'Torch' F4F Wildcat for the Desert Air War GB.
Just over three weeks from opening the box until finish, not after a pat-on-the-head, it's simply that sometimes (often ?), it's just great to build a 'good' kit without the drama, bad language and high parts count.
And I thoroughly enjoyed it !
So I'm not going into any detail about the process, there's so many folks who can do that far better than I can - some of them here on this very website - Suffice to say, the only additions are seat harnesses from masking tape and a Squadron vac-form (rear) canopy. What you see here is 98% from the box, including the decals. I carefully measured, sprayed and masked the yellow 'Torch' circle around the fuselage before any other painting was done. I used lightened Tamiya XF-18 & XF-19 as the main tones - there's a load of pre & post-shading that combined to give the final finish, followed by varying panel line washes & stains with oils, and some streaking and general dirtying with enamel washes.
Not too much else to say, I took time away halfway through another more involved project 'just because...' and I'll go back to that build somewhat fresher and 'rejuvenated'.
Feel free to make any comments, ask any questions or pass on any criticisms. All the best from Middle Earth.
Ian.
Despite the build process it's all about enjoying it...that's why we do it. Your outcome is very nice. Well done, Ian.
A great looking Wildcat! Nicely done Ian.
Very nice finish on this, Ian, it’s obvious just how much you enjoyed this build.
Beautiful work Ian!
Excellent Wildcat to you usual high standards, Ian @ij001
Everything on this build is superb.
Especially the weathering looks perfect.
Fantastic result, Ian!
I like it, a very solid build with just enough weathering for such aircraft operation
Very nice build and not quite common topic for Wildcat!
Great looking Wildcat - love the Torch markings, and the weathering is nicely done.
Ian, Your build looks really great. Very nice paint work and I really like the very interesting and attractive scheme.
I too have really enjoyed this kit a few times, it has definitely held its own over time and is still a wonderful kit, as we can see here.
Thank you all for the very positive response, truly appreciate it.
I've taken a four week break from my Hasegawa A-7E so looking forward to getting back to that, but also thinking about a NMF build... How many folks here remember the Hobbycraft Sabre ?
Have a great weekend all, cheers from Middle Earth.
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.
Nice Wildcat, Ian!
Very Nice ! 👍🏼 Makes me want to build a plane sooner rather than later.
Beautiful work Ian!