Grumman F6F-7N “Hellcat”, '29/WF' of VFM-513, based at Kunsan AB, Korea, 1953

Dizzyfugu · June 10, 2014, 07:59:14 AM

1:72 Grumman F6F-7N "Hellcat", aircraft '29/WF' of United States Marines Corps (USMC) VMF(N)-513, based at Kunsan AB, Korea, 1953 (Whif/kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Some background:
The Grumman F6F Hellcat was a carrier-based fighter aircraft conceived to replace the earlier F4F Wildcat in United States Navy (USN) service. The Hellcat was an erstwhile rival of the faster Vought F4U Corsair for use as a carrier based fighter. However, the Corsair had significant issues with carrier landing that the Hellcat did not, allowing the Hellcat to steal a march as the Navy's dominant fighter in the second part of World War II, a position the Hellcat did not relinquish. The Corsair instead was primarily deployed to great effect in land-based use by the U.S. Marine Corps.

Although the F6F resembled the Wildcat in some ways, it was a completely new design,[4] powered by a 2,000 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800, the same powerplant used for both the Corsair and the United States Army Air Force's (USAAF) Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighters. Some military observers tagged the Hellcat as the "Wildcat's big brother".

1:72 Grumman F6F-7N "Hellcat", aircraft '29/WF' of United States Marines Corps (USMC) VMF(N)-513, based at Kunsan AB, Korea, 1953 (Whif/kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Grumman F6F-7N "Hellcat", aircraft '29/WF' of United States Marines Corps (USMC) VMF(N)-513, based at Kunsan AB, Korea, 1953 (Whif/kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The F6F series were designed to take damage and get the pilot safely back to base. A bullet-resistant windshield and a total of 212 lb (96 kg) of cockpit armor was fitted, along with armor around the oil tank and oil cooler. A 250 gal (946 l) self-sealing fuel tank was fitted in the fuselage. Consequently the F6F was best known for its role as a rugged, well-designed carrier fighter which was able, after its combat debut in early 1943, to counter the Mitsubishi A6M Zero and help secure air superiority over the Pacific Theater.

The design proved to be very balanced, even though attempts were made to improve the Hellcat's perfromance. Late prototypes in the F6F series included the XF6F-4 (02981, a conversion of the XF6F-1 powered by an R-2800-27 and armed with four 20mm M2 cannon) which first flew on 3 October 1942 as the prototype for the projected F6F-4. This version never entered production and 02981 was converted to an F6F-3 production aircraft.

1:72 Grumman F6F-7N "Hellcat", aircraft '29/WF' of United States Marines Corps (USMC) VMF(N)-513, based at Kunsan AB, Korea, 1953 (Whif/kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Grumman F6F-7N "Hellcat", aircraft '29/WF' of United States Marines Corps (USMC) VMF(N)-513, based at Kunsan AB, Korea, 1953 (Whif/kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Another experimental prototype was the XF6F-2 (66244), an F6F-3 converted to use a Wright R-2600-15, fitted with a Birman manufactured mixed-flow turbocharger, which was later replaced by a Pratt & Whitney R-2800-21, also fitted with a Birman turbocharger. The turbochargers proved to be unreliable on both engines, while performance improvements were marginal. As with the XF6F-4, 66244 was soon converted back to a standard F6F-3. Two XF6F-6s (70188 and 70913) were converted from F6F-5s and used the 18-cylinder 2,100 hp (1,567 kW) Pratt and Whitney R-2800-18W two-stage supercharged radial engine with water injection and driving a Hamilton-Standard four-bladed propeller.

1:72 Grumman F6F-7N "Hellcat", aircraft '29/WF' of United States Marines Corps (USMC) VMF(N)-513, based at Kunsan AB, Korea, 1953 (Whif/kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The last and most radical change was the XF6F-7, which introduced a Wright R-3350 Cyclone radial in a totally new nose section as well as further modifications like a bubble canopy that offered, together with a lowered spine, a much improved field of view for the pilot. Armament was beefed up to four 20mm M2 cannons, plus the standard external ordnance. The XF6F-7s were the fastest version of the Hellcat series with a top speed of 417 mph (671 km/h) and with a much improved rate of climb. The F6F-7 was ordered into production in early 1945, primarily as a fighter bomber alongside the F8F Bearcat. Serial production was very limited, though, since R-3350 production priority was allocated to B-29 bombers. The war ended before this final variant could be mass-produced and none of these aircraft reached the front lines.

1:72 Grumman F6F-7N "Hellcat", aircraft '29/WF' of United States Marines Corps (USMC) VMF(N)-513, based at Kunsan AB, Korea, 1953 (Whif/kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Grumman F6F-7N "Hellcat", aircraft '29/WF' of United States Marines Corps (USMC) VMF(N)-513, based at Kunsan AB, Korea, 1953 (Whif/kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The few produced F6F-7 (about 50 were completed) survived WWII, though, and eventually fulfilled their duty in a second career during the Korean War with the USMC. About 20 F6F-7 were fitted with the new AN/APS-19 radar in the fuselage, which combined the best features of the former AN/APS-4 and AN/APS-6 radars to provide both a search and an intercept capability in one equipment for night fighting.
The respective antenna dish was mounted in a bulbous fairing on the leading-edge of the outer right wing.

