How bad is can a $20 model kit be? Budget building the 1/48 HobbyBoss F4F-3 Wildcat

Follow along as I work through the Hobby Boss Wildcat and try to find out how weathered is too weathered. For $20, the kit has it's pluses and minuses but in the end can be a fun build.

[@oot007]

Finally a great model build on you tube with meaningful commentary and no awful background music

[@hattrick8684]

I have a rule, every build I try something new on. Last build was a Tamiya 1:35 Panther A. I scratch built the schurzen side skirts. Made a tarp, and filled in the periscope ports, put in glass in the front. It’s not perfect, but it’s damn good for my skill level and time in hobby.

[@franktyphoon98]

Hi model guy, I just wanted to compliment with yourself for your skills but especially your passion for history and your knowledge of the various topics you treated. As a fellow modeler and history lover myself, I really enjoyed this video and I look forward for others in the future. Greetings from Italy

[@chrispacer4231]

July 27th 2020. The F4F WILDCAT is my favorite plane. Built many of them. Markings of , WAKE ISLAND, MIDWAY, MARINES ON GAUDACANEL and the first American WW2 ace. BUTCH O’ HARE

[@frederickdonley5392]

Super job on this kit especially the painting and weathering I'm looking forward to your next one thanks

[@321CatDaddy]

Excellent video! The weathering is outstanding

[@firstnamelastname1101]

The Model Guy, Great subjects, build techniques, narration and historical info all add up to great videos. Really enjoy watching. Thanks for sharing.

[@jfstg6039]

I love the fact than you leave your impression, you share your knowledge about the plane history and tips about how to build the model you are filming !! Very good job!

[@TheSid42]

Looks great love seeing the wildcat and the painted decals look great

[@richardhirst7810]

Great build and history of the wildcat ,👍👍

[@robertblake2765]

I am also a big aviaton history buff,I loved the history Channel growing up

[@padraigmcconnell7015]

Just got your video as a recommendation. Brilliant video.

[@tomspettel3646]

Great i love your knowledge of history. I started building models reading about famous battles of WWII and i joined the US navy for the same reason 👍👍

[@talgov01]

I liked the commentary much better than the music in the background. I am going to try black basing on my next build.

[@davesims1615]

You have by far the best build videos! Love your history comintations while you build the planes excellent job. My only disappointment is there aren’t enough ,keep up the good work…

[@grahamrushall6044]

Great job. Love the commentary.

[@MVeminor7]

Great plane and a great job with the weathering, It looks equal both top and bottom. This is my sticky spot. I overcome it by doing one wing at a time both top and bottom to control my painting and weathering. Thanks for sharing and encouraging comments

[@philRminiatures]

Looks great, love the realistic final touches...

[@deanmcbeth4140]

Super build and paint job mate

[@braxxian]

You never stop learning and ( hopefully ) improving as a model builder. I have been building models for over 40 years and am still only about half as good as I would like to be. The quest continues.

[@martinolsen8271]

Great build, enjoyed the video and the result. I to have a great interest in history, love the history telling while you build. Keep up the good work. Greetings from CPH 🐾🇩🇰🐾

[@otterformosa2968]

Really enjoy the narration while building processes. :D

[@micheldriessen5081]

Great formula: interesting talk and explain the job

[@briannolasco4911]

Masking star and bars were a nightmare for me. I shelved my P-47D just for that ruined decal. Then, I managed to print using Inkjet printer. After all trials and frustrations of diy decals, I managed to produce my own decals.

[@halukaygin9274]

Enjoyed the video very much.Well done.Super modelling at its best.

[@themajesticmagnificent8561]

Excellent build.!👍

[@LsScaleModels]

Great videos, thanks for the inspiration, This was my first accurate attempt of a 1:48 Spitfire MK Vb from reference, did some scratch building in the cockpit, the elevators were cut off and glued in a lowered position. Put in a cap for the fuel tank, blisters on the engine covers. The roundels and tail decals were sprayed, maybe twice, along with a few other areas, little IPA accident, ooops! this build really boosted my confidence and has turned out well.

