Clear Cowling

I started this one for the Midway GB, and got sidetracked.  Also started the -3 at the same time. 

You're going to love it, the radial isn't bad for a kit piece, details out nice.

Going to follow, and maybe get enthused to get back to it.

goldhammer

I started this one for the Midway GB, and got sidetracked.  Also started the -3 at the same time. 

You're going to love it, the radial isn't bad for a kit piece, details out nice.

Going to follow, and maybe get enthused to get back to it.

 

Your friend, Toshi

One of my favorites, although I never built this particular kit of the Wildcat.  I recently built the old Revell 1/32 'cat but would love to build this one.  

Any thoughts on what scheme you're going to do?  A Guadalcanal Wildcat, perhaps?

Aggieman

One of my favorites, although I never built this particular kit of the Wildcat.  I recently built the old Revell 1/32 'cat but would love to build this one.  

Any thoughts on what scheme you're going to do?  A Guadalcanal Wildcat, perhaps?

 

Your friend, Toshi

The start with the cockpit utilizing interestingly enough a transparent instrument film panel that really looks great.  To cut the film transfer out, I used a Fisker scissors that was in the Gingher sewing section.  It was priced accordingly!  I utilize this cutting tool for the majority of the times on decals.

I forgot to add my Fiskar Ginghar type scissors last night but here it is. For the price point, you can’t beat it.  I paid $12.00.  As oppossed to $25.00.

Also here are the concurring rest of the cockpit parts. 

This is a cool build. I'm looking forward to seeing it come together. I want to add one of these to the stash, but I've told myself to stop buying kits and build what I have. It's hard to do, but so far so good.

BK

I built that one Tosh, it is an excellent kit.Only tricky part are the pe hinges.Be advised the wings do fold back ,but if you put the machine gun parts in the wings they are so heavy that the wings have to be tied together with fishing line to keep the wings folded.

Nice choice of aircraft and scheme.

A couple of things. The kit is a -3 not a -4. Check the box and funny papers.

Yours does not have folding wings. The other major difference was 4 guns on the -3, 6 guns on the -4.

Trumpeter royally screwed the pooch on the color sheet there. The aviators name was Galer, not Glaer. The Marine Squadron was VMF-224, not -244.

Looks like a great kit, enjoy, and as a vet "THANKS". 

I have this one in my stash and I got Vallejo's paint set for Marine and US N any WW2 to go with it.

It's really nice thought for we veterans, Toshi, and I thank you. I will be following this myself with regard to building my own at some point.

Many times whilst in Iraq and Afghanistan I had air support from A-10 aircraft. Everyone dug or found a deeper hole but the support was always spot on, even when they were told "Friendly Close". They came lower than they had to to make sure, at one time even practically head height to rake a building with their Gatling guns practically taking it apart.

Angels on our shoulders!!

Go for it, Toshi, my friend!

BrandonK

This is a cool build. I'm looking forward to seeing it come together. I want to add one of these to the stash, but I've told myself to stop buying kits and build what I have. It's hard to do, but so far so good.

BK

 

Your friend, Toshi

philo426

I built that one Tosh, it is an excellent kit.Only tricky part are the pe hinges.Be advised the wings do fold back ,but if you put the machine gun parts in the wings they are so heavy that the wings have to be tied together with fishing line to keep the wings folded.

 

I will definately take your advise and apply that technique so as not to come across any issues and concerns you so mentioned in your post above.  Once again, thank you for your support and following of my build!

Your friend, Toshi

GMorrison

Nice choice of aircraft and scheme.

A couple of things. The kit is a -3 not a -4. Check the box and funny papers.

Yours does not have folding wings. The other major difference was 4 guns on the -3, 6 guns on the -4.

Trumpeter royally screwed the pooch on the color sheet there. The aviators name was Galer, not Glaer. The Marine Squadron was VMF-224, not -244.

 

Your friend, Toshi

captfue

Looks like a great kit, enjoy, and as a vet "THANKS". 

 

Your friend, Toshi

snapdragonxxx

I have this one in my stash and I got Vallejo's paint set for Marine and US N any WW2 to go with it.

It's really nice thought for we veterans, Toshi, and I thank you. I will be following this myself with regard to building my own at some point.

