Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series HA7908 Boeing F4B-3 BuNo. A8911, Command Plane H.Q. US Marines, Washington NAS Anacostia, 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.

Boeing F4B-3 BuNo. A8911 was the last in a contract of 20 aircraft and given c/n 1615. It was delivered to the U.S. Navy and last served on board the USS Saratoga with VF-1B in 1932 before being transferred to the U.S. Marine Corp becoming the Head Quarters Command aircraft. This aircraft was frequently used to fly VIPs and in 1934 - 35 was used as an air show demonstrator. On February 14, 1939 this aircraft was involved in an accident with no loss of life.

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)