[HotTrap429]

Recently bought the IXO F4F-Wildcat. I know, Dragon's version is definitely better, but.........

...... the IXO plane does have the correct shape, it is a very heavy model, and since the original colors are basically wrong, it does allow for an easy customizing project. Only drawbacks are the propeller sits funny (I wish IXO/Altaya would fix this),cockpit is empty and bare, and there are no wheels for when you display this plane in flight. Being an artist, drawing my own wheels was no issue. Empty cockpits for an flight model really bugs me to no end so I painted a black canopy. Used a fine artist pen to blacken panel lines - something I do like. Used Testor's Modelmaster paints and scrounged around for some decals. Numbers are hand painted. Looks pretty nice especially displayed next to my HobbyMaster Midway SBD Dauntless.

Let me know what you think.

[Captain Eddie]

Very nicely done HotTrap-though personally I would never paint a canopy black as I'm not that bothered by no pilot-I just park those on the "ground."
Nevertheless, I like the look of it, and especially the weathering you added. I may have to try that sometime.

[HotTrap429]

Originally Posted by Captain Eddie

Very nicely done HotTrap-though personally I would never paint a canopy black as I'm not that bothered by no pilot-I just park those on the "ground."
Nevertheless, I like the look of it, and especially the weathering you added. I may have to try that sometime.

Thanks Captain. I neglected to mention that the "down" gear on this model is simply AWFUL. Trust me, you would not want to use it. 98% of my planes are "on the ground". So for me to purposefully choose to put this one in flight tells you how bad it must have looked like.

[Captain Eddie]

Thanks for that info, HT. I would not go out of my way to by an IXO American plane (have a number of their Japanese, and one Russian), but if I ever see one on sale and am tempted, I'll remember what you said, as I am not that talented in the painting department.

[STARMAN 352ND]

That looks alot better now...Once you touch your models you seem to bring the magic out....
Great job.
JP

[mikeb1958]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

...Once you touch your models you seem to bring the magic out....

That's what she said!

[stalag8611]

Originally Posted by Captain Eddie

Very nicely done HotTrap-though personally I would never paint a canopy black as I'm not that bothered by no pilot-I just park those on the "ground."
Nevertheless, I like the look of it, and especially the weathering you added. I may have to try that sometime.

It's very obvious that we have many talented model makers and make-over artists on this site. The F4F looks terrific; however, I concur with Capt. Eddie and wouldn't black out the canopy. I like the idea of pilot and ground crews standing around the plane, e.g., Barkhorn in 1:32, but 1:72 pilot models just don't seen to cut it and I don't miss them. Thanks for the pics-love the head on shot.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

[flyXwire]

Another excellent custom there, HotTrap!

[HotTrap429]

Originally Posted by stalag8611

however, I concur with Capt. Eddie and wouldn't black out the canopy. I like the idea of pilot and ground crews standing around the plane, e.g., Barkhorn in 1:32, but 1:72 pilot models just don't seen to cut it and I don't miss them. Thanks for the pics-love the head on shot.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Thanks stalag. I guess blackened canopies are a matter of choice. As I've said before, they look like those wooden desktop models. I prefer that look to a bare, empty cockpit with no detail or pilot on a flying model. As for models on the ground, that's what I prefer. Unfortunately, we sometimes don't have that option. That was the case here as this model's gear was not even remotely accurate. Since I was able to buy this plane on a clearance sale for less than $10.00 at a local hobby shop, I did the best I could with what I had.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours.

[Louie]

You did a great job my man the added details are outstanding. It is so much fun to add your own touches to those models with the too factory fresh looks.