 

Many times whilst in Iraq and Afghanistan I had air support from A-10 aircraft. Everyone dug or found a deeper hole but the support was always spot on, even when they were told "Friendly Close". They came lower than they had to to make sure, at one time even practically head height to rake a building with their Gatling guns practically taking it apart.

 

Angels on our shoulders!!

 

Go for it, Toshi, my friend!

 

Thank you for sharing that story with Forum Members here.  It’s stories like that that are awe inspiring and lead us to continue building A-10’s and dioramas with A-10’s like that!

Your friend, Toshi

mawright20

Toshi, Looking forward to following the process on this one! Mike

 

Your friend, Toshi

I always learn something from your builds, Toshi. And one of my favorite aircraft and schemes! Looking forward to your progress.

UnwaryPaladin

I always learn something from your builds, Toshi. And one of my favorite aircraft and schemes! Looking forward to your progress.

 

Your friend, Toshi

A couple of images of an incomplete cockpit.

Always like popping in on your builds to see what's going on Toshi. Great work on that pit man.

BTW....I always like all the eye candy on your photo hosting site as well.

mustang1989

Always like popping in on your builds to see what's going on Toshi. Great work on that pit man.

BTW....I always like all the eye candy on your photo hosting site as well.

 

Your friend, Toshi

Completed cockpit.

Toshi

 

 

captfue

Looks like a great kit, enjoy, and as a vet "THANKS". 

 

 

 

 

It is a very great kit.  I enjoy kits that self include OOB items although GMorison pointed out several major errors on Trumpeters part that needs to be corrected with AM decals.  I just hope they are available as I type this.  It is with my greatest pleasure that I build this kit in honor of veterans forMemorial day sir.

 

Your friend, Toshi

 

 

GMorrison

 

 

Toshi

 

 

captfue

Looks like a great kit, enjoy, and as a vet "THANKS". 

 

 

 

 

It is a very great kit.  I enjoy kits that self include OOB items although GMorison pointed out several major errors on Trumpeters part that needs to be corrected with AM decals.  I just hope they are available as I type this.  It is with my greatest pleasure that I build this kit in honor of veterans forMemorial day sir.

 

Your friend, Toshi

 

 

 

 

 

The decals themselves are fine, Toshi. It's just the callout on the sheet, no big deal but typical of Trumpeter.

 

 

Now the start of the engine assembly.

Very cool Toshi! Always great to see you up to something new! 

Continuation of the engine assembly.

Gamera

Very cool Toshi! Always great to see you up to something new! 

 

Your friend, Toshi

Looks fantastic so far Toshi! Keep going, mate!

snapdragonxxx

Looks fantastic so far Toshi! Keep going, mate!

 

Your friend, Toshi

Nice office work Toshi.

After I painted the engine on mine, I went over the cylinder fins with a medium heavy dose of silver pencil and then went after the excess with a soft brush.  Was easier than dry brushing for me.

The gear bay/engine mount ring and structure is a bit fiddly, but not bad.

goldhammer

Nice office work Toshi.

 

After I painted the engine on mine, I went over the cylinder fins with a medium heavy dose of silver pencil and then went after the excess with a soft brush.  Was easier than dry brushing for me.

The gear bay/engine mount ring and structure is a bit fiddly, but not bad.

 

Your friend, Toshi

lawdog114

Looking good Tosh...

 

Your friend, Toshi

Office looks awesome! I'm building the tamiya 1/48 version.  I'll be following. 

Yes the wings DO fold!   

philo426

Yes the wings DO fold!   

 

The cockpit and engine details look great as always!

Did not realize the 3 version did not include wing fold parts.kind of a shame!

Kind of understandable.

keavdog

Office looks awesome! I'm building the tamiya 1/48 version.  I'll be following. 

 

Your friend, Toshi

Mopar Madness

The cockpit and engine details look great as always!

 

Your friend, Toshi

I used Tamiya Weatherine Master B and C powders Gun Metal, Silver, Soot, and Rust to achieve some wear and tear on the engine and the main gear cabin assembly.  I also took goldhammer‘s advice on utilizing a silver Prismacolor PC949 to highlight the engine area which worked great.

Chemteacher

Looking great, Mr. Toshi.

 

Your friend, Toshi

Now it’s time to seal in the imperfections with putty and sand in the seams.  Spray a light primer with panel lines.  And spray with what I found to be a very close match, Vallejo Model Air Faded P.R.U. Blue Color.