[@voodoonights1671]

Great video and lovely model. On each aircraft kit at the moment i am painting all the pilots. I ahve not bothered till now as they were very poor in past when completed. However i have not only got better as i have gone along, i have discovered i love brush painting things! Keep up the good work.

[@Duececoupe]

I built the Tamiya 1/48 kit some years ago. Built her as A Grumman F4F-4 Bureau # 5244, #13 from Fighting Squadron 3 (VF-3), flown by Executive Officer, Lieutenant (Junior Grade) William N. Leonard, as he takes off from USS Yorktown (CV-5) on combat air patrol, during the morning of 4 June 1942. His son was kind to help me alot during the build.... Another gentleman helped me with his father machines from the pacific, the PBY Catalina, when used as the Black Cat, should be fun that....an all black machine and in 1/48 the PBY isn't exactly small! 😉😆😂 Awesome work! 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻

[@VaughnDJs]

that was so cool, result of a F4F-3 search, nice to see the back of hand injury heal through the build, I had no idea of the methods you used until I observed just now, cant imagine the actual monetary value of a model that had so much work put into it, thanks for making the video!

[@TheModelGuy]

Being a diesel mechanic usually means some cuts and other damage to the hands :) It's hard to put a value on it and this one ended up being sold for quite a bit more than the kit and materials cost. Glad you found the channel and maybe learned something :)

[@danielburgess7785]

The Wildcat was an ocean going P-47. Damn fine aircraft.

[@Black73CatScaleModels]

Hi. I've been subscribed to your channel for a while but have only just got round to watching one of your vids. Really enjoyed this and I'll be back for more! I love the extra info about the aircraft and and it's history. Great stuff. 👍

[@johanbergqvist3939]

Nice build! Just coming back to this hobby and need to pick up as much as possible. Nice with both history and building tips.

[@TheRealHawkeye]

Thanks for the video. I challenged myself recently with a 1/48 Hasegawa SBD-3. I bought an Eduard photoetch flap set to display them open. It was very challenging. I had to learn how to use a bending tool, plastic styrene rods, and work with numerous photoetch parts. I agree full heartedly that seeking challenges is how we grow. My next challenge is a previous generation 1/48 Eduard Fw-190A-8 with the cowl open.

[@TheModelGuy]

TheRealHawkeye photo etched parts are a huge challenge for me. Especially something like flaps that have no room for error

[@robbo1068]

Another beaut build.....great weathering and really enjoyed listening to the history behind the build. The painted emblems are so much better than the decals on the Corsair....less vibrant which I suspect would be the case for a war weary aircraft. Well done....so will no doubt enjoy what's next on the bench. My challenge has been perfecting (if ever) rigging on WNW aircraft. I've built four WW1 planes so far and the rigging is still causing me frustration so.....more practice to come!! Thanks again and congrats on a really great job.

[@slayaishere125]

love everything about this video.

[@stacyobrien1729]

Love the build, also how your masking turn out. I would like to see more of how your detail painting turned out more. I have been able to get close to these in my home town of Reno and your so right of how grimy they can be, please keep up the great work!!

[@luizantonioferreira6497]

Olá amigo, sou do Brazil me dá um aviaozinho deste pra mim. 😪😪😪😪😪

[@vought19]

I attempt to try out 1 new technique on each model I make. Preshading, wash, chipping, riveting, painted decals, etc. with various degrees of success. But I learned a lot and I totally concur. You have to try new things to develop yourself. Even though it didn't work out with motorising this build you inspired me to try this out for my upcoming build.

[@felipequesada6833]

Found video interesting. The Wildcat is actually a favorite of mine. One of the few aircraft that was effective through WWII. As another student of history, I loved how you mentioned important details. I once took 1/72 Tigercat kit and folded the wings. Was about 13 at time. Liked how carrier aircraft could do that.

