1:72 Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat

Photo-etched set Eduard 1:72 Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat

The set contains photo-etched metal parts for refining a plastic model of the carrier fighter Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat in 1:72 scale. It is a full photo-etched set from the Czech firm Eduard, that is a more extensive variant than the smaller pre-painted Zoom line. The set is intended for the later version of the type; the manufacturer also makes a separate set for the early F6F-3 version.

It is not a model of the aircraft but an accessory to one. The base kit has to be bought separately.

The real subject

The Grumman F6F Hellcat was a single-seat carrier fighter of the US Navy from the period of the Second World War, powered by an air-cooled Pratt and Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engine. The F6F-5 version was the later production form of the type and brought partial modifications compared with the F6F-3, among them a simplified arrangement of the front protective glass and further small changes to the structure. It is exactly such differences that decide which set of accessories to choose for a model.

Installation and painting tips

In 1:72 scale these are very small parts: work with sharp tweezers and good lighting, and keep the fret on a hard surface. Make the bends in a jig; on the smallest parts the blade of a razor is enough. Glue with superglue applied with the tip of a wire, so that the part does not get flooded. Degrease unpainted metal before painting and go over it with a primer. Level the plastic at the place of installation, so that the part sits in one plane and no gap arises.

Who the set is for

• builders of American-made carrier machines in 1:72 scale
• modelers who are building specifically the later F6F-5 version
• more experienced modelers with experience of small photo-etched parts
• those who are building a model for a competition or for a display case

This is an accessory set, not a kit. The base model, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.