Hobby Master Archive

Produced in the mid to late 1930s the F3F-1 as well as the 2 and 3 variants belonged to what probably was the most colorful era in US military aviation history. Grumman took all the lessons learned from the F2F and incorporated them into the F3F. The Flying Barrel, as it was commonly called, had a wide fuselage to accommodate the large radial engine spinning a three-bladed Hamilton Standard propeller. The plane also had improved retractable landing gear, longer fuselage that improved stability. The last F3F was retired by the USN in November 1943.

Originally formed in 1927 as Bombing Squadron One on the USS Lexington they became VF-5 in 1932. The squadron was assigned to the USS Lexington and in March 1936 they received their new Grumman F3F-1. On July 1, 1936 they transferred to the USS Ranger and still known as VF-5 until 1937 when they assumed the title VF-4 (Red Rippers). The willow-green tail signifies the USS Ranger, the color blue signifies the third section, the solid blue band around the engine cowling signifies the first aircraft in the third section and the blue band around the fuselage signifies the unit leader of the third section. The second aircraft in a section would have the top half of the engine cowling painted and the third aircraft in the 3-plane section would have the lower half of the cowling painted.

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 HA7306 Grumman F3F-1 VF-4, Section 3 Leader, USS Ranger, late 1930’s

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.