Hi all-
I need to tap the collective knowledge of the group to come up with the answer to my simple question...

I'm going to be building a Hellcat Mk.1 of the 804 SQN. of the Royal Navy... My question is: What color should the wheel wells and cockpit be? I have some green zinc chromate (Standard US color), but I'm afraid it may be a different color for my friends across the pond.

In case anyone is interested... I'm building a the Italeri 1/72 F6F-3 kit (kit no. 1213). This is a GREAT 1/72 kit (the 2nd time I've built it). It has plenty of detail, recessed panel lines, the ability to drop the flaps, and it has a nice fit and finish with little sanding/puty required. The cockpit is a little sparce, but most are at this scale. And it's only $10 US....

Thanks!
-Scott

Hi Scott

As far as I know, cockpits in the British Hellcats (Gannets to begin with, but that was scrapped early on) were painted in standard US colours at the factory. They might have received a touch up here and there with RAF grey-green if there were any repairs or equipment changes - just guessing there.

The undercarriage seems to have been painted US-style too; I've found a photo of a Dark Slate Grey / Extra Dark Sea Grey aircraft where the u/c looks like it's white. On later machines the u/c was Sea Blue as per the the exterior.

Incidentally, does anyone know if they were fitted with American or British seat harnesses?

Hope this helps

Rowan

Yes... that really helps! Thanks Merlin