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I
guess some historical background is
due:
Operation
Crossroads was the code name for two nuclear bomb tests conducted on Bikini
atoll, Marshall Islands on July, 1946. Two 23 kiloton Mk.3A nuclear devices
similar to the ‘Fat Man’ dropped on Nagasaki were exploded in the water and
atmosphere for evaluation purposes. Unfortunately, over 6500 US servicemen
involuntarily became an active part of
the tests.
The
F6F-3K drones were utilized to gather atmospheric samples and related missions
during and after the explosions and some even entered the mushrooms. The
aircraft were painted overall insignia red with different coloured tails to
denote the assigned radio frequencies to facilitate remote controlling.
The
1/72 Academy Hellcat is quite a decent kit. Overall accuracy, detail and fit is
more than good enough for this scale. The only short comings are the lack of
detail on the engine front, such as ignition harness, magnetos, etc. These were
scratch built from sprue and plastic card, so were the clear wing tip lights.
Tail wheel was extended.
Cockpit
detail is sparse and not exactly accurate which is no big problem in this scale,
as it’s nearly invisible. Instrument faces are provided as decals, rudimentary
seat belts were added from masking tape, and the gun sight was removed.
Humbrol
no.153 insignia red airbrushed used over a matt white base, followed by gloss,
then semi gloss varnish to cover the decals. Tail and cowling numbers were
masked and airbrushed. Humbrol enamels were used throughout.
Kit
decals were used, but one caveat here; they are rather translucent and need a
white painted base (masked) so as not to show the colour beneath. Otherwise they
are OK.
Erinç
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