BTW,the real Dash-3 Wildcat did not have folding wings; it was introduced in the Dash-4 model, to allow more aircraft to be stowed in the hangar bays of carriers.  I had read that the engineer responsible for the ingenious folding geometry worked it out using paperclips!  Compare Grumman's solution to Fairey's Barracuda - that monster looks like Rube Goldberg designed the crazy folds. 

Real G

BTW,the real Dash-3 Wildcat did not have folding wings; it was introduced in the Dash-4 model, to allow more aircraft to be stowed in the hangar bays of carriers.  I had read that the engineer responsible for the ingenious folding geometry worked it out using paperclips!  Compare Grumman's solution to Fairey's Barracuda - that monster looks like Rube Goldberg designed the crazy folds. 

 

Your friend, Toshi

That means Tosh,that you will have to make  the dash 4 version with the folding wings!

Looking good Mr T!  Lots of nice detail.  I need to look into those weathering products.  I'm still scraping pastels with my exacto

philo426

That means Tosh,that you will have to make  the dash 4 version with the folding wings!

 

keavdog

Looking good Mr T!  Lots of nice detail.  I need to look into those weathering products.  I'm still scraping pastels with my exacto

 

Your friend, Toshi

Starboard Horizontal Stabilizar

Here are the pin and the two PE’s needed to make the tail end movable.  The second photo below is of the front landing gear.

Tosh,mine has rubber tires,does yours?

philo426

Tosh,mine has rubber tires,does yours?

 

Your friend, Toshi

Rambo

Looking good as always with your work Toshi

 

Your friend, Toshi

Having perused your pictures (and, with some difficulty, kept from focusing on "Open minded Russian ladies...") I think you're doing a bang up job on this kit.

I must admit that even 1/48 scale is becoming somewhat difficult for me with my on again/off again shakey hands and not as sharp as it used to be eyesight so I'm interested in 1/32 scale aircraft. It seems, however, that even though the model is larger, the amount of detail one has increases proportionately. That being said, I know that I'll enjoy following along with your build as I usually do and expect to glean little tidbits of information that will help me in my future builds.

1943Mike

Having perused your pictures (and, with some difficulty, kept from focusing on "Open minded Russian ladies...") I think you're doing a bang up job on this kit.

I must admit that even 1/48 scale is becoming somewhat difficult for me with my on again/off again shakey hands and not as sharp as it used to be eyesight so I'm interested in 1/32 scale aircraft. It seems, however, that even though the model is larger, the amount of detail one has increases proportionately. That being said, I know that I'll enjoy following along with your build as I usually do and expect to glean little tidbits of information that will help me in my future builds.

 

I am most honored that you would support and glean any tidbits of info for your future builds.  Especially coming from a seasoned modeler and experienced one as that from you sir.  Thank you 1943Mike!  

Your kit is looking good, Mr. Toshi.  I really like the office.  Just finished the Tamiya 1/48 F4F-4 for the Midway GB, and that is honey of a kit.

Really like this stubby plane, so will definitely be following.  

Yes,love the engineering of this kit!

ManCityFan

Your kit is looking good, Mr. Toshi.  I really like the office.  Just finished the Tamiya 1/48 F4F-4 for the Midway GB, and that is honey of a kit.

Really like this stubby plane, so will definitely be following.  

 

philo426

Yes,love the engineering of this kit!

 

The next four photos depicts the F4F-3 with its wings and tail assembled.  The engine and landing gear await in a plastic container for the Vallejo faded blue P.M.R. to arrive.  

I hope it arrives some time this week?  That way I can start priming and accenting the panel lines.  I’m going to display the gun bays open, I’m sure everyone on the Forums knows this by now.  lol!  Thank you all for your support as well as just for stopping by and taking a look!!!

Your friend, Toshi

 BTW, by the way,

There are many areas that needs to be cleaned up at this time, and I will correct these issues in a timely manner.  Currently, my grandson will be spending the next two weeks with us and he is Mrs. Toshi’s and I love, joy, and priority at this time in our lives.  

So my bench time revolves around his schedule.  Which is an insane one at best!  lol!  So please forgive my odd building schedules and enjoy my WIP!

Your friend, Toshi

Glad the pencil worked out for you, sir.  Looks great as you await the paint. You are way further along than I am.

