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