HobbyBoss 1/72 F8F Bearcat

[PGAS]

Here is a (sort of) quick build of the HobbyBoss Bearcat. No build is actually quick for me! I just wanted to slap something together. The kit is very basic with a total of about 15 parts. I did not want to do a lot of work, just did a little extra details in the cockpit which is very simplified, however it was really a waste of time. You cannot see it at all. I did not want to do the paint schemes that came with the kit so I used the Monogram decals from an old unsuccessful build a long time ago. They worked pretty well except for the stripe on the tail. It just would not match when placed around the aft fuselage. That had to be painted. The kit was OK overall and I really am happy I finally build a Bearcat as I really like it's stubby shape.

[JamesPerrin]

A Bearcat always looks good

[KellerModeller]

Good looking model and also the stand is very elegant!

Clean and shiny paint job,well done!
I always tend to drown my numerous painting mistakes in plenty of matt clear paint at the end...

[PaulBradley]

Very nice - a very smooth paint job!

[Softscience]

Nice nice nice! And Anacostia Naval Air Station (now Joint Base Anacostia-Boling, or jay-bab, as it's pronounced) is right by where I live. So you get a fourth "nice" for that

[Clashcityrocker]

Very smoooth

Nigel

[B4en]

The Bearcat was a real looker, and yours is no exception.

I have an ancient build of one that I ought to restore one day.

[Eric Mc]

Very nice. Bearcats are very aestehetic and exciting to watch in action.

[Migrant]

Very nice! I've looked at this kit a few times. but never pulled the trigger. Your gloss finish is superb, what did you use?

[PGAS]

The Bearcat was a real looker, and yours is no exception.

I have an ancient build of one that I ought to restore one day.

That would be a neat restoration to watch. Is that the Monogram kit?

[PGAS]

Nice nice nice! And Anacostia Naval Air Station (now Joint Base Anacostia-Boling, or jay-bab, as it's pronounced) is right by where I live. So you get a fourth "nice" for that

I thought the lettering on the wing was unique. A very nice scheme that always caught my eye,

[PGAS]

Very nice! I've looked at this kit a few times. but never pulled the trigger. Your gloss finish is superb, what did you use?

The kit is a nice place to start. The simplified parts, for example, the engine cowling and engine are one piece. That is noticeable if you see it in person. Also the wheel wells are not much to speak of. The inner portion is just open to the hollow body of the model. Fine for a quick kit and you would not really see just sitting there but it bothered me enough to display it flying.


The cockpit is no winner but again it is not very visible after it is built.





The clear coat was Mr Hobby Super Clear III GX100. I gave it a little buff after spraying, but not much. It is quite a durable lacquer finish. You do have to thin it quite a bit. It is way too thick to spray through an airbrush straight from the bottle. I usually thin it about three (thinner) to one (clear coat). But I would definitely experiment. That being said, it means it lasts longer.

[Migrant]

Thanks Paul, I actually have a jar of that but have never used it. Are you thinning with Self-levelling thnner?

[PGAS]

Thanks Paul, I actually have a jar of that but have never used it. Are you thinning with Self-levelling thnner?

Yes, you are correct I do use Mr.Hobby leveling thinner. It is great stuff. Although in my experience I don't see much of a difference when I use other lacquer thinners and what I do see might just be my confirmation bias.

[Migrant]

I think the self-levelling has a retarder in it that gives the paint time to spread, hence the name I guess. It’s also less aggressive than regular lacquer thinner, so it doesn’t melt styrene. I use the SLT with Tamiya, Gunze, AK Real, and I’ve not found anything better. I’ll have to give it a try with that Gunze gloss finish.