BBI Elite Force 21725
Grumman F6F Hellcat Display Model
USN VF-6, "Gadget", Alexander Vraciu, USS Intrepid CV-11, 1944
| 1:18 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman F6F Hellcat | | 22.75" | | 28.75" |
The F6F "Hellcat" was basically designed as the "Zero Killer". It could fly about an average 55 mph faster than the Zero and it was heavier and more powerful than the Zero. The Hellcat also had the highest kill ratio of any American fighter plane during WWII (19 to1). US Navy pilots referred the Hellcat as the "Aluminum Tank". F6F was one of the most feared and successful planes in WWII.
This F6F-3, nicknamed "Gadget" (White 19), was assigned to Alexander Vraciu in Dec. 1943. He shot down seven enemy aircrafts with it on this date (three Zekes and a ‘Rufe'). Vraciu Achieved a total of 7 kills with the "Gadget". On 19th June,1944, while aboard in Lexington, Lt(jg) Vraciu of VF-16 downed all four enemy aircrafts ‘Judys' within eight minutes in this legendary action (White 32). This action brought him to 18 kills out of a total of 19 during his combat career.
Developed by Grumman to combat the Japanese Zero, the carrier-based F6F Hellcat was first flown on June 26, 1942. The Hellcat was a far more potent force than its predecessor, the Wildcat. It had increased fuel capacity, a low-mounted wing, wide landing gear, strengthened cockpit armor plating, and increased ammunition capacity. The big Double Wasp engine was set three degrees off the center axis, giving the aircraft a tail-down attitude in flight. Pilots’ stories of “mostly holes where the airplane used to be” underscore the Hellcat’s ability absorb unbelievable punishment and still return to the ship.© Copyright 2003-2010 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Blue Box International "Elite Force" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made plastic models of military aircraft. Blue Box International "Elite Force" display airplanes feature:
- Molded plastic construction.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel llike decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Selected moveable control surfaces.
- Functional extending/retracting landing gear.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
DISCLAIMER - Please Read
Please keep in mind that large scale plastic models are not scaled-up versions of their smaller diecast cousins. They are pre-assembled from a large number of components and production compromises are often made to keep them within reach of the casual collector's budget. Factory painting, glueing and alignment discrepencies are often visible upon close inspection. The models arrive paritially deconstructed and do require time to un-package and assemble prior to display. Assembly mostly consists of pushing together snap-fitting parts although a little attention with a sharp hobby knife and/or superglue is sometimes required to achieve the best fit.
In summary, with a little effort, these models can make fantastic, attention-grabbing showpieces from a reasonable viewing distance. Up close however, their more toy-like qualities will become apparent. We regret that we are unable to accept returns on these items for minor fit and finish issues.
© Copyright 2003-2010 The Flying Mule, Inc.
