This is the 32 scale Trumpeter kit of the Wildcat. The model seems to have been on my bench for ages and it fought me all the way. The bulkheads were a terrible fit and the undercarriage provided all sorts of problems.
The research showed up contradictions. A picture is on the internet of this aircraft in a mid-stone over azure finish and a lot of models have been made like that. But the first thing I noticed about that picture is that it is the wrong mark of Martlett!! I then found 2 photos of the aircraft with clearly a two tone camo flying with the rest of the squadron with every aircraft painted in a different pattern - no A or B type schemes!!! As the aircraft (originally for the Greek Air force) was delivered to 805 squadron in an overall US neutral grey finish I also opted to leave the undersides that colour as it is thought that only the topsides were repainted.
Anyway - from the aftermarket I used Eduard seat harness and Ad-Astra custom made paint masks for the markings. This was the first time using masks and you have to be patient but the results are worth it.
Anyway - glad its done. Not my best but not a disaster either!
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I do recommend using masks for marking. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Far better than those awful Trumpy decals anyway.
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The research showed up contradictions. A picture is on the internet of this aircraft in a mid-stone over azure finish and a lot of models have been made like that. But the first thing I noticed about that picture is that it is the wrong mark of Martlett!! I then found 2 photos of the aircraft with clearly a two tone camo flying with the rest of the squadron with every aircraft painted in a different pattern - no A or B type schemes!!! As the aircraft (originally for the Greek Air force) was delivered to 805 squadron in an overall US neutral grey finish I also opted to leave the undersides that colour as it is thought that only the topsides were repainted.
Anyway - from the aftermarket I used Eduard seat harness and Ad-Astra custom made paint masks for the markings. This was the first time using masks and you have to be patient but the results are worth it.
Anyway - glad its done. Not my best but not a disaster either!
View attachment 50919View attachment 50920View attachment 50921View attachment 50922View attachment 50923View attachment 50924View attachment 50925
I do recommend using masks for marking. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Far better than those awful Trumpy decals anyway.
View attachment 53534
View attachment 53535
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View attachment 53537
View attachment 53538
View attachment 53539
View attachment 53540