Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat

Butch O'Hare Chicago Chapter

IPMS-USA

Aircraft Modeling Detailing

  1. Thick parts should be thinned to scale or replaced; e.g., wing trailing edges and similar surfaces, ordnance fins, landing gear doors, edges of open panels, etc.
  2. Wheel wells, intakes, scoops, etc. should be blocked off to prevent a "see-through" effect.
  3. Gun barrels, exhaust stacks, intakes, vents and similar openings should be opened.
  4. Details added to the model should be in scale or as close to scale as possible.
  5. External stores should be built to the same level of quality as the model to which they are attached. Stores/weapons combinations on a model should represent only those combinations actually carried by the real aircraft.
  6. Aftermarket parts (photo-etched, white metal, resin, etc.) should integrate well with the basic model. Photo-etched parts that require forming should be precisely shaped and any surfaces that require building up to a thicker cross-section should be smooth and uniform.
  7. Return to How To: Model Detailing