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1/48 Grumman F2F-1 Barrel


ghodges

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This is the very rare Attack Squadron resin Grumman F2F-1 Barrel; the smaller engined forerunner to the more famous F3F Barrel series. This is a very well engineered kit. The interior is cast as one piece except for the seat and stick, which slides into the completed fuselage. The cabanes struts are molded as part of the upper forward fuselage. It has pe parts, including the main IP which is backed by film instruments. The engine is finely cast with the exhaust tubes on the back, and fits perfectly into notches cast inside of the cowling.

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The only fit trouble was the upper forward fuselage section to the fuselage. I just made sure the cabanes were aligned correctly when I glued it in place, and then filled and sanded as necessary. The only other trick to the kit is with the main gear. The instructions would have you glue the pe triangular support struts to the gear leg, and then glue the assembly to the fuselage. It's much better to glue the legs to the fuselage at the correct angles, and then glue the gear supports into place. Care must be used since they are pe parts and somewhat flimsy. The pe gear doors need a bit of concave shaping before adding too. The main gear legs are wire reinforced and quite strong. I added wire "pins" to the bottom wings to strengthen the butt joints. The fit of the wings and the tail planes was good enough to paint and add them all afterward.

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The green trim colors were all painted. The green fuselage strip had to be pricesly measured to be JUST wide enough for the "-F-" in inside of it. I used the kit white strip decals on the top wing chevron, but painted the rest. I used the kit decals, which worked quite well.

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Glad to have this rare subject in 1/48 on my shelf! If I ever get my Grumman FF-1 "FiFi" built, I'll have the entire Barrel family! Comments welcome as always!

Gil :cool:

Edited by ghodges
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WOW! THAT is one kit you don't see built much. Love that scheme, WELL DONE!!

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Seeing this just makes it more sad it is OOP...

R/ Robert

 

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