The 2007 co-release of this new tool 1/48th Hobbycraft F9F-2P Panther (by Hobbycraft and Trumpeter) was a very welcome addition to Korean War era aircraft fans. This was the first recessed panel line Panther kit as well as the first decent F9F-2/3 Panther seen. This photo nose version was just another reason to celebrate.
Notable Kit Features:
Well fitting parts assembly
Nicely detailed cockpit with photo-etch panel and film instruments
Fine recessed panel lines (and lots of recessed rivets)
Wing assembly provides intake trunks
Option of folded or flight-positioned wings
Positionable wing flaps
Reconnaissance and gun nose parts provided
Nice thin and clear two-piece canopy
An array of external weapons including bombs and HVARs are still included with this kit
Build Inspiration:
The F9F Panther was one of the US Navy’s first successful carrier-based jet fighters and Grumman’s first jet fighter. The Panther was used by both the US Navy and US Marine Corps during the Korean War. Typically the F9F provided air cover for the propeller fighter-bombers (F4U Corsairs and AD Skyraiders) as well as providing Flak suppression and photo reconnaissance. For my recon version, I selected an aircraft from VC61 with the "Life" magazine logo on the nose as an appropriate subject.
Heads-Up Report:
Canopy shape issues reported (Although these seemed to be addressed in later releases)
Apparently the length of the kit is a bit long (if you care to measure it)
No backing of the intake ducts
Add sufficient nose weight
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Added seatbelts
Added nose weight in the form off BBs glued into the nose
Blackend off the photo windows on the inside
Used styrene cardstock to blank off intakes at the rear of the ducts
Finishing:
The paint scheme for this aircraft is fairly basic overall U.S. Navy blue (FS 15042). The most challenging part is masking off and painting the aluminum leading edges. The decals were very thin and settled down well.
The After-Build Report:
Prior to this release the go-to Panther was the F9F-5 Monogram version, which was a decent kit from the 90s with raised panel lines. This 1/48th Hobbycraft F9F-2P Panther was a nice stress free build for me. that went together well without any issues that I recall. I recommend this kit to model builders of most skill sets as a good kit that will get you a nice display model. Beginners may want to opt for Monogram's / Revell's kit, as it is a simpler build without the wing-fold or separate flaps to get bogged down with.
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is suppose to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers
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