Lee Drennen’s 1963 Monogram 1/48 F6F-5 Hellcat

[Lee Drennen]

I bought this old 1963 Monogram kit some time back I really enjoy building these old kits. I think they are over looked they paved the way for what is out there now. The kit was partially build I had to saw the fuselage and a half to re start the build hope you follow along as I build this almost 60 year kit

 

[Jim R]

Hi Lee
Another golden oldie. Love the box "authentic action model" and "quarter inch scale". Those were the days
Jim

 

[Lee Drennen]

Jim. Thanks this is one of my favorite Monogram Box art I just couldn’t stand it any longer to start the build. This kit has its flaws but there a joy to Build for me. Thanks for stopping by

 

[Mini Me]

I remember seeing this kit in the "dime store" when I was a kid. Available back then for under a dollar! Lovely box art and by the way that carrier is the USS Essex CV 9, first in her class and commissioned in 1942. I'm definitely in for this build.....moggle on! Rick H.

 

[Jakko]

“F65-5” — I wonder who was confused there: the researchers about the designation or the box designer about the researchers’ handwriting? (It should be F6F-5.)

 

[Mini Me]

That makes it highly collectible as the box art contains a printing error!!

 

[yak face]

I love a good old Monogram lee , as you say they were real innovators back in the day , the detail they put in even on the kits from the sixties was light years ahead of most of the competition . Looking forward to this , cheers tony

 

[Lee Drennen]

Rick. Thanks for stopping by and the History lesson. I had the 1973 one when I was a kid Mom and Dad always bought them at a local Department store called MorValue later Wal-Mart bought them out or they would buy them at TG&Y

Jakko. Nice catch and thanks for stopping by I changed it so I wouldn’t be hung in the gallows

Tony. Thanks for stopping by yes these 60s kits were well ahead of there time and fun to build hope you follow along

 

[Lee Drennen]

Got some primer on it tonight going to let it set up over night and paint it in the morning

 

[Mini Me]

Good start Lee. Rick H.

 

[Deleted member 6559]

You've licked that into shape quickly Lee. A kit only slightly younger than myself, so of course I wouldn't call it 'old'.

 

[Lee Drennen]

Rick. Your going to like this I had bought a later Model of this re-done by Revell a couple years ago at Dick’s Five and Dime and the call out colors and decals are for the VF-83 USS ESSEX 1945 so I’ll be building this one. Thanks

Peter. Thanks for stopping by I did some sanding and cleaning up on it last night and decided to just get some primer on it. Be careful you about to tell your age I wasn’t born till 5 years later when this kit came out

 

[Lee Drennen]

I’ll be adding a True Details Cockpit to this not knowing if I could slide it across the wing I decided to separate the wing in 2 parts

 

[Lee Drennen]

We have paint now. I’m happy with the pre shade I done before I put the base coat on different angles make it look darker than it is

 

[Mini Me]

Looking forward to the cockpit detailing......should be a big improvement Lee.
Rick H.

 

[Lee Drennen]

Work on the cockpit a little tonight. Had to do some sanding but I got it to fit

 

[JR]

Lee where do you find these gems !
As for its age, well a mere youngster .
Your bound to make a good job of this so I will sit near Rick and enjoy the hospitality.

 

[Lee Drennen]

John Thanks for the complement. I’ve been getting them from eBay mostly. Have a seat sorry no Yorkshire tea

 

[Mini Me]

How about a cup 'o coffee for the rabble! Nice job on the cockpit Lee! Rick H.

 

[Lee Drennen]

Rick. Thanks for the complement yeah I’ll fix him some McCafe that’s my favorite anyway