F8F-2 Bearcat

I am writing this review as one for the Testors Kit 589 that I have. Long before HobbyBoss the kit was released in 1967. I built one during that era of popular kit makers such as Monogram and Revell. This kit represents a gap between WW2 and Korea when the F8F-2 was barely ready for duty. The overall construction is straight forward and easy to follow instructions are abridged to the point where several steps on each sub-assembly are in one general illustration. After completing the main construction I airbrushed the entire model with craft acrylic paints that I use exclusively for all models. I used Glossy Dark Blue overall for the Navy's Blue of the Korean War era. The decals will be put on later. I would recommend this kit to anyone wanting the fill the gap of Naval aviation and wants a simple yet perfectly good example of such an aircraft.

I read where the Bearcat was designed for are CVE carriers. This shows compared to other WWII fighters. It is short with a small wingspan. It starts with an 8-page instruction book. One color sheet with decal locations and color guide. Two wing bombs and four 5 inches rockets. I used Tamiya acrylic Sea Blue (XF-17). Pros: Nice, recessed panel lines. A lot of engine detail that gets covered up. Wings can be in the folded position with parts to show the inside of the wings. The fit was good. The decals were good. But I did have a couple that tried to roll over on me. Cons: The canopy can be in the closed position only. Watch the tail landing gear. Do not directly glue part B18 to B15. Attach B18 to B13 (bulkhead) then to B15. The propeller does not give you any guideline for your yellow tips. Missing 2 decals for the propeller. This is a straightforward build, so I would recommend it for a beginner. Since the paint job is easy. Thinking about building it again with the wings folded. I am pleased with how it looks.

I almost didn't model this plane because it was used post WWII. My bucket list involves seeing as many WWII aircraft in action as possible and to hear them fire up. Static displays are fine but to see and hear them come alive is awesome. When I began traveling to airshows I went to the Commemorative Air Force airshow so I could see the greatest number of planes in one place at one time. Since I got there one day early I paid a visit to the airfield and this Bearcat fired up just as I arrived. I wasn't even sure what it was but when I heard a piston engine fire up for the first time ever I was for sure hooked. This is a fine kit which comes in a sturdy box, packaged well, foam wrapped canopy, full color guide for decal and paint schemes and strong sprues. Almost too strong as some parts took careful removal. My main complaint is with the tail wheel assembly; too many tiny parts resulting for me in a very weak assembly which I broke. There were only two decals for the four blade propeller, four of one and two of the other, an over site I guess. The kit has the option to cut the wings for folding. I do not understand how to make the propeller spin for there is a short shaft which doesn't reach through the engine assembly so it just fits in with no attaching. This is the second kit where I have run into this but I like the finished product.