Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series HA7305
Grumman F3F-1 Diecast Model
USN VF-7, USS Wasp, 1940 |
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman F3F-1 | | 5.75" | | 8" |
The first F3F-1 was accepted on January 29, 1936. Throughout the 1930's and early 1940's military aircraft had some of the brightest and most colorful paint schemes. VF-7 was no different with this aircraft painted in the colors of its Commanding Officer on board the USS Wasp (CV-7). In September 1939 because of the outbreak of war in Europe, Neutrality Patrols were formed to seek out and track any war-like actions in Atlantic. At first aircraft such as the F3F-1 were one of those used for this purpose. Eventually were joined by 77 destroyers and mine-layers that had been in storage. Because they were part of a Neutrality Patrol the aircraft also carried additional national insignias on the forward fuselage. VF-7 was the last Navy Fighter Squadron to be equipped with the F3F-1.
Designed as an improvement on the F2F, which suffered from poor maneuverability, the F3F was first flown on March 20th, 1935. The squat, stout, high performance F2F was the US Navy's last biplane. It was built to operate from land-based airfields or from carriers, and was watertight in case of a crash landing in the ocean. It had a service ceiling of 27,500 feet, a range of 985 miles and relied on a Pratt & Whitney piston engine capable of 238 miles per hour. The pilot, sitting just behind the upper wing, flew in an open air cockpit. © Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:48 scale F3F boasts exceptional craftsmanship and smart design. The fuselage features a sliding canopy that reveals a pad-printed instrument panel and control stick, scale landing gear constructed as a removable subassembly for ground or in-flight display and a movable rudder. Cooling fins and cylinder heads inside the radial engine can be clearly seen behind the diecast metal propeller. The wing features two 116 lb MK IVs and fine-gauge wire that is hand-woven between simulated fabric-stretched wings. Variants in this series include the early F3F-1 and the late F3F-2, which includes a larger engine and cowling, a three bladed propeller and gun sight.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
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.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
