Tamiya 1/48 Martlet IV conversion

I'm converting the Tamiya Wildcat in to the Martlet my grandfather flew from HMS Formidable during Operation Avalanche. Log book records this aircraft as being flown on a top cover mission 11 September 1943

HMS Formidable, 888 Squadron, October 1, 1943. S/Lt Goldie (my grandfather) far left


My grandfather's log book entries for September, showing FN144 in Operation Avalanche on 11 Sept 1943


Martlet IV FN144 aboard HMS Formidable in 1943


Another view of Martlet IV FN144 aboard HMS Formidable in 1943


Cowling separated with razor saw just in front of the cowl flaps and removed sections fitted to front of fuselage to increase forward fuselage length, as per the Martlet IV


Nose extension complete


New Wright Cyclone R-1820 engine and Hamilton Standard paddle bladed propellor as fitted to the Martlet IV. Engine uses parts from the kit (rear of crankcase), Italeri Dauntless (engine cylinders) and Hasegawa Dauntless (front of crankcase and conn rods) with wiring added from lead wire, aluminium tube and Tamiya kabuki tape. The prop uses the hub from the Italeri Dauntless and paddle bladed Hamilton Standard cuffless blades from the Eduard Mustang.

Now THAT is a cool project. look forward to the results!

As the others have said, great project. Looking forward to seeing this completed.