|
|
| FM-1 Wildcat, ex
F4F-4, Tamiya 1/48 |
| Modifications and
additions: |
|
As Wildcats built by the Eastern division of General Motors were basically F4F-4s, but with
only four wing guns, conversion is
rather easy.
- Outer MG ports filled in with conical part of stretched
plastic sprue.
- Outer ammunition covers filled and
sanded smooth.
- The panels on the fuselage sides immediately after the
cowling have to protude slightly at the rear ends ((typically for F4F, F6F and TBF/TBM, I could stick a finger into
the gap); these parts were made of thin aluminum (fast food tray); to blend
them into the fuselage shallow wedges were scraped into the appropriate spots;
fit checked by snapping aluminum part into these depressions.
- Windshield and canopy formed clear PVC (see page C).
- Pilot made of various plastic parts (torso wedges to
get a twisted and bent posture, afterwards covered with putty); belts bent and
painted metal strips from a wine bottle cap; head from a Verlinden figure,
headgear "plastic paste" (see page P) with thin strip of suitably painted
decal (goggle strap).
- Plane handlers carved from plastic (heads Verlinden
figurines, slightly modified).
- Markings according to a photo in "Squadron Signal F4F"
(depicting a scene on a training carrier); in the original the "S31" behind
the canopy obviously was hand painted (difficult to reproduce) and the "A 25"
on the wings oversprayed. I assume this colour to have been yellow (mostly
used for markings on training aircraft); first I sprayed yellow in the
necessary diameter, let this dry one day, then cut out the necessary
letter and numeral from masking tape, rubbed these on and did a light
overspray with thinned "Sea blue". Same for "S-31"
- Rest of painting standard "Sea Blue", "Intermediate
Blue" (with regard to scale effect both colours mixed with a little blue gray) and
"Insignia White".
General
thoughts and tips for modeling see "Modeling ABC"
