Decals for 1/32 F4F-3

[Saxman]

So I'm looking to start modeling again. It seems I always end up starting a new scale with a model of the Wildcat. Yes, I'm primarily a Hog fan, but there's still something I love about the Little Grumman (plus, Tamiya's 1/32 F4U-1A isn't likely to hit for another year or so, and that's the Corsair I'd want to build).

I ordered Trumpeter's 1/32 scale F4F-3. It's their Early Type kit, but from my understanding it contains the appropriate parts to build the later versions of the -3 as well (and in any case, there's after-market parts. I'm already looking at Vector's resin R-1830 Late Type kit). What I'm looking for now is a good set of decals, since the Trumpeter kit I believe only comes with markings for prewar machines.

I'd particularly like to do either one of the Guadalcanal birds (USMC squadrons were still equipped with the -3 long after the Navy squadrons switched to the -4, and most of the Wildcats on the Canal were -3s or -3As) or a USS Enterprise bird. I've seen a few after-market sets for the -3, but the ones I've found are prewar.

Any of you aircraft modelers out there aware of any aftermarket decal sets?

[gyrene81]

i am so glad i don't have the money or the time for modeling...if you have the patience and skill, an airbrush can come in very handy for replacing decals.

[Saxman]

I was already considering that, especially for purposes of weathering. I'm already planning to do a coat of Metalizer on all the metal bits so I can ACTUALLY chip the paint.

[gyrene81]

i used to build 1/48s back when they were $5 a piece...the 1/32 went for $7-$10.    are the prices i'm seeing now serious? 

what's metalizer? is that like the old chrome silver paint or something new? the chipped paint effect is very cool, i never could get it right...

[Saxman]

Metalizer's been around for a while. It gives a much more realistic metallic finish than the standard paints, sort of like plating you can apply yourself. Great for BMF machines.

Yeah, prices are climbing. However it's a combination of inflation and the kits are getting REALLY detailed, now. Those old Revel and Monogram kits often had really poor engineering, and the makers only cared if they sorta almost looked like the plane they were reproducing and didn't care about things like making sure the panels and rivets were right (not to mention so many of the early ones had raised detailing that should have been sunken). A lot of them are starting to include photo-etched parts, too.

[gyrene81]

Metalizer's been around for a while. It gives a much more realistic metallic finish than the standard paints, sort of like plating you can apply yourself. Great for BMF machines.

very cool. i might have to invest in a couple of models just for toejamz and giggles. could get expensive too...   

Yeah, prices are climbing. However it's a combination of inflation and the kits are getting REALLY detailed, now. Those old Revel and Monogram kits often had really poor engineering, and the makers only cared if they sorta almost looked like the plane they were reproducing and didn't care about things like making sure the panels and rivets were right (not to mention so many of the early ones had raised detailing that should have been sunken). A lot of them are starting to include photo-etched parts, too.

ya know, back in the day hasegawa and tamiya had the worst kits (missing/deformed parts)...i bought one tamiya tiger tank kit that was missing the tracks and i swore i would never buy another one. revell had the best car kits and monogram had great u.s. military kits.

who has good 1/32 scale models these days?

[Saxman]

I haven't really done a lot of modeling in years, (couple years ago I'd do 2-3 kits a year) but from what I've been reading Trumpeter (that's the F4F I ordered) makes some REALLY good 1/32 prop kits. They've usually got a ton of detail, particularly their engines and cockpits, which are often not much of a step down from the resin aftermarket kits. Tamiya's 1/32 props seem to be getting high marks as well.

[Saxman]

I'm thinking of doing one of these birds:



VF-6, early 1942. Since Navy and Marine birds tend to be so drab, the almost comically oversized roundels will really stand out. Besides, it's Enterprise. ;-)

I'm curious about why they made the insignia so large. I've only read about Enterprise doing this, (at least on the wings. I've seen profiles of Ranger's Wildcats with the fuselage roundels like this) and because of what period they used them during I wonder if the oversized roundels were a result of losing a couple aircraft from VF-6 to friendly fire by AAA gunners at Pearl Harbor on the evening of Dec. 7. Sort of a combination of practicality to ensure they could be properly ID'ed and a bit of dark military humor (seems kind of smartass to enlarge the insignia to THIS extent).

[Shifty]

I think the roundels were oversized in prewar as well on the yellow winged F4F-3s. You might buy a set or two of these.

http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/decals/ywd/decal_ywd32004.shtml


Or F3F decals



They can be found here.

http://www.internetmodeler.com/2007/february/new-releases/decal_yellowwings.php

[Saxman]

They were larger, but look again at the photo, the ones on those planes are even BIGGER. Almost full-chord.

[Shifty]

This is the effect you're looking for.





I found the pic at the link below.

http://thegreatcanadianmodelbuilderswebpage.blogspot.com/2012/10/grumman-f4f-3-wildcat-late.html

It appears the exact decals you want are available in Tumpeter's 1.32 scale F4F3 kit # 02225





If you place the roundels further out on the wing where they cover part of the aileron they will be exactly like the photo. The modler in this case placed them further in on the wing.

[Saxman]

I'd love to use those. If only I had THAT particular kit on order. Hence why in the OP I stated I'm looking for after-market decal sets. Though I am trying to switch my order. Either way, I may still mask and paint anyway.

And I already found the link to that page.

[cpxxx]

Cutting edge decals also feature Wildcats though not the version you're looking for. But Yellow-wings decals have generic insignia which might fit the bill.

1/32nd is becoming very popular lately. There's even a new 1/32 B17. Just where would you store that when it's built? I guess people are living in bigger houses these days. I prefer 1/48th myself. Just bought the new Eduard Spitfire IX actually two, the 'Royal' kit which came with a spitfire beer glass and beer mats. It been described as the best Spitfire kit ever an I can see why.

[gyrene81]

   oooohhh...a 1/32 b-17 kit? holy cow that would be a fun one...

i just found out a company called guillow's has a 1/32 scale b-25 balsa kit...and a 1/28 scale b-17 balsa kit.

[cpxxx]

I was in a model shop the other day and saw a Guillows 1/28 Liberator!!!!

There is a plastic 1/32 B25 available.

Here's a pic of the B17 box



It's over 3 foot long and 2.5 feet wide.

But there's also 1/32 Lancaster in the planning stage. You'd have to extend the house to keep both of them!