[@DavidRamirez-ww5kv]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@stephenbridges2791]

Great build! Especially of an inexpensive kit. I have been modelling for almost 60 years, and; if I were to offer a suggestion to a newer modeler it would be this. Start with an armor subject if you want to stretch your skills. Armor is more forgiving than almost any other type. That's how I began with realism. If you make a mistake on armor (everyone will); it is more easily correctable. Even a very glaring error can be disguised as battle damage of some sort. And, if you apply too much dirt, grime, or whatever; whose to say that an actual vehicle wouldn't be exactly like that. Especially a late war German or Russian subject. I think it is very refreshing to see younger modelers, such as you; getting involved in the hobby. I often wonder how much better you guys will be than I was. Keep up the good work.

[@midnightmodeling1639]

Love the wild cat, well done My friend.

[@michaeljendro7766]

Nice job. I've been a .model builder for 60years . And I get amazed at what some of the high priced kits cost. I'm also a moldmaker so I understand what goes into producing a plastic model kit. However I appreciate the talent and techniques used to produce an excellent model without spending a ton of money on aftermarket extras.

[@cruzmzuniga8400]

Great build, relay enjoy your videos. I just got back into model building after a long absence. I have ruined a couple models took a break and fully completed a 1:48 Tamiya Jagdtiger incliding painting. No weathering that's my next challenge with a Takom M46 Patton. Wish me luck and keep the videos coming.

[@justinmurphy2227]

I love you videos....simple! Perfect amount of history to modeling ratios in my opinion sir. It's like you really know your audience! By the way, EXCELLENT job with painted on markings and not going with DECK-Gulls....my fiance couldn't figure out what you were referring to other than possibly.....birds. The feathered type.....lol. After, 3 back surgeries....I think I'm about ready to start modeling because of you!

[@TheModelGuy]

I'm glad to hear you're starting up the hobby again. I just started again three years ago after a 25 year hiatus :) As for "Decals" it's my East coast accent. A lot of other places in Canada say it the same way as well. I get it in every video lol

[@DavidWicksiam]

I altered the top fuselage of Mig 21 to a different variant. It involved sawing the whole top part off and then making a new one with modeling clay...it came off nicely.

[@rubentrevino6288]

Beautiful

[@razmanianscalemodel8228]

nice....very nice build.

[@Mark-df9fu]

Great build, im with you mate, always paint on as much as possible national markings. Youre right a lot of work but worth it.

[@jimleffler7976]

Wow you kicked arse! A Cricket...my wife has one I'll have to figure out how to make 1/48 templates. I would sometimes paint leading edges silver or gray before putting on the top coat, then scratching a bit at a time here and there to look like wear.. this could also be done in a different way with dry brushing some silver or gray over the main coat...either way created wear from salt ,coral dust etc. I could do similar to imitate smoke blowback around the gunports.

[@nas4js]

Aluminium matt for the cylinders, between them big black diflectors , and the "Bell" with dark sea grey gloss, no chips there , for nothing ,because the propeller will not left anything to hit it, or the Bell will be changed from the maintenace crew. Matt aluminium for the harness of the electrical wires, and black gloss for rocker cover. Sorry for my bad english.

[@SprueFascinationChannel]

Lovely video

[@oceanvibesphotography8395]

Love it 😍 can’t wait for the sea fire will u realise a video of the f4 engine running

[@xjrthirteen]

I'm a fan of the Wildcat, and your build is a superb example. I like your history voiceover too, it's nice to hear a little background behind the build subject. My only suggestion would be a bit more explanation of what you are doing in the build. I had to skip back a few times before I figured out you were using a plastic cotton bud handle to make the antenna ties! All in all a great vid, cheers mate 👍

[@lebaillidessavoies3889]

As a big fan of Grumman products , i think you highly managed to render a wilcat.

[@luizantonioferreira6497]

Meu Deus, quanta paciência, más o resultado é impressionante, muito lindo.

[@shawnbaker5092]

Impressive

[@ejtakach]

Wish I could have seen your Mustang build. I'm a newbie and picked up two different 1/72 kits to try.

[@TheModelGuy]

I have two -51Bs in the stash so there will be another down the road

[@yxeaviationphotog]

I was wondering what you used to make the insulators for the antenna wire. Great build!

