Hobby Master Archive

Early in the Pacific War in WWII the Grumman F4F Wildcat was the best fighter aircraft the U.S. had but was out performed by the Japanese Zero. The Wildcat’s folding wings allowed for a greater number of aircraft that could be carried but added extra weight and reduced the aircraft performance. New features such as self-sealing fuel tanks, heavy armor made up for the sorties with a kill ratio of 6.9 victories to 1.

Originally assigned to VMF-221 Marion Eugene Carl scored his first victory on June 4, 1942 during the Battle of Midway. After rest in Hawaii, Carl was re-assigned to VMF-223 “Bulldogs”. On August 20, 1942 VMF-223 was deployed to Guadalcanal where he was shot down on September 9, 1942 and was missing for 5 days before returning. Marion Carl became the USMC first ace with 3 victories occurring later in September 1942. Carl ended the war with 18.5 victories, the USMC seventh ranking ace.

Specifications For The Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat British Name - Martlet Number Of All Wildcat Variants Produced - 7,860 Role - American Carrier-based Fighter Crew - 1 Dimensions Length - 28 ft 9 in (8.8 m) Wingspan - 38 ft (11.6 m) Height - 9 ft 2.5 in (2.8 m)

Weight Empty - 5,895 lb (2,674 kg) Loaded - 7,975 lb (3,617 kg) Maximum Takeoff - 8,762 lb (3,974 kg)

Performance Powerplant - 1 X Pratt & Whitney R-1830-86 Double-Row Radial Engine, 1,200 hp (900 kW) Maximum Speed - 320 mph (290 kn / 515 km/h) Rate Of Climb - 2,200 ft/min (11.17 m/s) Normal Power Service Ceiling - 34,000 ft (10,363 m) Range - 830 miles (721 nmi / 1,337 km)

Armament Guns - 6 X .050 in (12.7 mm) AN/M2 Browning Machine Guns

All markings pad applied for superb results. Canopy slides open. Comes with a pilot that can be removed. Comes with display stand. Landing gear is fully retractable and can be displayed up or down. Extremely sought after by collectors.

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series HA8901 Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat White 2 of VMF-223, USMC, Guadalcanal, September 1942