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Tom Bebout
142 articles

Hobby Boss 1/48 FM-1 Wildcat

September 20, 2022 · in Aviation · · 12 · 0.8K

Finally cleared a finished model off my bench. Used the kit to finish as a Marlet Mk-1 assigned to 804 Squadron, RNAS, Hatston, Orkney Islands, Scotland, 1940. Early Marlets had non-folding wings and were predominately use by shore units. This kit was a little bit of a surprise as no filler was used or required. The landing gear is a bit fiddly but so was the Tamiya kit I did as well. It's the gear IMHO that's fiddly and it's difficult to accurately replicate in a scale model.

Model Master and Tamiya paints were used, the Aeromaster 548 decals were applied and I took some liberty with the paint scheme. After all I'm sure they were repainted after 1940. A Ultracast seat was used and nylon thread completed the antenna.. Not my best effort but it's done and in the display case.

Reader reactions:
12  Awesome

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12 responses

  1. Surely is one fantastic model, Tom. Despite your modest comments, it looks stunning!
    Well done!

  2. Sharp work Tom. The camo scheme turned out great.

  3. Nice job on this Martlet Tom ,I like it.
    I wouldn't fancy being stationed in the Orkneys , cold and bleak at the best of times and just bleak the rest of the time.(that said I've never been there !)
    Well done Tom.

  4. That's a handsome little Cat!

  5. Really nice Martlet, Tom @tom-bebout
    Love the chosen scheme.

  6. These porky little cats look good in any color, and I think you've done a great job with this. Good to see you back at the bench too, Tom.

  7. Wildcats in Scotland! Another great build Tom!

  8. I’m going to chime in and echo what has been said before me. I like it too and I think that you are too harsh on yourself about it’s looks. It’s much better than you give yourself credit for.

    I have built one of the Hobby Boss kits in the past, and just like you stated it didn’t need any filler either. Once you figure out the landing gear assembly it’s smooth sailing from there.

    Two thumbs up my friend. It’s nice to see you have gotten some bench time in. I know you have been busy with other things.

    Take care and I’ll be sure to click the “like” button before I leave. I also managed to get some more stuff done on the 1/48 Hasegawa 109 you were so kind to send me a little while ago. It’s too late to post the pictures tonight but if things work out tomorrow I will definitely try to get them posted then.

  9. It’s always nice to get something finished, Tom, and posted here on iModeler as well, where your friends can admire it. Love your background too, not sure if it’s the Orkneys though, but it doesn’t matter.

  10. Looks great! And I learned more about the Wildcat aka Martlet! Thanks for sharing!

  11. Nice work, Tom. I built a Hobby Boss Wildcat -3 and was pleased with it too.

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