As an aside, the 2 extra guns on the -4's were not really appreciated by pilots at first.....total loadout was the same number of rounds, but spread out over 6 guns instead of 4, so less per gun and less total firing time.

goldhammer

Glad the pencil worked out for you, sir.  Looks great as you await the paint. You are way further along than I am.

As an aside, the 2 extra guns on the -4's were not really appreciated by pilots at first.....total loadout was the same number of rounds, but spread out over 6 guns instead of 4,so less per gun and less total firing time.

 

I had know idea about the two extra guns did not provide ”Less per gun and less total firing time”.  But that isssue I’m sure was corrected at some point?

To my fellow forum members,

Here are some photos of a pre-prep of primer.  The primer is Tamiya Surace Primer.  I’ll then outline the lines with some black and add the coat of paint.

Here are some photos of the primed Wildcat.

Cool kitty there Toshi.

Are you planning to practice some pre-shading on it?

Scott

Nice job Toshi- you're cruising right along! 

scottrc

Cool kitty there Toshi.

Are you planning to practice some pre-shading on it?

Scott

 

Your friend, Toshi

Gamera

Nice job Toshi- you're cruising right along! 

 

Your friend, Toshi

7474

Toshi I've been away for a while, but great job on the wildcat.

 

Your friend, Toshi

Toshi, coming along.

I think the left aileron needs a little "love" though.

Pre-shading is pretty straightforward. The challenge is not to cover it up completely. Since your finish color is pretty light, it should look good.

GMorrison

Toshi, coming along.

I think the left aileron needs a little "love" though.

Pre-shading is pretty straightforward. The challenge is not to cover it up completely. Since your finish color is pretty light, it should look good.

 

The finnish color I chose was Vallejo Model Air 71.109 Faded P.R.U. (Prussian) Blue/M-485 Blue Gray. Thank you GMorrison for your support as well as the guidance you’ve given me over these last four years of my tenure here and I hope many more to come.  I’m most obliged!

Your friend, Toshi

Thank you lawdog114, next up I’ll pre-shade.

Your friend, Toshi

My grandson finally went home last night so I got some bench time in today. Here’s what’s been done thus far.  Top coat is Vallejo Model Air 71.109 Faded P.R.U. (Prussian) Blue M-485 Blue Gray that I got from the War Room.  The bottom coat is Vallejo Model Color 70.989 Sky Grey from Hobby Lobby.

She looks nice, Toshi.

Ive not seen those particular paints used for this scheme before, but it looks good.

P.R.U. Means “photo reconnaissance unit”. P.R.U. Blue was used on RAF photo ships such as the Mosquito And Spitfire.

GMorrison

She looks nice, Toshi.

Ive not seen those particular paints used for this scheme before, but it looks good.

P.R.U. Means “photo reconnaissance unit”. P.R.U. Blue was used on RAF photo ships such as the Mosquito And Spitfire.

 

GMorrison

She looks nice, Toshi.

Ive not seen those particular paints used for this scheme before, but it looks good.

P.R.U. Means “photo reconnaissance unit”. P.R.U. Blue was used on RAF photo ships such as the Mosquito And Spitfire.

 

Great looking Wildcat Toshi. Those colors look pretty good too. Nicely done. =]

Looking forward to the finish. 

bvallot

Great looking Wildcat Toshi. Those colors look pretty good too. Nicely done. =]

Looking forward to the finish. 

 

Your friend, Toshi

Here is the unfinished F4F-3, I still have some odds and ends that needs some attention so when I’m done I’ll have more photos ready to view.  Thank you all for supporting my WIP especially those that made contributions to my thread, 

Your friend, Toshi

You have the art, Alan.

Needs a prop

Looks cool T!  That clear cowl is really interesting.

GMorrison

You have the art, Alan.

Needs a prop

 

keavdog

Looks cool T!  That clear cowl is really interesting.

 

Here I have the first photo of the engine.  I was able to wire it through Lawdogs114 tutorial.  The rest of the photos show the F4F-3 Wildcat.  Thank you FSM Forum Members for supporting my WIP.  I so greatly appreciate the interest in my build!

Your friend, Toshi

Engine looks great Tosh!One of your better builds for sure!

Superb work, Toshi. You did a magnificent job on this one. Well done!!

