Airfix Wildcat build part 2: Turning the 1/72 Airfix F4F Wildcat into a Contest Winner!

[@travis_thompson]

Kick ass build, I think the Airfix kits with the more pronounced panel lines look great with this style of weathering.

[@FlyingSModels]

Appreciate the good words. The lines are a little more pronounced but as you say, all the better for weathering!!

[@jazzmusician46]

That’s a beautiful build. You brought a tiny 1:72 to life. Thank you.

[@FlyingSModels]

Glad that the video helped. Appreciate the feedback!

[@normansmith8184]

Yep, you did good ol' Airfix proud sir. Brilliant.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thank you, Norman. This one was especially fun. Appreciate the good words.

[@christiansifredi7476]

Nice details on a rather small scale. The finish result is fantastic, well done !

[@FlyingSModels]

Thank you, Christian. Really appreciate the kind words. Despite its small scale, the Airfix Wildcat has some excellent features and details. Thanks again!

[@christiansifredi7476]

@@FlyingSModels yes, I can see great details inside the cockpit too and crisp panel lines. Just recently finished a 1/72 Wildcat from Academy but hardly any details in it and probably accuracy issues. It was fun though for a quick built and very cheap kit.

[@FlyingSModels]

@@christiansifredi7476 Yep, Airfix is making some really nice little 1/72 kits these days. Lots of details. Just wish they would make a real instrument panel instead of relying on decals. I haven't built the Academy kit but sounds like it's not quite as nice as the Airfix one. As long as it is fun and semi-cheap, though, that's all that really matters :)

[@christiansifredi7476]

@@FlyingSModels oh, in that case to spruce it up even more, maybe putting a PE instrument panel. The academy kit is super cheap. Got it for around $3.50, for a quick and fun build just to kill some spare time, haha

[@FlyingSModels]

@@christiansifredi7476 Yep, I scratched out some details instead of using the decal sheet or going the etch route. I think I paid 10 bucks or so for the kit so not quite the deal you got at $3.50. Cheaper and safer than going to the bars...haha.

[@manfredjordan804]

Very happy to find your Channel!

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks! Glad you like it. Lots more content in the works!

[@randypurtteman1183]

Absolutely gorgeous aircraft. A prime example of what can be done with some time and patience. Even without spending an entire fortune on aftermarket parts.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for the good words. These Airfix kits are really great and like you said, can be built into a really nice model without going broke buying a bunch of aftermarket stuff. Appreciate the feedback!

[@darrenanderson7969]

Your color choices and highlights always give the models so much more life; like Anime artwork.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for the feedback, Darren. I know the finish is a little much for some folks but to me, when seen in person with the naked eye, things just blend together better and the contrasts created by the varying colors and tones make it look so much better, to me. Either that or I'm just going blind...which very well could be the case...haha.

[@darrenanderson7969]

@@FlyingSModels I've been selling off 90% of my model stock.. 247 boxes in my garage has pushed the wifey over her limit. I'd love to send you one to feature on your channel if that's cool.. no strings attached; I'd just enjoy watching one of mine actually get built instead of collecting dust. Let me know and I can show you what I have. I wouldn't expect to get it back or anything...

[@FlyingSModels]

@@darrenanderson7969 Thank you for that kind and generous offer. Might be kind of fun to do a feature build like that and then send it back to you (if you collect build models...I don't keep the ones I build). I know what you mean about getting too many in the stash. Feel free to ping me over at: flyingSmodels.square.site using the contact section. Look forward to talking more and thank you again for your thoughtfulness. All the best, Chad.

[@jeromechapelle530]

A little gem. Congratulations. I like your style on weathering and use of oil paints for the panels. That makes your models very recognizable. It seems you like Airfix models for what they are : a very nice base that can be improved by detailing or good painting techniques.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thank you, Jerome. I appreciate the kind words. I have really enjoyed some of these new Airfix kits as they are inexpensive and yet quite detailed. They offer some really good modeling value for the money. Cheers!

