Trumpeter 1:32 Grumman Wildcat

[Mish]

Trumpeter 1:32 Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat VF-4

USS Ranger (CV-4)

Atlantic Early 1942

 

The Grumman Wildcat began service with the United States Navy in 1940. First used in combat by the British in Europe, the Wildcat was the only effective fighter available to the United States Navy and Marine Corps during the early part of World War II in 1941 and 1942; the disappointing Brewster Buffalo was withdrawn in favor of the Wildcat and replaced as units became available. It had a top speed of 318 mph (512 km/h), the Wildcat was outperformed in the Pacific theatre by the faster 331 mph (533 km/h), more maneuverable, and longer-ranged Mitsubishi A6M Zero. However, the F4F's ruggedness, coupled with tactics such as the Thatch Weave, resulted in a claimed air combat kill-to-loss ratio of 5.9:1 in 1942 and 6.9:1 for the entire war.

Often forgot is the USN involvement in the Atlantic theatre, where the Ranger was the largest carrier in the Atlantic after being transferred from the Pacific, deemed to be too old, slow and small.  Starting initially with Neutrality Patrols in the area of Trinidad and Tobago. She was heading for her home port at Norfolk in December of 1941 when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour. After leaving Norfolk she took up patrol duties in the South Atlantic. From there she moved to more northern duties as an escort carrier although she mainly took part in training exercises. She was also called on to deliver Curtis P-40s to Africa for onward transportation to the famed Flying Tigers.

She was first equipped with the Wildcat F4F-3 in December 1940, replaced with the F4F-4s as they become available. The Wildcats didn't see much action until Operation Torch in December 1942

The Wildcat I have reproduced is one of the early deliveries to the Ranger And thus looks very new and clean.

Painted with Mr Paint and after market decal from Techmod. The decals, although thin didn't want to pull down with normal setting solution so in the end I ended up carefully applying Tamiya X20A thinner to gather to pull down into the detail.

The base is one provided for review by Costal Kits being one of their new circular range available in 200mm and 300mm diameters.

 

Thanks for looking

[GusMac]

Lovely clean finish Mish. The base really sets it off.

[DocRob]

How many stars do I count, one, three, yes Five Stars for your build . Nice

[Mish]

Thanks guys

[Mikester]

Gorgeous!

[Mish]

Thanks Mike

[Wingco57]

Wow, very nice finish. Lovely Wildcat.

Cheers

Cees

[Mish]

Thank you Cees, glad you like it.