[@bobdyer422]

You forgot to add that the landing gear was hand cranked up & down. WHAT!? No kudos to the Bearcat or Tigercat? U.S.N. Wildcats from the Hornet also shot down a number of Luftwaffe AC. Tangling a few times with JG5 in the North. The Hornet was used later to help the relief of Malta, Spitfires flew from her deck. I've just started using Montex Masks. They work fantastic. Used them on Trumpeter's 1/24th Fw-190"D". The 'Cat looks excellent. Congrats!

[@danielc.8006]

Just got an F8F hobbyboss kit.

[@rossomachin]

Here in Moscow, Russian Federation, we also enjoy beautifully painted models. So here my Like for this video

[@TheModelGuy]

I've got a SU-34 coming up soon, hopefully you will approve of that too

[@larrybrown1824]

Well, huh! I broke my canopy and had to order one from Squadron. I guess that was a blessing in disguise.

[@Octabust]

Love this video and very interesting to listening to you watching the video.

[@tyates4398]

Great work!! It's a shame that Hobby Boss goes so heavy on the rivets, they're really not bad kits, i have a couple of their ME262s and enjoyed the build.

[@lawrencereid9375]

Two great builds but have to give the edge to the Wildcat's painted on markings. They're perfect in color and quality..

[@ryburnsjr]

Dude you da man !!!!

[@TheModelGuy]

You should check out the newer videos!

[@buckmerdoc8860]

Very nice!!! What's that template thingy you used?

[@gavingiles5079]

You should prime and then check for defects. That way you would have seen the gaps in the tail fin joint.

[@averagedemkosupporter1050]

What was the mix ratio of buff and insignia white you used? Would mind to give that a try myself

[@defthammer]

First off - Great video. And, I have to agree with OOT below. I appreciate the lack of background music. Now two questions, a challenge success, and a recommendation. 1. How long do you let the oil wash dry before you start wiping it off? 2. What did you use for insulators on the antenna? The challenge was building Academy's 1/72 P-51B (Bud Anderson's 'Old Crow') in D-Day markings. It's a nice little kit, but my experience with Academy decals is that they're basically rubbish. You might as well be using stickers. (Maybe they're better on the more expensive kits?) I tried a spare decal on one of my bench mules and yep...rubbish. I ordered an aftermarket set which was great, but didn't have decals for the stripes. Not to be deterred, I decided to paint them on. It wasn't perfect, but I was pleased with the result. If you haven't already, give the book "Shattered Sword" by Parshall and Tully a read. It addresses the events at Midway focusing mostly on Japanese sources. It's not an easy read...it's kind of wonky, in fact. However, if you ever wanted to know how inter-service and intra-service politics, plane spotting, hanger configurations, and aircraft capabilities worked against Japan, this is the book. Did I mention wonky? 40% of the book is dedicated to appendixes and sources. There are many accounts from survivors to add interest to the narrative, though Again, thanks for a great video.

[@TheModelGuy]

Good questions. For the oil wash, I let it dry 30 minutes before wiping it away. For the wear/tear I immediately start blending it with the thinners. For insulators on the antenna, I use a cotton bud that I stretch out. Cut the buds off first or else you build heat too quick to do it. I'll also start looking for that book. I just picked up "Stuka Pilot" and as much as I can't stand his fanatical beliefs in National Socialism, the combat portion is well done. It's a hard read.

[@kiwiruna9077]

Really enjoyed this video, its made me reconsider Hobbyboss kits, The Willdcat and Corsair looked good together, but as a proud Kiwi I always think the F-4U looks better in RNZAF colours, Bugger about the 'stang Is it still in progress or fully complete? Finally, intrigued but your Seafire build looking forward to that.

[@TheModelGuy]

The Mustang was a huge setback (hence the delay in content) but the Seafire is going well. I should be riveting it tonight as the kitbash part is finally complete.

