Grumman F9F-5 Panther – Monogram 1/48
Today I'd like to share a recent finish, and a former champion on the Shelf of Doom. This kit, like the Monogram F-80 I recently completed, was not a difficult build, but it was indeed not without setbacks and "mo-jo killers". Needless to say, this one has been a long time coming.
I'll keep this wrap up short, just like the build was intended to be. The is a Monogram classic, though not as old as some. Much has been written about it, but from what I understand, it is generally to form. The raised panel lines were left in place because I had no intent to go all-out with this build. The only thing I added to the kit was Eduard canopy masks, which I usually don't use, but were deemed worth-while on this build for two reasons: First, the canopy tape on the canopy was not going to be pleasant to mask, mainly due to the second reason, that is that the demarcation lines on the canopy for these features are raised. In purchasing these masks, I also found out the fact that the front canopy on the early kits were not correct. As such, I found a later boxing of the kit which included both the correct canopy, and the needed chin "bump" piece that was not available in the earlier boxing.
With the kit built up, I sprayed Vallejo Duraluminum on the leading edges and masked it off. I then sprayed Tamiya white rattle can primer on the airframe, follow by the "not right" USN Blue Tamiya rattle can color. It became all too obvious as soon as the paint touched the model, but I supposed it was good enough for a base layer. I went back over the whole airframe (top more than the bottom) with Vallejo GSB before unmasking the leading edges and spraying X-22 Clear over everything.
For decals, I had acquired a cheap SSI sheet (#48-881) for a pair of USMC Panthers. I decided on the VMA-323 bird for no particular reason. In using the decals, I suffered failure after failure, which was the primary cause for the kit getting shelved so often. Just a few weeks ago, determined to clear up some near finished kits, I pulled this kit down, and started masking off for the red and white, which were the decals that I couldn't make work in any way (save for the "waist stripe" on the rear of the aircraft). It took some time, but I was able to get acceptable results by masking off, spraying white, then masking the edge and spraying the red. Needless to say, I will not be relying on SSI for decals in the future. Two strikes and they're out..
Anyhow, the rest of the build just consisted of ham-fistedly slapping details on to wrap this up. I hope you like this F9F-5 from VMA-323, stationed at MCAS El Toro, 1954.
Nice looking Panther!
Thanks Rob! It may not be Felix but it's still a cool cat in my book.
Great build and article! Well done, always like to see a classic kit on the forum
Thanks David, it's hard to pass up such a kit when found, seeing how well they can still build up, as your examples show.
I wish my ham fisted efforts looked like that. Nice job, Andrew!
Jamie thanks! but I've got to say, there is a reason I didn't take any shots of the details underneath... that is where the misgivings are.
Amazing Panther, Andrew! Great that you overcame all obstacles, comong up with such a wonderful result!
Spiros, thanks! It was a challenge of will power. The build was satisfying, but I'm glad its finished. Cheers!
Nothing beats an all-blue for looks. I wish the USN had never stopped using this colour.
Marcello, no doubt, the sleek blue with colored accents (esp red, white, and yellow) has a way of looking very tidy and attractive.
Very nice Panther build.
Thanks Dan!
Great looking Panther, Andrew @pb_legend
The red/white accents are superbly done.
What kind of tape did you use to mask them?
Thanks @johnb ! I used Tamiya tape, both the normal yellow stuff, and the white flexible stuff for the more complex curves. I typically use the thinnest I can whether white or yellow to lay the outline and then use a combination of larger tape (Frog tape if necessary) and wax masking paper to protect/mask the rest of the kit.
Love the fifties classics and the leg work on doing the red and white paint work.
Two thumbs up.
Looks awesome … one of my favorite old Monogram kits.
Well done, Andrew (@pb_legend). I have liked the Panther ever since I first saw "The Bridges at Toko Ri" at the movies. I have always thought the dark blue finish gave the Panther an elegant look.
Great job @pb_legend! ? That Monogram kit is one of my all-time faves! You've made her look mighty nice in that dark blue scheme; very similar to the one I built many years ago. Monogram usually offers us a lot of bang for the buck and gifted modelers like you can bring out their best!
And particular thanks for including the Bearcat and Skyray in some comparison pics; I love those kind of photos a lot! ?
Very nice build! Looks great.