New year, new model! My Skyraider will be done shortly so I thought I’d keep the KW naval momentum going. This is the Monogram Panther in its recon guise. I’m going to finish it as one of the silver clear coated aircraft used by VC-61’s detachment aboard USS Valley Forge in 1952-53. The decal dungeon will provide all of the needed markings. The unit badge is provided on Furball’s Banshee sheet.

6 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Great choice, John @j-healy
Will be amazing to see this old Monogram kit in silver.

Paint it green! I pre-painted the Panther’s interior parts with Humbrol interior green today. I also painted the Willow Green squadron color on the AD while the airbrush was out.
Panther cockpits were basically black but had interior green below the consoles. Black to follow on the cockpit tub. I’m still amazed at how much detail Monogram packed onto a minimal number of parts and the Panther was one of their best. It’s actually still one of my favorite kits.

6 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Yes, the Panther is one of Monogram's best. Too bad they destroyed the mold for the F9F-5 when they did the 5P.

Looking great, my friend @j-healy!

Ready to assemble the interior parts. This kit comes with an instrument panel decal that I’m debating whether or not to use. The plastic IP has excellent raised detail and takes dry brushing well.

3 attached images. Click to enlarge.

A difficult decision to be taken, John @j-healy
With the details already present, I would go for dry brushing first. You can always decide to go for the decal if dry brushing is not what you want.

The IP fecal settled wonderfully, my friend @j-healy! Looking forward to the viewfinder!