[@chancerNW]

That is stunning little build very nicely done. A great looking Wildcat love the tone variations and the panel lines.

[@FlyingSModels]

Appreciate the kind words. These little Airfix kits are fun little projects.

[@petermathieson5692]

What a brilliant modeller!!!!!! Nicely produced video too. Not an easy pair of skills to master. Would you consider adding a voice-over so we lesser modellers can learn even more from your techniques?

[@FlyingSModels]

Thank you, Peter. I really appreciate the kind words. I started adding voice overs in my later videos. I think the Wildcat build was one of the last ones without it as I had other requests for more description of the techniques. Thank you again and Merry Christmas!

[@toddzehr203]

Superb. Very well done. Recently saw this kit and wanted to see how other modelers tackled the build. Hence how I found this channel. Subscribed.

[@FlyingSModels]

Appreciate the feedback and sub, Todd. It's a great little kit. If you picked it up, enjoy the build. I'm wrapping up their little Curtiss Hawk now so I'll have a video up on that one soon.

[@toddzehr203]

@@FlyingSModels Nice. I am looking to get a Curtiss SOC Seagull scout observation float plane that was launched and recovered by crane on some U.S. Nayy battleships during the 30's and 40's. A nice looking biplane with floats and I love the paint schemes. I got interested in the Seagull after building a U.S.S. Arizona that came with two of these. little planes.

[@FlyingSModels]

@@toddzehr203 I've always loved that plane too. Want to try to do one in 1/32 one day. Everyone has to have a dream :)

[@kitbuilder3027]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you for sharing your skills and expertise.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to provide the good feedback.

[@mikelafayette3421]

Very nice work!

[@FlyingSModels]

Appreciate that good feedback.

[@sultanofswing8270]

Loving your videos, makes me wanna shift back to 1/72.Awesome work !

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks! I bounce between all scales just to keep things interesting! Appreciate the kind words!

[@user-qg4st8ih1d]

I’ve just discovered this channel and you’ve really sold me on Airfix kits in particular. The newer FW190 model put me off of them a bit. Also really love your weathering techniques!

[@FlyingSModels]

They are some really nice kits, at least the newer ones. If they'd switch over to some slightly harder plastic, they would be spot on. I'm glad you discovered the channel and hope that the videos help. Cheers!

[@kees1705vanwely]

Joe Foss would have loved this superb model.

[@FlyingSModels]

That's quite a compliment. Thank you for the kind words!!

[@pauka13]

Incredible detail. After working on my 1/32nd scale ki-44 it is just unbelieveable how tiny it is.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for the feedback. These kits do have some really nice detail for the scale.

[@rikbryan9709]

Beautiful and stunning result! Love it ,and i,ll be using some of those techniques.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for the feedback and I'm glad that you can use some of the techniques on your next build.

[@spruetherapy]

Ok, you are officially my favourite model maker purely on how you paint and weather your models. They look almost, like art if that makes sense? I have some spare wings from this kit and I'm going to give your methods a try. I usually paint primer, then post shade with black, mottle with white, then base coat, gloss, decals, gloss, panel liner and some post shading and chipping. I need to get my head around using oils. Stunning work, boggles my mind how few subs you have. I will be sharing on my social media platforms, as you are awesome! :)

[@FlyingSModels]

I really appreciate your kind words. I know my finishing style is not to everyone's liking as it is a bit more artistic maybe than purely realistic. I'm in the process of making a more detailed video that shows the use of oils as part of the painting process and not so much for panel line shading only. Thanks for the shares! Cheers, Chad.

[@spruetherapy]

@@FlyingSModels Thanks Chad, I have a question actually. I tried your technique of putting thinner on the surface and then adding some pigment into areas and tried to mix it in and blend it. I couldn't get it to behave at all how yours does in the video. The pigment seemed to not want to blend using the brush with more fresh thinners on it. I am using odorless thinner instead of white spirit. Would that be the issue? Looking forward to your more in depth video.

