F8F Bearcat Monogram
Summer model building challenge

Our local modeling club features an annual summer kit completion event, in honor of a member who is no longer with us.

I selected this Monogram kit because I had several of them in my stash. I had begun working upon one of these when I was still in high school. What was left of that effort lie in the heart of my modeling graveyard which torments me, only mildly.

I had not read as much about this aircraft as I had about its predecessors, but it has nice lines and continues the radial engine tradition of Navy fighters.

Have a favorable relationship to the Monogram company products, as these were what brought me into this hobby. The kits used to be available from my local drug store, and I'd enjoy taking a walk over to the local stores to browse their kit selections and even buy basic paints I believe. Good old cheap Testors paints.

Most of this kit was assembled last minute, as I tend to procrastinate which has not served me well. My workbench is cluttered and was not used. Most of this kit was assembled on the couch while watching old Doctor Who or similar video content.

I captured a few photos during the build, but did not set out to share and publish the build process.

Another reason I selected this kit was I wanted to use a Royal Blue color from Pactra (an acrylic gloss). It's a bit brighter than what is called for, but hey - modelers artistic license. The application via airbrush was not as smooth or glossy as I would have liked. I also tried using a matt grey enamel base coat / primer, which added surface texture. I didn't get to apply a clear coat due to running out of time.