Does anyone have any reviews of the Academy M18 Hellcat. I saw one at a local model shop at a good price but didnt purchase because I thought the quality would be lacking. Your comments on this kit welcome.

And also where can I find some background information on the real Hellcat. I've used Yahoo to search, but didnt come across any sites with real substance.

Thanks
Leader

I thought it was a descent kit.
I have some links to the 1/1 and kit reviews at home...I'm stuck at work for a bit longer.
I'll post em here asap. :-)

This is NOT a review of the Academy kit but, it is mentioned in the review. AFV M-18 Hellcat I have both kits and they are sitting on the shelf waiting for some clear space on my workbench, however the reviews seem to run in favor of the AFV M-18. Reviews of just the Academy kit are hard to find.
I hope that this helps.

Hi Leader ........... I'm just finishing up on my Academy M18.
Like ken, I think it is a very decent kit. I really liked it, and the fit
was flawless..........mind you that I have fixed a couple of minor tweaks to
coincide with it's real life version ( which, I believe
you will find in any kind of armor model kit manufactured - " in my opinion ". )
.......The kit is really a fun build, and I have also updated it with
Verlinden's M18 Exterior Update Set, and they also make an interior set, but I think
Academy does a sufficient job with the part's that are include with the kit.
The only thing I thought was terribly done was the M18 Track's .........so I purchased
a set from Friulmodel, which are FANTASTIC ! and also well & correctly made.
FOR REFERENCE I USED:
- This 2 part article on the M18 at AFV website
http://www.kithobbyist.com/AFVInteriors/m18/m18.html

BOOKS
- U.S. Tank Destroyer's ( by Squadron/Signal Publ. ).
- Tank Destoyer Forces - W.W.II ( Turner Publ. Company ).

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. I'll answer what I can.

- ralph

Kit reviews:
Academy Review
Review - Academy

1/1 :
M18 Hellcat
M18 Photos Unrestored
TD Photos
M18-w/105mm Howitzer Motor Carriage

Those should get you going.

Try the Perth Military Modeling Society's webpage of reviews.
http://pmms.webace.com.au/reviews/vehicles/revafv.htm
Scroll down to the AFV Club review.

This is a very useful site with reviews of the latest releases.

Thats for the excellent posts guys. Very informative. I think I'll pick up the kit as I'm getting it for a decent price.

Once again Thanks

Leader

You'll be glad you did Leader.
Just one thing of caution. The headlight guards are very fragile, mine broke w/o even trying. I simply made new ones out of brass rod.

Hey guys!

Great info on the Hellcat going on here. Its one I am about to start on in fact.

A question on the Academy kit and using the Verlinden Ext. Update. Do you get a new rear plate for the lower hull in that? I was thinking that the Academy rear hull plate was a little off or it looked like it.

Great looking headlight guards Kencelot!!!

Deacon
:-)

19K---how do you ensure that both guards are the same size? How did you bend them to shape?
thanks
DJ

DJ, I used the kit supplied ones as a template. Using one of the un-broken pieces and the brass rod (which is very soft) I slowly bent the brass to conform with the kit's pieces. Bend, check, bend, check, etc...

Ken,
Nice work on the M8!

I see you are using the FotoTime service. Have you had any prints made by them yet?

Cheers,
Jim

Thanks Jim. I built that about...uhh, 16 or...many years ago. That means my sig. link is being used! I never even thought about adding the link till the other day.

I been using them since November '01. It's a terrific "bang for the buck" site!
Yes we have a few prints from them which are very nice indeed. :-)

Have you talked with them?