1:48 Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat - 3D-Printed Engine Set (for Eduard Kits)

1:48 engine for the F4F-4 Wildcat (SBS Model)

This is an add-on for a model, not an aircraft kit: a 3D-printed engine for the American carrier fighter Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat in 1:48 scale. The box states that it is intended for Eduard kits. The manufacturer offers the same engine design in three packages according to the target kit, because the extra parts needed for the installation differ; the engine itself is identical in all three.

The real subject

The Wildcat was an American carrier fighter that carried the main burden of the fighting in the Pacific in the first half of the war. It was powered by a twin-row air-cooled radial engine, whose front row of cylinders is clearly visible through the large opening in the cowling. That is exactly why the engine is the most rewarding place to improve on this type: the plastic version tends to be only a flat relief.

Building and painting tips

Wash the parts clean of print resin residue, cut off the print supports and sand the surfaces down with respiratory protection. Glue with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue). Finish and paint the whole engine before you seat it in the cowling, because afterwards you will not get at most of the surfaces. A dark wash worked in between the cylinders and a careful dry brush on the edges of the fins will give the engine depth.

Who the set is for

• modelers who build the F4F Wildcat in 1:48 scale
• anyone interested in a faithful engine instead of a flat plastic relief
• more experienced modelers with resin behind them

This is an add-on, not a kit. The Eduard base kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.