A Pair of Eduard Grumman F6F-3s
The last completions of 2024, a pair of Eduard F6F-3 Hellcats. “Double Nuts” are the markings of CDR James Flatley, Commander Air Group 5 and an ace credited with six victories aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-10) during the Marcus Island Raids. His aircraft displays several unusual features of the painting and loadout, markings are cobbled together from several Techmod sheets. “White 32” is the mount of 19-victory ace LT Alex Vraciu, markings for this model came from the Eduard kit and performed flawlessly. The Eduard Hellcat is one of the better kits in 1/72 scale, if you've never built one do yourself a favor and pick one up, you won't be disappointed!
Construction here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/2024/12/27/eduard-grumman-f6f-3-build-in-1-72-scale-part-i/
Great way to cap off 2024. Well done, Jeff
Nice work, Jeff. Is Flatley’s plane an early repaint? I think some early Hellcats were delivered in blue-gray/light gray and were repainted in a non standard tricolor scheme at Norfolk before they deployed.
I think they must have been repainted, John. So many anomalies with the paint, plus the fuselage insignia are undersized. What initially caught my eye were the drop tanks - Flatley added two 75 gallon tanks so he could stay over the target longer and coordinate the strikes.
Love 'em both. Great builds with spot-on finishes.
A great pair of Hellcats, Jeff @inchhigh
Those tri-color schemes turned out wonderful.
Both are excellent, Jeff!
Well done!
Looks pritty good!
Excellent pair of 'Cats!
Excellent pair of Hellcats - well done!
Thanks for all the kind words guys, much appreciated!