1/24 Scratch/3D Grumman F8F -1B Bearcat VF 31

[Jim Barry]

I never thought it would end! 

 

Here are some pics, but it's not coming though how impressive it is to hold it in your hands. Thanks again everyone for checking during the lonnnnnnnng build process. Meant a lot! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[geedubelyer]

That is very cool Jim.

Great job 

[JayW]

Yeah I've been watching this one for several years I think Jim.  You might have some PTSD after this.  But through all the troubles you had with this build, you have managed to extract a gem out of it all.  What a special build this is!  Congrats!

[LSP_Kevin]

Magnificent achievement, Jim!

 

Kev

[Jim Barry]

Thanks for your patience, gentlemen! I promise to work with more perseverance in the future! 

[LSP_Ray]

Great looking Bearcat!

May I post it on the website?

On 11/1/2025 at 10:07 AM, Jim Barry said:

I never thought it would end! 

 

Here are some pics, but it's not coming though how impressive it is to hold it in your hands. Thanks again everyone for checking during the lonnnnnnnng build process. Meant a lot! 

 

 

 

 

Great looking Bearcat!

May I post it on the website?

 

[Jim Barry]

Absolutely! thx! 

[PEYSSON Gilles]

Hello Jim

 

A great scale for a great F8F 👍

Your model is magnificent 

Well done

 

Just one question Jim : No little flat on the tires ?

 

Gilles

 

 

[Greif8]

This is a "Opus" build if there ever was one Jim, just perfect!

 

Ernest

[Jim Barry]

15 hours ago, PEYSSON Gilles said:

Hello Jim

 

A great scale for a great F8F 👍

Your model is magnificent 

Well done

 

Just one question Jim : No little flat on the tires ?

 

Gilles

 

 

Thank you! 
 

I think now that the project has settled, I could add that detail. I never could figure out the warp in 3D design so it won’t bulge but it can certainly get a flat spot. There are a few other details I’ve got to attend to as well. 

Edited November 6, 2025 by Jim Barry

[Jim Barry]

3 hours ago, Greif8 said:

This is a "Opus" build if there ever was one Jim, just perfect!

 

Ernest

Thanks it’s probably the most time I’ll ever put in a model so by that measure, an opus, but it had significant learning time that I hope will pay off in better models. Oddly enough it’s been so long since I’ve done the 3D work that I’ve just about rusted out. Lately,  project plans have avoided it. Jets (simple engines, no props) make easier subjects. I’ll probably return to 3D soonish.  The 262 landing gear are asking for it. 

[LSP_Ray]

On 11/4/2025 at 6:52 PM, Jim Barry said:

Absolutely! thx! 

Article is posted!

Outstanding!