Re-painted all-black, these Hellcats were assigned to USMC's VMF-513 'Flying Nightmares' and exclusively deployed from land bases for night intruder and bomber escort missions, together with the squadron's F4U-5Ns and F7F-3Ns. The type proved to be very successful during low altitude attacks, due to its good handling characteristics, wide range of payload options and rugged structure that could take a lot of punishment. The USMC's F6F-7Ns were highly effective, being credited with the destruction of 850 vehicles, 21 locomotives and 170 railway trucks in the course of the Korea conflict. Eight aircraft were lost, five of them through AA gunfire, two were shot down in air combat and one was lost during a taxiing accident.

After the Korean War, all surviving F6F-7s were quickly phased out or turned into unmanned target drone.

1:72 Grumman F6F-7N "Hellcat", aircraft '29/WF' of United States Marines Corps (USMC) VMF(N)-513, based at Kunsan AB, Korea, 1953 (Whif/kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

General characteristics
Crew: 1
Length: 33 ft 7 in (10.24 m)
Wingspan: 42 ft 10 in (13.06 m)
Height: 13 ft 1 in (3.99 m)
Wing area: 334 ft² (31 m²)
Airfoil: NACA 23015.6 mod root; NACA 23009 tip
Empty weight: 9.515 lb (4.320 kg)
Loaded weight: 16.200 lb (6.115 kg)
Max. take-off weight: 15,415 lb (7.355 kg)
Fuel capacity: 250 gal (946 L) internal; plus up to 3× 150 gal (568 L) external drop tanks
Zero-lift drag coefficient: 0.0211
Drag area: 7.05 ft² (0.65 m²)
Aspect ratio: 5.5

Powerplant:
1× Wright 'Cyclone' R-3350-24W 18 cylinder two-row radial engine with water injection, rated at 2.200 hp (1.600 kW) at standard power and at 2,500 hp (1,900 kW) with water injection, driving a four-blade Hamilton Standard propeller of 13 ft 1 in (4.0 m) diameter

Performance:
Maximum speed: 330 kn (417 mph, 671 km/h)
Stall speed: 73 kn (84 mph, 135 km/h)
Combat radius: 850 nmi (980 mi, 1.575 km)
Ferry range: 1.380 nmi (1.585 mi, 2.550 km)
Service ceiling: 39.305 ft (12.000 m)
Rate of climb: 4.100 ft/min (21 m/s)
Wing loading: 38.9 lb/ft² (190 kg/m²)
Time-to-altitude: 7.0 min to 20,000 ft (6,100 m)
Lift-to-drag ratio: 12.2
Takeoff roll: 738 ft (224 m)

Armament:
4 × 0.79 in (20 mm) M2 cannons, with 225 RPG in the outer wings
Up to 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) of external loads, including 6× 5 in (127 mm) HVARs, 2× 11¾ in (298 mm) Tiny Tim unguided rockets, 1× 2,000 lb (907 kg) bomb or 1 × Mk.13-3 torpedo on the fuselage centerline rack or 2× 1,000 lb (450 kg), 4× 500 lb (227 kg) or 8× 250 lb (110 kg) bombs on two weapons racks on either side of fuselage on wing center-section

The kit and its assembly:
Originally I just had the idea of a bubble canopy fitted on a F6F, but this turned into more as work progressed and went partly wrong. I recently bought a Hobby Boss Hellcat in a kit bundle, and thought I could abuse this basis for my plan...

The donation canopy comes from a P-51, and due to the Hobby Boss' massive kit structure the lowered spine was easily sculpted, even though fitting the canopy took some putty sculpting.

But I did not stop there. At first, only a different cowling was envisioned – I had a F4U-5 piece that I tried to graft on the F6F opening, but it went wrong... also, due to the massive kit construction!
While looking for a plan B I stumbled upon a vintage Airfix Skyraider nose section in the scrap pile, held it onto the F6F fuselage... and it was a good match! A leftover propeller from a Heller P-47 was added, too, and the F6F-7 was born.

The resulting aircraft looks very different from the Hellcat one is used to and the lowered spine creates a very unusual profile.

