1:48 scale, Trumpeter, Grumman F9F-3, "Panther"
This one ALSO got finished...
Trumpeter, 1:48 scale, Grumman F9F-3 "Panther". Two things with this kit; it is not in my usual wheelhouse of models I like to build being a jet, and it did not sit upon the SoD, It was a model I always wanted to build.
The F9F was the first jet designed by Grumman to see operational service with the US Navy. This model represents the aircraft flown by Lt. (jg) Leonard Plog, who recorded the first US Navy 'Kill' of the Korean War when he shot down a North Korean Yak-9 on 3 July, 1950.
Model is a decent kit with adequate detail. Wings can be posed folded or extended, but I wasn't happy with the way the wing seam looked when extended. That is one reason I positioned them folded up. That and the model would fit into the display case better.
Model is painted in a custom mix of Tamiya Acrylics. I also used a set of aftermarket weapons to dress up the gun barrels, (Quickboost). Decals are from the kit. I had to cut them up and reconfigure the numbering from '106' to '109', and fix the Buer Number, to make them fit the aircraft I wanted to model.
Nice job on a flawed (by the manufacturer) kit.
I'm always captivated by Korean War jets (personal reasons).
YES nice work on a inaccurate kit... I hope you will delve into more early jets & not let this kit discourage you. There are some wonderful 1/48 Early jet types!
The ultimate F9F is of course the 1/32 Fisher Kit [pic] & 1/72 Hasegawa with engine display...
I have built all of the Panthers in various scales...ONE of my favorite early jets!
-1/144 Oz-Mods Limited run IM kit
-1/72 Hasegawa [older kit w/ engraved], Hobbyboss Recon Panther--some same issues as the 1/48 beastie-Hasegawa still best outline in 1/72 for this jet. The Old Matchbox is good for a later -5 w/ a few mods.
-1/48 Monogram fro -5 Best bet for accuracy-later issues if possible since canopy problems on initial release, Trumpeter as you see has its problems but decent starting point for an early -2 unless you want to cut down the Monogram fuselage.
-1/32 Fisher is HANDS DOWN best in ANY scale for both -2 & later -5 Panthers ! UNFORTUNATELY OOP and we wont see it in our lifetime again!
5 attached images. Click to enlarge.
It's too bad that Paul Fisher's home went up in flames during the California wildfires. That was one spectacular kit.
Another fantastic result, Frederick!
Great work Fred!
Really nice result, Frederick @fjs3
A good choice to build it with the wings folded.
Great work turning a sow's ear into a nice cloth purse.
Well done!
Very nice Panther. Well done. I love those early jets.
Always love me a panther. Well done!
Thanks guys! I know so little about this kit, I had no idea what the issues are! LOL