Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1113
Grumman F6F Hellcat Diecast Model
USN VOF-1, "White 8", USS Tulagi, August 1944 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman F6F Hellcat | | 5.75" | | 7.25" |
On 15 December 1943, VOF-1 was formed and in mid-August 1944 joined Allied Forces for the invasion of Southern France named "Anvil-Dragoon". The operation was designed to act like a giant pincer and cut off enemy forces still in Western Europe. Air support was provided by Royal Navy carriers as well as two from the USN carrying the only Hellcats to see operations in the ETO. One USN flattop was the USS Tulagi with F6F aircraft of VOF-1 (Observation Fighter) Squadron 1 on board. VOF-1 was specially trained to target spot for the naval guns during the pre-landing barrage for an amphibious landing. The pilot would locate an enemy gun and relay the information to the Allied ships that would then fire at this target. If the target was missed the pilot would then provide information to his gunners who would make the necessary corrections. Along with the target spotting the VOF-1 managed to down 6 German aircraft with Ens. Edward W. Olszewski and Ens. Albert R. Wood each scoring two while flying "white 8".
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 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F6F Hellcat is constructed almost entirely from diecast metal, which gives it a nice, solid feel. It has crisp panel lines, a canopy that can be removed or displayed in the open position and a cockpit interior that features pad-printed dial and gauge instrumentation. There is also a removable center-mounted fuel tank and staged machine gun barrels with shell casing vents. Some variants have under-wing mounted rockets and bombs, night fighter versions feature radome mounted to the wing's leading edge and photo reconnaissance variants have a small camera port at the rear of the fuselage.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
