5 – Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat 1/72 from Sword
I went into this build just wanting to use this kit as a practice but fell in love with this plane, it was designed to be a massive upgrade to the flying forces in WW2 but got there 2 weeks to late.
Because of the lack of it's service I kept the weathering to a minimum (still overdid it a bit), and tried to keep it clean and in good condition.
WW2 is not really my favourite era for models but because of this one I'd like to do all three Cats adding the Wildcat and Hellcat,and would be sad if I found a 1/48 Bearcat.
This old Sword kit was quite a challenge, but I enjoy the challenges sometimes, had minimal details and no parts had any locating pins or any help to get them together accurately so that was fun.
Really enjoyed this build and would definitely do it again.
Amazing build of a challenging kit, Anthony!
Well done!
Thanks Spiros, I like the tough ones so far, make me struggle for a reward.
Looking at your ongoing build photos I can say you got a great result of the plastic, and the paint work looks very smooth. The only thing I see that seems odd are the unpainted canopy frames?
Hey Pedro - I didn't even notice that, must have slipped my mind when I finished it off. What an oversight.
A nice-looking Bearcat. Well done.
Thanks so much Greg.
Nicely done, looks great! I did the Sword F9F-8T trainer a while back, and it was a bit of a challenge.
Haha - I know how you feel. Was tough but rewarding at the end.
Great looking Bearcat, Anthony.
The weathering seems quite right to me.
Saw one in action two years ago and what an impressive engine and performance this plane has.
Thanks John - yeah I'm trying to reign back my enthusiastic weathering to a more realistic look. Unless of course your references let you go wild. Haha
The Bearcat turned out nicely, good job! Don’t forget to add a F7F Tigercat to your list.
Thanks Jay - Yeah I'd like to do all the Grumman Cats at some stage - Will take me a while though.