Way back when Microscale (now Superscale) decided to get into doing 1/48 decals, the fourth sheet they did was for the Hellcat. In those days, you had two choices in 1/48 scale; the Monogram and the Otaki kit. Just about every modeler chose the Otaki version and it is still a very nice kit.

Five options on this sheet and like nearly all those old sheets, no insignia are supplied. That had to come from their insignia sheets. What is supplied are instrument panel and seat belt decals along with some data markings.

First is 'Minsi III', an F6F-5 in overall dark sea blue.

Next, a VF-27 F6F-3 with a nice cat's mouth. This is in the tri-color scheme.

Another tri-color -3 is this rather plain one from VF-9 aboard the USS Essex.

An F6F-5P from VF-84 aboard the USS Bunker Hill is next. It has a yellow cowling.

Finally with a white cowling is a -5 from VF-17 on the USS Hancock.

All interesting schemes that should fit the Hasegawa kit, though the checkerboard for the last one may need some fudging to fit.

March 2007