Tamiya 1/48 Wild-Canal Guadal-Cat

ridleusmc

Hello Everybody,

I picked up Tamiya's 1/48 F4F-4 Wildcat from a vendor table at a local show, and I was very excited to build it.  The reviews were very consistent, and most reviewers liked the kit.  Each reviewer did mention the very thick decals.  

I didn't want to spend any money on aftermarket stuff for this project.  I've been doing that too much lately, but I did want to make some improvements.  

One thing that I missed is the cockpit floor of the kit isn't correct.  It should be cut out along the sides from the bases of the instrument panel and the aft bulkhead.  This is to allow the pilot to be able to use the windows on the underside of the fuselage.  I read about this detail too late, but I'm generally happy with the pit.  The seatbelt is the only addition, and it's from an old photo etch set from another project.  

 

 

I wanted to pose the Wildcat as it would have sat on the flightline of Henderson Field on Guadalcanal in the autumn of 1942.  The aircraft in the pictures tended to have off-center rudders, drooping elevators, and open cowl flaps.  Cuts were made.  

Other than the modifications, construction was straight forward.  Finishing was fun.  I wanted to try black basing as described by doog.

https://doogsmodels.com/2014/07/03/technique-black-basing/

I don't think I got the technique 100% correct, but I was pretty happy with the results. 

Decals, I hate the decals. They're thick and they don't want to settle in.  This is while using Micro Set in applying the decals, and while using Micro Sol after applying them.   

And, notice the white edges of the upper wing star decals.  

I've decided that I don't like these decals enough to try any harder to save them.  I just ordered a set for Marine Corps birds at Guadalcanal.  I hope to update this thread soon with a nice completed model.  

Thank you for looking,

Chris 

 

 

 

 

 

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 I've always loved the wildcat line, and this one is spectacular!   Except the decals....being out of register, makes them just about unusable!  But, I have has successfully used Tamiya x20a acrylic thinner as a solvent, and it worked a treat on my ROG Lancaster bomber's thick, unruly decals, after several applications. ..

Can't wait to see her all finished

I've seen them on Amazon.  

ridleusmc

  

Thank you gentelmen for the kind words.  I did have fun with the paint on this one.  Maybe I should mask and paint the insignia.  I'll check into that.  

 

 

If you want to go this route, look into Montex masks.  They work great.  Once you use these its hard to go back to decals.  I get mine from ebay.  

Ah;

 Now this is why I got to hate decals . All that work and them thick wrinkly things . Drove me bonkers . Finally got back to using them when the aftermarket came up with high quality thin ones .  T.B.

rooster513

Looking really good Chris! Looking forward to seeing it with the better decals. If I might ask, what blue did you use for the topside? I like that shade.

 

Actually, the topside shade is just the mix described by Tamiya in the instructions.  I believe that it's a mix of XF-18 Medium Blue with XF-2 Flat white.  I'll check the instructions when I get home, but I believe it's a 3:1 mix, majority Medium Blue.  

Thank you gentelmen for the kind words.  I did have fun with the paint on this one.  Maybe I should mask and paint the insignia.  I'll check into that.  

If you were to paint the nat marks, faded and chipped, this would be out of this world.

I'm sorry and feel your frustrations about the decals.  Though everything else is superb.  I love the finish on your F4F!

Toshi

All I can say is that I am impressed, Chris. Those colors are amazing! But it is a shame about those decals. They look horrible! Worse than Revell's standard issue! Those I've figured out how to work with... but yours look naff!! What a way to let a builder down.

Everything else looks amazing!  :D well freakin' done. 

Looking really good Chris! Looking forward to seeing it with the better decals. If I might ask, what blue did you use for the topside? I like that shade.