauty! Great job on the scheme! Shame the original burned, just a beautiful aircraft.
Louis Gardner said on November 21, 2016
Thanks my friend. !!!! I agree with how the original met it’s end. Luckily the pilot survived………
Greg Kittinger said on November 21, 2016
Great job on the paint and decaling – ended up with a very stunning aircraft.
Louis Gardner said on November 21, 2016
Thanks Greg. It’s a great color combination for sure. It really pops.
P.k said on November 21, 2016
Like
Louis Gardner said on November 21, 2016
Thanks PK !!!!
Robert Royes said on November 21, 2016
Real nice!
Louis Gardner said on November 21, 2016
Thank you Sir !!!!!!
Tom Bebout said on November 22, 2016
Nice work Louis, both Cats really do pop.
Louis Gardner said on November 22, 2016
Thanks Tom. I was just looking at some of your builds. Very impressive work Sir. I really like your P-40 and P-47’s.