BK

philo426

Engine looks great Tosh!One of your better builds for sure!

 

Your friend, Toshi

BrandonK

Superb work, Toshi. You did a magnificent job on this one. Well done!!

BK

 

Your friend, Toshi

Really nice, Toshi. I like the faded blue top-side. I still can't get over how tou find kits with clear parts to expose the innards.

Toshi,

The little thumbnails of your model look fabulous! The problem with viewing them on Postimage this morning for me is that they don't appear at all. All I get are the usual stuff from Postimage such as:

"These Steamy Ladies Will Help You Discover What Passion Is"
"A Sexy Brunette Wants To Spoil You Silly (Message Her Now!)"

Not sure why the images (of your model) are not appearing.

Hmmm, the ones I got said that the girl would make the first move...

You knocked another one out of the park again, Toshi! Another great build.

Best wishes to you and your family. And enjoy the rest of the summer, so far a pretty good one.

Nice job.  Seems like a really great kit.  I can see the thumbnails in your latest post post but I can't see the images when I click on them.  The older ones are fine.

fotofrank

Really nice, Toshi. I like the faded blue top-side. I still can't get over how tou find kits with clear parts to expose the innards.

 

Zoukei Mura has a limited supply (Limited Catalog) and is extremely complex with a extremely demanding price point whilst Trumpeter is much more numerous (Extensive Catalog) less complex with a much more relaxed price point then the aforementioned.  Note that Trumpeter is not without it‘s error’s as GMorrison so pointed out.  Ultimately, ”You pay for what you get” stands the test of times.

Your friend, Toshi

1943Mike

Toshi,

The little thumbnails of your model look fabulous! The problem with viewing them on Postimage this morning for me is that they don't appear at all. All I get are the usual stuff from Postimage such as:

"These Steamy Ladies Will Help You Discover What Passion Is"
"A Sexy Brunette Wants To Spoil You Silly (Message Her Now!)"

Not sure why the images (of your model) are not appearing.

 

Let me be the first to once again apologize for this unpleasant discrepancy.  I’ll have Mrs. Toshi look into it.  A different pair of eyes might help looking into this issue.  Please except my sincerest apologies.

Your friend, Toshi

DasBeav

You knocked another one out of the park again, Toshi! Another great build.

Best wishes to you and your family. And enjoy the rest of the summer, so far a pretty good one.

 

 

Your friend, Toshi

Another fantastic build off of your bench Toshi.  I only  can hope mine comes out a third as nice. 

The radial is super nice with the extra work you put in it with the wiring.  I like the idea of the clear cowling, and am planning on painting one half of mine, splitting it vertically.

Looks great Toshi.  I like the clear cowel that lets us see the work on the engine, and the colors are fantastic.  As usual, you did great decal work.  And those look like some BIG decals.

Excellent job, once again.

Toshi,

Tell the Mrs. not to worry. I still can't view the images from your final post but I can view the images from the 23rd. Strange.

Anyway, the way everything was looking I agree with others that you've done a great job on this kit!

Rambo

Another great build Toshi can't wait to see what you start next.

 

Your friend, Toshi

keavdog

Nice job.  Seems like a really great kit.  I can see the thumbnails in your latest post post but I can't see the images when I click on them.  The older ones are fine.

 

Your friend, Toshi

goldhammer

Another fantastic build off of your bench Toshi.  I only  can hope mine comes out a third as nice. 

The radial is super nice with the extra work you put in it with the wiring.  I like the idea of the clear cowling, and am planning on painting one half of mine, splitting it vertically.

 

 

Your friend, Toshi

lawdog114

That’s your best build to date Tosh. You did a remarkable job on it. I like the clear cowling and engine as well.

 

Your friend, Toshi

CrashTestDummy

Looks very nice, from what I can see. Funny (not), that after I select to NOT EVER send notifications from that image posting site, I see nothing but 404 errors.

 

Your friend, Toshi

ManCityFan

Looks great Toshi.  I like the clear cowel that lets us see the work on the engine, and the colors are fantastic.  As usual, you did great decal work.  And those look like some BIG decals.

Excellent job, once again.

 

Your friend, Toshi

Chemteacher

Wow! Mr. Toshi, that is a fantastic build. The details on your engine are 1st class and I love the fade on the blue topside. Nice job.

 

Your friend, Toshi