Academy Grumman F4F-4 1/72nd Scale Wildcat Review

I like Academy model kits. They have incised panel lines, a reasonable amount of detail and accuracy (this kit being an exception) and the price is right. What follows is a building review of their Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat kit in 1/72nd scale.

The Modeled Aircraft

Academy includes markings for a wildcat of the Atlantic Fleet post-1943. More than likely this aircraft was part of the compliment of the carrier USS Santee (CVE-29). The cover art and the painting instructions show the aircraft in a dark grey-blue over white, but in this time period with these markings, the aircraft would have been dark-grey over white. Below is a profile of a similar aircraft:

Here is a photograph of the same aircraft:

Kit Statistics

Manufacturer	Academy Hobby Model Kits
Scale	1/72
Model Number	12451
Wingspan	6-3/8" (16cm)
Length	4-3/4" (12cm)
Part Count	30

Kit Ratings

Category	Score
Overall Representation of Prototype	2
Packaging	5
Assembly Instructions	3
Painting/Marking Guide	1
Decal Quality	1
Decal Accuracy	1
Casting Quality	4
Interior Detail	0
Surface Detail	4
Component Fit	5
Total Score	26/50

Colors Required

Color Required	Color Used
Dark Grey	Model Master Acryl 4752 Gunship Grey
White	Model Master Acryl 4769 Flat White
Zinc Chromate Green	Model Master Acryl 4852 Zinc Oxide Green
Flat Black	Model Master Acryl 4768
Silver
You will need additional colors if you plan on painting and using the pilot figure. You will need a light tan for uniform, flesh color for the face and yellow for the "Mae West" flotation vest.

Overall Representation of the Prototype

I usually find Academy products to be a good representation of the prototype aircraft, but this kit (first released in the 80's) is an exception. Generally, though the Wildcat was rather stubby looking, the model seems a bit too 'fat'. My wife would describe it as 'cute', which it is, but it doesn't truly capture the warbird spirit of the Wildcat.
One of the big downfalls in this category is the shape of the canopy. The bottom edge of the canopy is rounded. The profile image above captures the actual shape of the canopy. This unfortunately spoils the look of the entire model.

Packaging

The packaging is typical for Academy and adequate. The kit comes packed in (3) sealed plastic bags, (2) with sprues of gray plastic parts and (1) of clear plastic parts. Decals are packed in a separate plastic bag.

Assembly Instructions

The single sheet instructions are simple and adequate to assemble the small number of parts for this kit.

Painting/Marking Guide

The painting guide is black and white and is inaccurate in both the colors identified and the placement of the markings. Refer to the illustration and photograph above for proper coloring and placement of identification markings.

Decal Quality

This is the most disappointing aspect of Academy kits. The decals are thick and will not 'lay down' with setting solution without a considerable amount of work.

Decal Accuracy

This kit contains no decals to represent placards or warnings, only the national insignia and aircraft ID numbers. The painting guide does not accurately represent the colors of the particular aircraft for which the decals are provided.

Casting Quality

The castings are good and very clean. There is very little flash and clean-up is minimal.

Interior Detail

There is none. Literally there is no floor to the cockpit and you can see right through to the wheel well openings. All you get is a seat (?), stick and pilot. You will probably want to use the pilot figure because the seat is really just meant to support the figure. On the bright side, the pilot figure is decently detailed.

Surface Detail

The surface detail is engraved including panel lines and rivets. These are actually too deep, but they hold a wash very nicely. Surface detail appears to be fairly accurate with regard to the prototype, though it is not perfect owing to the imperfections in the overall shape of the model.

Component Fit

The parts fit together nicely without any major gaps or misfits. Pay special attention to the installation of the propeller stem within the engine halves. The landing gear are very delicate and somewhat difficult to assemble, and I had to trim the fuselage to get them to fit properly.

Project Summary

I went into this project not expecting much from the kit because I knew that the model was not accurate. I have to admit that the kit was fun to assemble and paint. I have to also admit that I like this little airplane, even with all the inaccuracies. For the money, it is worth building. With the addition of some aftermarket parts, it could probably build out to a good, clean little Wildcat even if it is not 100% accurate.

Photos

Below are images of the completed kit: