McDonnell F2H-3P Banshee

JayBee · March 30, 2012, 08:24:37 AM

When the -3/4 versions of the Banshee came into service it was realised that the improvement in performance would be a valuable asset in the reconnaissance role.
The aircraft was created by fitting the well proven camera nose of the F2H-2P to the later airframe.
The model depicts an aircraft of U.S. Navy Squadron VFP-61 attached to the Pacific fleet.
First the model was created by combining the photo nose from the Airfix -2 kit (Thanks to Sandy/ Tojo633 for the Airfix bits) with the Academy -3/4 kit.
A fair bit of PSR was needed as the two kits do not really match up in cross section, but it was not too bad.
The markings are from the USAirfix kit.

coolpop6307 · March 30, 2012, 08:59:26 AM

I like it alot, what color is that blue?

JayBee · March 30, 2012, 10:29:07 AM

Xtracolor X121 FS 15042 Glos Sea Blue with Humbrol Satin varnish over the top.

Jim

PR19_Kit · March 30, 2012, 12:54:04 PM

Outstanding Jim, right up my street too!

That really looks the business.

NARSES2 · March 31, 2012, 12:59:21 AM

Quote from: JayBee on March 30, 2012, 10:29:07 AM
Xtracolor X121 FS 15042 Glos Sea Blue with Humbrol Satin varnish over the top.

Jim

Thanks Jim I was going to ask as well

I really like that

bobbo · March 31, 2012, 12:18:24 PM

I'm a sucker for Banshees . . . This is the Cats Nuts!!

bobbo

sandiego89 · March 31, 2012, 12:51:40 PM

Very nice- great idea!

kitbasher · March 31, 2012, 01:39:11 PM

I think the Banshee is a very pretty aeroplane. I've an Airfix kit in the stash that I'm tempted to finish in Canadian colours, but then again Glossy Sea Blue looks so smart.
A lovely build - I don't know very much about the Banshee so had to check out the various marks to learn that the F2H-3P was an actual project that came to nothing in the real world.
Well done.

Ian the Kiwi Herder · May 09, 2012, 04:08:07 PM

Excellent clean build, Jim. One for the double-take shelf I think

Ian

CANSO · May 10, 2012, 12:08:21 PM

Quote from: kitbasher on March 31, 2012, 01:39:11 PMI've an Airfix kit in the stash that I'm tempted to finish in Canadian colours...

But strictly as "What if"! The Airfix kit is a F2H-2 and the RCN used only F2H-3 which is basically very different. The Hobbycraft/Academy kit makes a (real) Canadian one.
The Banshees have always looked to me as the famous Canadian bird

JayBee, a nice model indeed!

I just think that anything less then glossy Sea blue makes any USN aircraft looking kinda dull. Have always used a coat of Future at the end.
And something more: the "Hobbycademy" kit is notorious for its wrong nose gear. It is too short and taken 1:1 from the -2 variant, but it must be lengthened 1/8" to be the correct one.