1:72 Grumman F6F-7N "Hellcat", aircraft '29/WF' of United States Marines Corps (USMC) VMF(N)-513, based at Kunsan AB, Korea, 1953 (Whif/kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Grumman F6F-7N "Hellcat", aircraft '29/WF' of United States Marines Corps (USMC) VMF(N)-513, based at Kunsan AB, Korea, 1953 (Whif/kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The rest was taken OOB, though. Only additions are the radar pod on the right wing (leftover from an Italeri F4U-5N) and the weapon hardpoints with HVARs and a pair of scratched 'Tiny Tim' missiles under the inner wings (just pieces of thick sprue with fins cut from styrene sheet). These are placed behind the propeller disc, yes, but the Tiny Tim was actually carried by F6F in this position. Due to the massive rocket motor pressure the missiles had to be released before it was fired up, so the forward movement would start way off of the aircraft.

Painting and markings:
I wanted to keep the F6F-7 in American hands, but not in the standard, post-WWII all dark blue USN or USMC livery. Since I recently worked on the F3D I was aware that some USMC aircraft had been repainted all flat black with red tactical codes, for night missions, e .g. some F4U, F7F and even F3D. While a uniform black aircraft is IMHO not really exciting I settled for this night intruder role.

Since these aircraft had been re-painted in the field, stencils were minimal and I assume that interior surfaces still bore the original paint – in this case the standard FS 15042.

To create a makeshift and worn look, I painted the leading edges in the blue tone first and then applied a flat acrylic black basic coat with a rattle can. When the paint was still fresh, some of the black was wiped away to let the blue shine through. Furthermore I emphasized panels with a mix of black with maybe 20% dark red added. Some dry-painted aluminum simulates additional chipped and worn paint. Soot stains around the exhausts and the guns were made with dark gray and grinded graphite, which adds a nice metallic/oily shine to these areas on the black background.

1:72 Grumman F6F-7N "Hellcat", aircraft '29/WF' of United States Marines Corps (USMC) VMF(N)-513, based at Kunsan AB, Korea, 1953 (Whif/kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Grumman F6F-7N "Hellcat", aircraft '29/WF' of United States Marines Corps (USMC) VMF(N)-513, based at Kunsan AB, Korea, 1953 (Whif/kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

All interior surfaces were kept in USN/USMC standard, so that the landing gear wells and wheel discs remained Dark Blue, and the cockpit interior as well as the landing gear struts and cover insides chromate Green.

1:72 Grumman F6F-7N "Hellcat", aircraft '29/WF' of United States Marines Corps (USMC) VMF(N)-513, based at Kunsan AB, Korea, 1953 (Whif/kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The markings were puzzled together from the scrap box and an Aeromaster aftermarket sheet with red USAF 45° typo.

Finally, the kit was sealed with matt acrylic varnish.

1:72 Grumman F6F-7N "Hellcat", aircraft '29/WF' of United States Marines Corps (USMC) VMF(N)-513, based at Kunsan AB, Korea, 1953 (Whif/kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Logan Hartke · June 10, 2014, 08:06:36 AM

That new nose gives it a completely different profile, very nice. The markings are quite nice, too.

Cheers,

Logan

PR19_Kit · June 10, 2014, 08:14:53 AM

It looks more like a BIG Bearcat than any Hellcat derivative. Nice job Thomas.

nighthunter · June 10, 2014, 09:24:22 AM

Dizzy, I had come up with a Bubble canopy F6F over on Shipbucket.com, lol, your's looks great!

sandiego89 · June 10, 2014, 10:05:24 AM

Fastastic, especially like the engine choice. Really well done.

kitbasher · June 10, 2014, 12:54:51 PM

Very nice indeed. Thought of bubbletopping a Hellcat myself. Although a new engine wasn't a feature of my idea, just a straight bubbletop. Back to the drawing board I suppose!

Dizzyfugu · June 11, 2014, 12:15:42 AM

Thanks a lot.

This thing actually looks like the offspring between a Skyraider and a Bearcat - the F6F7 fits very well in between these types. The R-3350 was originally not "intended", but turned out to be a suitable replacement for the spoilt original cowling, and it matches very well with the Hellcat's fuselage!

comrade harps · June 11, 2014, 04:42:03 AM

QuoteThis thing actually looks like the offspring between a Skyraider and a Bearcat

Exactly what I was thinking! A beefed-up Bearcat crossed witha Skyraider.

Excellent!

zenrat · June 11, 2014, 05:09:02 AM

Grrrrrrrrrr-oooovey!

Now how about one with a central float?

NARSES2 · June 11, 2014, 07:24:24 AM

That works well

kitnut617 · June 11, 2014, 07:46:06 AM

Yeah, I like that

and I've got a spare Skyraider nose too ---- hmm!

Dizzyfugu · June 11, 2014, 08:19:33 AM

Maybe put it on a P-47? Should look menacing, too...

Captain Canada · June 11, 2014, 09:53:10 AM

Uglycat ?

That's so right yet so wrong....but it looks awesome ! I'm always a big fan of lots of lumps and bumps and stuff to add interest....very nice. How do you make them so quick ?

Dizzyfugu · June 11, 2014, 10:21:43 AM

Dunno? Just with my bare hands and a good eye on minimalism.

I cut and lacerate where others hesitate...