[@joekmodels]

Really turned out great, enjoyed watching you build this! Great job on the gear workaround. You have a style that really brings out the lines and highlights the colors in such a unique way. Looking forward to trying some of these techniques out on future build.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks, Joe. Really enjoyed this build and thanks for the inspiration!

[@randypurtteman1183]

I just watch another gentleman build this same aircraft and I must say that the results that he achieved with the same kit were not, in my opinion, as well done as yours.

[@FlyingSModels]

Well thank you for that compliment. I've had a few comments about how the finish was a bit overdone and non-realistic but I like my builds to show a little more artistic style and visual interest. May seem a little overdone when viewed through the lens but when viewed by the human eye in person they seem "just right". Thanks again!

[@TheModelorian]

What an awesome result. Great skills, great video, great tutorial.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for the good words!

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

👍👍loved it.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks! Appreciate the feedback!

[@BennyCFD]

OK already...........sheesh, yes it was a very nice build

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks

[@FalkeEins]

..wow..that manoeuvre with the landing gear looked a bit risky, not to mention the thing with the stove! Surely it's easier to just sand the wheels flat? Its a fantastic little kit though. Built it twice - Airfix also do the British version -the Martlet. Nice job and neat video!

[@FlyingSModels]

Yep, close calls all around. I really enjoyed it and had hoped to do a British Martlet too down the road. Appreciate the kind words.

[@jameshopkinson4056]

Superb

[@FlyingSModels]

Thank you, James. Appreciate the feedback!

[@Theatersounz]

You are very talented sir!

[@FlyingSModels]

Thank you very much, Dave! Appreciate the kind words.

[@martinluerssen9487]

Very nicely done, thanks for the great video! The result looks really great and quite convincing. The only thing I see a small problem with in the overall impression are the decals. Especially in a heavily weathered object they stand out a little, because they aren't lightened and darkened like the panels or weathered a bit.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for the feedback and I appreciate the kind words. I'd have to agree with you in that I probably should have weathered them a little more than I did.

[@stacyobrien1729]

Love the biuld nicely done, now that I have found your channel I have watched several different builds. I have to say this caught me laughing for the fact it looked as though you were playing with my son's gold fish. Love your work!!

[@FlyingSModels]

Appreciate the feedback and glad you found/like the channel. And always good to have a laugh 😀

[@cesarignjas]

nice buld! well done!

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for the kind words. Was a really fun little build.

[@SprueFascinationChannel]

Lovely build, like it ;-)

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for the feedback. Really enjoyed this little kit!

[@organicpaul]

Great build and finish! Just picked one up as well!

[@FlyingSModels]

Appreciate the good words. You will enjoy this one. Just don't make the same mistake I did on the landing gear. But that being said, it did make painting easier :)

[@flyingwithdkmodelkits5815]

What type of brand did you use for the paint and what type of Ak paneliner did you use. was it black?

[@FlyingSModels]

Not sure if I showed it in the video but I think it was a combo or AK and Tamiya Paints. As far as the panel liner, I used the one for winter camo. It's a little greenish black so not as stark.

[@flyingwithdkmodelkits5815]

OK thanks because I am right now making a battle of Midway project may I say great job on the model it looks so realistic keep up the great work

[@FlyingSModels]

@@flyingwithdkmodelkits5815 Thank you. That project sounds great. Hopefully you will consider sharing some pics when you get it done over on my facebook page at: facebook/flyingSmodels

[@flyingwithdkmodelkits5815]

Will do

[@ScottysScaleStudio]

Beautifully executed. Really nice work and some great alternative techniques. In my stash, Thank you.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for the feedback. Hope some new techniques for the "tool box" now.

[@neilharrison1420]

thats amazing work.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thank you, Neil. Appreciate the feedback. It's a really nice little kit.

[@brianc1701]

Your video just popped up as "recommended", stunning work! Subscribed! Just one small request for future videos would be to include more info on the brand of paints you use. Looking forward to catching up on your previous video builds and for those to come!

