Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series HA7907 Boeing F4B-3 1-F-1 (BuNo A8898) VF-1B “High Hats” CV-3, USS Saratoga, circa 1932

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.

On July 1, 1922 Fighter Squadron One was established as VF-1 High Hatters. On July 1, 1927 VF-1 became VF-1B and joined the USS Saratoga CV-3 in January 1928. The High Hatters flew the F4B-3 from January 31, 1932 until March 19, 1932 in the Canal Zone / Caribbean. VF-1B remained with the USS Saratoga until November 1934. On July 1, 1934 VF-1B was once again re-designated VB-2B. In 1949, after several designation changes they finally became VF-14 that still exists today. This aircraft 1-F-1 is the first aircraft of the first section of VF-1B, the Squadron Leader’s aircraft.

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)