Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: johnsjunk on August 15, 2012, 12:26:28 PM

Title: Grumman F7F-3 Junglecat in Vietnam
Post by: johnsjunk on August 15, 2012, 12:26:28 PM

Here is a What if... the Grumman F7F-3 Tigercat was used in Vietnam instead of the Douglas Skyraider. After going through a complete overhaul and rebuild of the wings main spar and addition of eight outer wing hard points by Grumman. With updated Pratt & Whitney R-2800-52 rated at 2,500hp it would have been a real hot rod.

I started with a  1/48 scale AMT/ERTL F7F-3 Tigercat mostly out of the box,and parts from a Monogram A1-E Skyraider, F-84-F Thunderstreak, AH-1 Cobra, and A4-M Skyhawk.I don't have an airbrush so all my work is with a Rattle Can and Blue Masking Tape. It took me three tries to get the camoflage pattern I liked. I added Snakeye bombs from Hasagawa and rocket pod an minigun from Monogram. I also used True Detail wheels and Microscale decals.I had to use 2oz. of lead in the nose and 1oz. behind each engine. I also cut and shortened the nose oleo to bring the CG forward so it would sit on its landing gear. I also cut the prop hubs off and flipped the props over to get the props going in the right direction.

It took me one year to the day to complete 10/04/2010- 10/04/2011
(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6120/6285299208_2f1fcd0017_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/15380629@N08/6285299208/)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8428/7786043180_0f793770dc_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/15380629@N08/7786043180/)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8422/7786043718_94c2e47bee_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/15380629@N08/7786043718/)

Thanks for looking...All comments are welcome... John

Title: Re: Grumman F7F-3 Junglecat in Vietnam
Post by: finsrin on August 15, 2012, 01:07:32 PM

So correct looking with high quality finish work.
Seems so feasible for real world use.
Heck of a build  :) :) :)

Title: Re: Grumman F7F-3 Junglecat in Vietnam
Post by: GTX_Admin on August 15, 2012, 03:59:21 PM

(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/GTwiner/ALT%20RAN%20FAA/Damn.jpg)

Title: Re: Grumman F7F-3 Junglecat in Vietnam
Post by: TerryCampion on August 15, 2012, 07:29:24 PM

That is just FABULOUS  :-* :-* :-* :-*

Title: Re: Grumman F7F-3 Junglecat in Vietnam
Post by: Doom! on August 15, 2012, 11:47:09 PM

That is one good looking bird!  :-*

Title: Re: Grumman F7F-3 Junglecat in Vietnam
Post by: Brian da Basher on August 15, 2012, 11:54:00 PM

That's fantastic and your weathering is top-notch, John!

Brian da Basher

Title: Re: Grumman F7F-3 Junglecat in Vietnam
Post by: Alvis 3.1 on August 16, 2012, 05:29:30 AM

Awesome!!

Alvis 3.1

Title: Re: Grumman F7F-3 Junglecat in Vietnam
Post by: ysi_maniac on August 16, 2012, 11:14:03 AM

Highest qality :-* :-* :-* :-* :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza:

Title: Re: Grumman F7F-3 Junglecat in Vietnam
Post by: Geoff on August 16, 2012, 06:36:09 PM

Love it!

Title: Re: Grumman F7F-3 Junglecat in Vietnam
Post by: ChrisF on August 22, 2012, 04:50:34 AM

Lovely job !

Very well presented too, love the stand !  :)

Title: Re: Grumman F7F-3 Junglecat in Vietnam
Post by: arc3371 on August 22, 2012, 05:39:19 AM

Great build!