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for the feedback and the sub. I appreciate it. And yes, I will spend more time including paint info and other features you might want to see/hear.

[@infernumdk]

Great build, I hope you add more videos👍

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks, Philip. I'm working one another right now. Hope to have it posted tomorrow or Thursday. Certainly by end of the week.

[@eddielane72]

Once again I'm back.. cant stop watching your vids!! What can I say... tremendous work and impeccably executed. As I've mentioned to you before I've just started back up with scale modelling after a long break and have picked up a lot of tips from you. I'm nowhere near your standard but am thoroughly enjoying it again. Any further news on the 1/48 Gannet? Would definitely want one!! Once again thankyou for sharing your talent. Take care.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks Edward. I'm glad that you like the videos and that they are helping you in some way. It's all about the journey so make sure to enjoy all the build time you can get. On the Gannet, still working through the 3D printed parts and am concentrating on the 1/32 version at the moment. As soon the parts are right, I'll scale down to 1/48 and make those mods. I'll keep you posted.

[@davidi4306]

Hi. Just subscribed to your channel and have watched a few of the vids already. Great stuff! Love the Wildcat build. I have that kit in my stash but I have built the Airfix Martlet IV with folded wings. Then I saw your vid on the Cyber Hobby Hellcat F6F-3. I have built that, and the Academy and the Eduard. I might make a comment in the Hellcat vid but I am enjoying. By the way, I am expecting a couple of the new Arma FM-2 Wildcat kits.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for the sub and for the feedback on the Hellcat kit. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on the FM-2 kit. It's always been a favorite of mine but I haven't picked one up yet.

[@EddiesGarage]

Impressive work! Love it! Well, I need to change my stove, first.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for the kind words. I've had to use a cookie sheet or other flat plat when I didn't have the glass top stove. Just watch the heat as it kind get kind of "spicy" under the fuselage 😉

[@adriancabrera3014]

Its just amazing ¡¡¡ Great work on that Wildcat¡ I already bought the Model Master exact colors but not the Wildcat XD

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks. Good luck with yours!

[@grahamhunt1902]

G'day Thanks for a terrific video, I learn't heaps, especially your use of oil paints which interested me most. Although I think your panel lines are just a little bit too heavy/dark for my liking. Each to our own opinion though. I will be another one of your new subscribers, so keep them coming. 🍻

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for the feedback. I know that everyone has their own style and it's also interesting how the camera makes model look on screen versus how it looks to the naked eye. Didn't quite look as heavy/dark on my bench...haha. Thanks for the sub!

[@JedenSiedemDwa]

Very good done. You have great skills. Why I never found Your videos before? ;)

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for the kind words. Just started posting more videos about 2 months ago. Glad you found the channel!

[@tracysw100]

Great Work! Almost makes me want to get back into 1/72 except my fingers have become too fat and my eyes too weak LOL I definitely am taking some of your techniques to heart though, very good results1

[@FlyingSModels]

I hear you...1/72 seems to be getting smaller the older I get. Reading glasses have helped, that's for sure. Glad that some of the techniques were helpful.

[@constellationshots3893]

Would weathering with chalk pastels work similar to oil paints, they're grainier so might give some texture and do the same things that oil paint does.

[@FlyingSModels]

I'm not sure it would give the same effects. I used to use a lot of chalks but have gone more to oils these days. I think their grainer texture just give a different look than the oils.

[@MrFoggy89]

Is that thinners you use to remove the excess of the panel wash? How long do you leave the wash to “set” for?

[@FlyingSModels]

Yep, I just use cheap ole mineral spirits to remove any residual wash from the model. I just leave the wash on until it dries to a matte finish and then wipe it off, usually only 5-10 minutes, unless I apply a heavy coat. Hope this helps.

[@2-Hands]

What color did you use for the Wheel Wells??? "OUTSTANDING" work!!!

[@FlyingSModels]

Appreciate the feedback. I painted those with Tamiya Gloss white and then weathering them a bit.

