Trumpeter F9F-3 Panther
I recently completed Trumpeter's F9F-3 Panther for a Korean War group build. The kit was built out of the box. No add on accessories. The fit was not too bad. There were a couple seams that needed addressed. Just another day at the bench, nothing too hard. There were several weapons options. One could load all bombs, all rockets or a combo as I ultimately chose.
For the paint I used Tamiya's XF-17 Sea Blue and XF-2 Flat White. I then used a couple of gloss coats to make the flat paints shine up a bit. When ever I paint on a stripe or the like, I always shoot the stripe color in an area and then tape off what I want to keep. In this model, that would be the white wing leading edges and the intakes. as well as the vertical stab lead edge and the top of the tail. I find this technique does a great job fending off bleed through at the tape edge.
All in all, this was a fun build on an aircraft I have admired since I was a youngster watching "The Bridges of Toko-Ri".
Nice work on a kit that wasn't produced by Trumpy's "A" team (maybe not even the "B" or "C" team). No need to go into the things a modeler can do nothing about short of scratchbuilding. You have made the most out of what was there and the craftsmanship is obvious.
Welcome to the best modeling club in the universe.
Thanks Tom. (Great first name!)
I'm with you, Tom, and have admired the Panther ever since I first saw one when I was a kid. I must have watched "The Bridges at Toko-Ri" 4 or 5 times and read Michener's book twice. I am still amazed at how much ordnance they carried. Your model is really excellent. Super job. Thank you for sharing it with us. And, welcome to iModeler!
Thanks Matt!
WOW! Stunning build and one of my favorite A/C. Congrats super build!
Thank you!
Turned out very nicely, Tom, welcome to iModeler.
Thanks!
Excellent job and a beautiful result, Tom!
Thank you!
You entered this community with a great looking Panther, Tom @tomandrews
Your technique on creating those stripes is very good, the result is perfect.
Welcome and love to see more of your builds.
Many thanks
Like this a lot! Great build- finish looks tremendous. Thanks for sharing your work!
Thanks!
that's a well-done Panther! Love the scheme with those white highlights.
Thank you!
A fine looking Panther!
Looks great ! You did a fine job building & photographing it.
Thanks and thanks!
Nicely done Panther Tom!
Thanks!
Awesome looking bird. Definitely a must build.
Great looking bird, I think every kit builder fell in love with the Panther after seeing The Bridges at Toko-Ri. Myself included.
Robert Paschall (@beauslx)
I know I did ! 🙂
Well done, Tom. Welcome aboard.
Nice looking Panther!
Love those early jets.