[@youngbloodhobby2103]

You did an awesome job I can tell you that. But when I build, I like the model to look like it's been restored. Maybe even with a clear coat or varnish over it and not weathered

[@user-zu5vi6xs4t]

Best thing to do in cockpit paint it in enamels dont need to dry brush if it's grey just rub your thumb over bezels and molded knobs until you get the desired wear look 🤔

[@paintnamer6403]

Being how realistic you bring things out I can only think that the wound on your left hand was from a 1/48 scale 20mm accidental discharge.

[@flashy5150]

Hey, they were those little fat planes that couldn’t handle the Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero’s at Pearl Harbor, nice build though.

[@carmium]

They weren't in the air at Pearl Harbor. Probably why.

[@nas4js]

No rubber black for the propeller, only semi-gloss

[@trevorsmigelski637]

Great video and great build!! I just ordered this exact kit and I can't wait to build it! I was wondering how do you do your oil wash?

[@TheModelGuy]

I just add a few drops of oil into odorless Thinner until I am happy with the transparency.

[@trevorsmigelski637]

When you go to remove it, do you use a dry towel or dampen it with thinner? Sorry for the stupid question, I'm still pretty new to scale modeling.

[@TheModelGuy]

After about 30 minutes I'll use a dry shop towel. If it's hard to wipe away I'll dampen the towel with thinner.

[@trevorsmigelski637]

Great!! Thank you so much!! I cant wait until your next video!!

[@TheModelGuy]

Probably another two weeks. The Kittyhawk just had it's base colours painted. Next step is masking all the markings for painting. I took a build off filming so there's been a delay

[@philippedoyon8110]

trait jolie model que voila je suis admiratif de votre nivaux

[@randycheow4268]

Build a F6F Hellcat or TBF Avenger next Edit: did you watch the Midway too?

[@user-pc2tl5kr6s]

Which thinner are you use for valejo and AK RC?

[@TheModelGuy]

I use Vallejo thinner for Vallejo model Air and Game For AK Real Color I use Mr Leveling thinner

[@nas4js]

What is the material , that you used on the cricut machine?

[@TheModelGuy]

Tamiya masking paper

[@otterformosa2968]

where can I get that weathering plate for spray gun?(11:33) Also the mini cutting plotter for insignia..You make it looks so easy to do. XD( I know it's not)

[@TheModelGuy]

I think I cut this all out by hand. It's an Olfa circle cutter and the splatter template is from RB Productions. I'm using the Uschi set more than anything now

[@otterformosa2968]

@@TheModelGuy @@！

[@KJ-kn8pg]

A black thin sponge should work as well as this if you can't find the plate! For me it even works better because you can manipulate the sponge as you wish to get the dots bigger or smaller!

[@shannonlewis1737]

Child that knows what a mm is: hey a mm isn’t that bad pro hobby builder :well crap this fits like a reveal kit

[@judygarnhum2992]

Hi Model Guy! I am wondering where you are located in Canada. I am a female modeller in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Thanks, Judy

[@TheModelGuy]

I'm originally from Shearwater in Nova Scotia, but now reside just outside of Calgary Ab. Lunenburg is a beautiful part of NS and I spent a lot of time down there camping. Also, hearing another woman is in the hobby is fantastic. It's definitely a male dominated hobby but there are a few of you out there. My daughter (now 4) likes painting with the airbrush, so hopefully I can get her hooked too.

[@judygarnhum2992]

@@TheModelGuy Thanks so much for replying and so quickly. I'm much older than your daughter (74) but love the hobby! Thank you for your great videos, made so interesting with the history. Will keep watching, Judy

[@epiceli04]

you kinda sound like max afterburner

[@TheModelGuy]

I sound more Canadian :)

[@yosefarfianbudiman]

Try to watch this ww2 movie The Bridge Is To Far this movie about the biggest airborne operations operations market garden

[@Markelsa440]

I am going to build a wildcat in the colors of John Tatch during Midway. What I can find about the colors. Is that Vallejo 71298 is the correct color. Light gull Gray is to tan. www.theworldwars.net/resources/resource.php?r=camo_usn#ww2early www.angelfire.com/dc/jinxx1/Wildcat/F4FColors.html