[@2-Hands]

@@FlyingSModels Why White, I thought Interior Green like the Cockpit???

[@FlyingSModels]

I think there is a lot of conjecture on those colors. Much of what you see in online photos is of restored aircraft that don't always use the same colors as Grumman did back in the day. I think I had some sources that indicated white in that area but now you have me second guessing those. Maybe I'll dig them back out and confirm one way or the other.

[@2-Hands]

@@FlyingSModels "Thanks", keep up the "OUTSTANDING" work you do on your models and sharing them with us.

[@FlyingSModels]

Appreciate it! Will do!

[@richarddavies2529]

Obviously your technique for flattening the tires is not recommended on a gas stove (unless you are looking to simulate a very bad carrier landing) :) Anyway - amazing paintwork and weathering - I learned a lot watching this. Thank you!

[@FlyingSModels]

That's a great point. Wouldn't be good for the model or the stove. Probably should have thrown at a warning there..haha. Thanks for the feedback and I'm glad to hear that it helped a little!

[@davidharris733]

Nice job. A bit too heavy on the weathering to my eye. VF6 received it's first F4F-4's in early April 1942, in time to act as fighter escort for the Doolitle Raid. The red in the national insignia was removed sometime just after the Battle of the Coral Sea and definitely before 15 May. So the aircraft depicted can only be 4-6 weeks old.

[@FlyingSModels]

Appreciate the feedback. I'm one that likes a little more weathering just to add an artistic touch. Maybe that weather in the Pacific during April/May of '42 was extra harsh. 😉 Thanks for the VF6 history/details.

[@davidharris733]

@@FlyingSModels it's a great model.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks, David! Appreciate the kind words.

[@sandrozeb]

Hi FlyMod, First of all I really like the model. You did a great job. If we want to nitpick (sometimes it is helpful to know other modellers opinion, I partially agree with David, not on the weathering itself that seems to me to be very good (carriers plane were notoriously exposed to more harsh conditions than the land based counterparts) but rather on the "panels definition lines) which (my opinion) in this scale seem to be a bit hard. Once again I love it and I like your video story line, detailed but not boring or lengthy. Please keep on publishing. Best, Sandro

[@Riverrockphotos]

Heck, I think the one they pulled out of Lake Michigan looked less weathered than this one lol. Still a work of are I like the weathering myself.

[@philbivins7133]

Chad how many hours did you have in this build. Also do you have more than one build going on at the same time? Thanks

[@FlyingSModels]

Hey Phil, I probably had about 20 hours or so in this build. The weathering takes a little longer and I typically spend more time than most in the cockpit work given it's 1/72 and hard to see the finished product most of the time. As far as projects go, I typically do have a number of builds going on at the same time. And of course, I have my own "shelf of doom" with a few projects that got stalled along the way, unfortunately. But it's a hobby so I build to have some fun and relax. Hope this helps.

[@BigDaddy-fx4nx]

Great build but a little too much on the panel lines and weathering. It could use a little engine grease and smoke.

[@FlyingSModels]

Appreciate your feedback and perspectives. I completely understand that the style and finish may not be to everyone's liking or preference. Thanks!

[@animalyze7120]

Build was good, the paint gets ruined by those obscene panel lines, makes it look reptilian. Preshading is a false craze in the hobby as shading has to do with lighting not actual paint application. Not sure if it was the Gundam craze or not but panel lines are not that distinct and aren't recessed in real life per say, just two or more joints that are flat mated not beveled edges. Great video regardless and really do like how far the smaller Airfix kits have been revamped to make really fun builds. Great channel you have here!!!

[@FlyingSModels]

Appreciate the thoughtful feedback and your perspectives. I enjoy modeling for the artistic value so I'm usually not as concerned about total realism and getting the exact number of rivets right. The great thing about the hobby is that there is plenty of room for all styles of building and finishing and I appreciate them all. Thanks again for taking the time to provide the feedback. All the best to you!

