Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series HA7304
Grumman F3F-3 Diecast Model
USN VF-6 Shooting Stars, USS Enterprise, August 1940
Limited Edition
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman F3F-3 | | 5.75" | | 8" |
In 1938 the USN ordered an improved version of the F3F-2 because the replacement monoplane Brewster F2A and F4F Wildcat were delayed in development. To accomplish this Grumman started to modify the 65th F3F-2 to F3F-3 standards with 26 more aircraft being produced as F3F-3. The modifications were comprised of an upgraded engine with a smaller diameter propeller and a modified cowling as well as small flaps and revised leading edges. The armament wasn’t changed. By the end of 1941 the entire operational biplane fleet was replaced but 117 were sent to various bases for training and transportation. The F3F-3 had two distinctions; it was the last of the USN biplanes as well as being the fastest carrier-borne biplane in the world.
VF-6 Squadron was formed when VF-1B and VF-8B merged on July 1, 1937. VF-6 was one of the first to receive the new Grumman F3F-3. The F3F series was affectionately nicknamed “The Flying Barrel” and was considered very ugly but it didn’t take long for people to see the beauty of the entire package. At the time VF-6 was assigned to the USS Enterprise that painted her aircraft blue for ease of identification. The last F3F-3 was flown by VMF-211 on October 10, 1941. On July 15, 1943 VF-6 (Shooting Stars) swapped designations with VF-3 (Felix the Cat Squadron) and this was the beginning of a 3 year feud. Both squadrons claimed Felix as their mascot until November 1946 when VF-6 was decommissioned.
Limited Edition of 1000 pieces worldwide.
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. © Copyright 2003-2009 The Flying Mule, Inc.
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.
© Copyright 2003-2009 The Flying Mule, Inc.
