Matchbox Grumman Hellcat
Matchbox 50th anniversary group build

I started this kit around 1986 when I was a kid. I melted it in front of a heater trying to dry those old enamel paints. I was devastated and never tried again. Now all these years later I've found an unopened kit and I'm going to see how I can finish it as an adult modeler.

I've ended up using Print Scale decals after an accident with the Kitsworld ones, but this was fortuitous as I now have markings for the same squadron as in the old Matchbox decals. I've used 1mm styrene tube and 1mm tape to add some details to the fuel tank. Some rookie errors with the resin wheels, but live and learn! Overall this was a joy to build. I suspect I'll happily indulge in nostalgia and do some more Matchbox builds in the future.