Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series HA7303
F3F Diecast Model
USN, 1942
Limited Edition
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman F3F | | 5.75" | | 8" |
By the mid 1930s the USN realized that the modern fighter would have to be a mono-wing but development hadn’t even begun. As a stop-gap measure they ordered the Grumman F3F-2 that was a much improved version of the F2F and could be in production in a relatively short time. The new aircraft had a larger engine that increased speed by 33 mph and the rate of climb from 205 to 2750 ft/min. Along with a larger engine came a larger three-bladed constant-pitch propeller and a larger rudder to compensate the first two improvements. The improvements also meant the service ceiling was increased from 27,200 ft to 33,200 ft.
A long relationship between the USN and Grumman Aircraft began in 1931 with the production of the Grumman FF-1 and 1933 continued with the F3F. The USN received the first F3F-2 on December 1, 1937 and the last of the sixty-four F3F-2 aircraft on May 11, 1938. The last F3F flew in front-line service at the end of 1941 when it was replaced by the Brewster Buffalo and the F4F Hellcat. The USN took 117 F3F-2s and F3F-3s and sent them to various bases around the USA for training and transport duties. The last F3F-2 was retired from military service in November 1943.
Limited Edition of 1000 pieces worldwide.
The Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Hobby Master offer the more price-sensitive collector a cheaper alternative to models from leading manufacturers like Corgi and Century Wings. Hobby Master "1:48 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.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Hinged extending/retracting landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
Designed to improve on the maneuvrability of the F2F, the F3F was the US Navy's last biplane and was first flown on March 20th, 1935. 
