A popular subject for modelers has always been the F6F. And why not. All of the available kits are pretty easy to build, make into very nice models and can be decorated in a number of schemes, as long as you like USN WWII markings. True, they were used by a few foreign countries in the post war period, during the FAA in the last years of the conflict, and could be very colorful when they were used as drones, but for the most part, they were in varying shades of blue.

This particular sheet has a nice selection of versions and color schemes. Though not 100% true, basically the -3 Hellcats were in the tri-color scheme and the -5s in the overall dark sea blue.

It is with the -5s that we start. This one is from VF-12 aboard the USS Randolph. It has the geometric ID scheme of stripes on the tail and on the upper wing.

The other -5 is from VF-19 aboard the USS Lexington. It consists of a single broad fin stripe. The white fin stripe of this scheme as well as the  wing and aileron markings of both -5s will have to be painted by the builder.

The first -3 is the mount of Alex Vraciu when he had 9 kills with VF-6. It has the tri-color scheme

Also in the same scheme is this VF-51 F6F-3. Unusual in Naval fighters it carries the name 'Little Joe' as well as a small nose art.

Though the Hasegawa kit was not released when this sheet came out in 1995, the markings should fit without too much trouble. Other Hellcats are the Otaki/Arii version and the Monogram -5. Don't overlook the Arii Hellcat. Though it is near 30 years old, it is quite accurate and only needs a decent interior to bring it up to current standards.

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