Fisher Models' 1/48 scale
Curtiss XF6C-6
Page Racer

by Fabrice Fanton

Here is my latest finished kit in 1/48 scale, the Curtiss XF6C-6 "Page Racer" from Fisher Model. As I start this kit in the beginning 2021, it's a coincidence that the colors used remind those of the Ukrainian flag. This is my modest supporter the Ukrainian people.

This kit is a good base, but, even if there are few parts, the building wasn't easy. Obviously, I've added some improvements according with photos find on the web and Paul Matt drawings :

• a more detailed cockpit, not easy to see due to the small aperture, but, painted in silver, the cockpit is again visible

• piano hinges for access doors

• new ailerons with ribs

• new tailplane (fin, rudder, stabilizers and elevators) because the original part was too thick and warped. I have done these part in plastic and duplicated in resin to reduce the surface ribs

• added sump tank at the rear of the wing radiators with masking tape

• reshape all fairings because there had a different shape on the left and on the right

• as I want to build the aircraft at the 1930 National Air Races, I added a carburetor air scoop on the engine cowling (a Spitfire air scoop modified)

• a new propeller from spare box because the original part was too narrow

• new main masts because the original parts was warped

• control horns on the tailplane and under wing from Bf 109 mass balances

• all wires are made with stretched silver plastic

For the paint scheme, according with Paul Matt, I have paint in yellow only the upper surface of the wing. On the pictures, it's impossible to discern if the under wing was blue or yellow. More, US Navy planes had the upper wing only painted in yellow. So, I think that Mr Matt was right.

I used Aeromaster acrylic Orange Yellow ANA 506 and fluorescent blue from Aka Interactive for the Navy blue because I haven't find reference for this color. Radiators are painted in a dark gold (a mix of Aka Interactive paint) with brass color for the header tanks, sump tanks and expansion tanks. The thin brass radiator strip is a decal print by Mika Jernfors, from Arctic Decals (many, many thanks, Mika !) and attachments between radiator sections is silver strips decals with raised rivets from Archer Fine Transfers. The Hamilton logo on the propeller blades is from Archer too.

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Thumbnail panels:

Before the race, all panel joints was covered with fabric. I used thin masking tape painted in a lighter blue than the aircraft. From the kit decals, I only kept numbers 27, US NAVY and the registration A7147. Others decals are from spare box. All the kit is varnished with the gloss varnish from Aka Interactive. It's surprised me that this varnish could be used without any brush marks.

Model and Text Copyright © 2022 by Fabrice Fanton
Page Created 15 June, 2022
Last Updated 16 June, 2022

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