Hobby Master Archive

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.

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.

Specifications for the Grumman F3F-1 Crew - (1) pilot

Performance Engine - (1) Pratt & Whitney “Twin Wasp Jr.” radial, 650 hp 2,200 rpm @ 7,500 ft Maximum Speed - 240 mph (386 km/h) Cruise Speed - 215 mph (346 km/h) Range - 720 miles (1,159 km) Service ceiling - 29,000 ft (8,839m) ROC - 2,700 ft/min (823 m/min)

Weight Maximum - 4,100 lb. (1,860 kg) Empty - 2,870 lb. (1,302 kg)

Dimensions Length - 23 ft 3 in (7.07 m) Wingspan - 32 ft 0 in (9.75 m) Height - 9 ft 1 in (2.75 m) Wing Area - 260 ft/sq (24.15 m/sq)

Armament Left - (1) 0.30 in (7.62 mm) M1919 Machine Gun - 500 rounds Right - (1) 0.50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Machine Gun - 200 rounds Bombs - (2) 116 lb (52.6 kg) Mk IV - (1) under each wing

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series HA7305 “Grumman F3F-1 VF-7, 7-F-1, Neutrality Patrol, USS WASP, 1940”

1/48 scale pre-finished Die-cast metal with a minimum of plastic. Professionally painted. All markings pad applied for superb results. Cockpit slides open. Moveable rudder Comes with a pilot that can be removed. Comes with display stand. Can be displayed with landing gear up or down.