[@vincentfiore2228]

Very toy like in apearence.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for your feedback. If you could provide a little more explanation or specifics, that might help me understand better.

[@vincentfiore2228]

@@FlyingSModels The sheen was the same all over the model. On a plane that weathered it should have been flat instead of gloss. The panel lines were shaded too wide and all the same intensity. Yoy did a great job on the crpit.

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for your inputs. The model is actually flat coated so I can't agree with your comment about the gloss coat on the finished model. But I do understand that each modeler has a different opinion about weathering and that the panel line shading may not be to your liking. That's the beauty of model building is that we can all finish them in the way that we like best. I appreciate your feedback!

[@vincentfiore2228]

@@FlyingSModels If the model is flat-coated I believe you, but on my computer screen, it appears very shiny. What flat coat did you use, so that I will not use it on any of my models. I use Tayma

[@FlyingSModels]

That's funny. I used AK and Alclad flat. Would love to see the image that you are looking at. You can message me over on my facebook page if you want: facebook.com/flyingSmodels/?ref=bookmarks The model was gloss coated for decals and weathering but then flat coated. Wondered if maybe that was the image you saw.

[@dougmackenzie5976]

Question: Why do you paint white dots on the engine valve pushrod covers? (!) Look at a photo of a P&W R-1830. They are almost always gloss black, or are left in their natural stainless steel state. I don't understand what the white dots are about. I saw you did it on the Hellcat engine, too. -I am an Airframe & Powerplant technician of over 30 years and worked on a good number of these engines (as well as having built the world's largest, most powerful jet engine; the GE90, for almost 20 years (so I DO know what I'm talking about when it comes to aircraft, and especially their powerplants.) Take a look at this photo of a P&W R-1830. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pratt_%26_Whitney_R-1830_Twin_Wasp#/media/File:R-1830_IWM.JPG

[@FlyingSModels]

Hey Doug, I realize that there are no white dots on the pushrods or covers on the real thing. As you can probably see from the way I finish my models, I sometimes take a good bit of artistic license with the finish in order to provide a little more visual interest. I find (for me) that if I paint a small model the same way a real plane looks, it looks to plain and almost more like a toy. I appreciate the thoughtful comment and the expertise that you have in this area. I also appreciate you sharing that with me and the rest of the community. I think that others will probably build things more true to life than me and will certainly appreciate this input. Cheers!

[@dougmackenzie5976]

@@FlyingSModels Ahh, I thought that might be the case. I was just wondering. Do you know of any good 1/72 scale radial engine PE or upgrade kits you'd recommend?

[@dougmackenzie5976]

@@FlyingSModels I think I answered my own question with this very nicely detailed 1/72nd scale R-1830 after-market kit. I will definitely be using this for the appropriate builds. (Sorry to seem so pedantic and such a neophyte about this stuff. I started modeling in 1965 [yes, you read that right] and stopped in '75 when guitars and girls entered the picture. I'm now retired and returning to the hobby after an almost 50 year absence.) I am stunned with how the hobby has grown up in the intervening years and am very keen to resume building. I still have some kits from the mid '60s in my boxed collection! Thanks for your patience and willingness to tutor old hands like me. Here's the engine kit I found: www.bnamodelworld.com/model-planes-engine-details-small-stuff-ss-72115?zenid=3df913a7e738d4c3524e915f9e2daaaa

[@FlyingSModels]

@@dougmackenzie5976 Glad you got what you needed. There are some nice resin engines available from various manufactures. Quickboost makes some good stuff but I don't like that they don't typically have the pushrods included. Kits sure have changed and very much for the better. Glad you are back to building and enjoying the hobby once again. Hope that the videos can be helpful going forward. Never worry about the nature of your comments. They always go to help me and the rest of the community here that reads them. Appreciate the time you take to provide them. Cheers, Chad.

[@shaunmorrissey7313]

Nice build spoiled by ridiculous panel line wash

[@FlyingSModels]

Thanks for your inputs. Always value feedback no matter what type it is. Cheers!