Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series HA7903 Boeing F4B-4 VB-2, 2-B-13, Section Five Leader USS Lexington, 1930s

1/48 scale pre-finished Die-cast metal with a minimum of plastic. Professionally painted. All markings pad applied for superb results. Comes with a pilot that can be removed. Comes with display stand.

In the early 1930s Boeing developed a series of biplanes designated the F4B for the US Navy and US Marine Corps but was a P-12 for the US Army Air Corps. The aircraft were first accepted in 1929 and served as the primary fighter. The P-12 was built in 6 successful variants while the F4B had 4. The P-12 was replaced by the Boeing P-26 in 1934-35 but the F4B carried on with operational duties until the Grumman F2F/F3F series completely replaced them in 1938.

VB-2 was originally established in 1934 as VB-5B. The squadron operated from the USS Lexington as VB-5B from November 1935 to June 1937. In July 1937 the unit was re- designated VB-2 and remained on the Lexington until November 1937. In October 10,1942 the squadron now became VB-11. VB-2 Squadron recognition color on the tail was lemon-yellow. The aircraft marking 2-B-13 means 2 = VB-2, B = Bombing, 13 = 1st aircraft (lead) in section 5. There were 3 aircraft per section so 13 is the first of the 5th section. Other aircraft in the section would be 2-B-14 and 2-B-15.

Specifications for Boeing P-12 / F4B (Model 83/89) Total Produced All Variants - 586 First Flight - June 25, 1928 Role - Fighter Biplane Crew - 1 Powerplant - 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-1340-16 WASP air-cooled 9 cylinder radial engine, 550 hp (410 kW) Performance Speed - 189 mph (164 kts / 304 km/h) Service Ceiling - 26,900 ft (8,199 m) Range - 369 mi (321 nm / 594 km) Weight Empty - 2,355 lb (1,068 kg) Max Takeoff - 3,611 lb (1,638 kg) Dimensions Length - 20.08 ft (6.12 m) Height - 9.32 ft (2.84 m) Wingspan - 29.99 ft (9.14 m)