Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series HA7306
Grumman F3F-1 Diecast Model
USN VF-4 Red Rippers, USS Ranger, Late 1930s |
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman F3F-1 | | 5.75" | | 8" |
Originally formed in 1927 as Bombing Squadron One on the USS Lexington they became VF-5 in 1932. The squadron was assigned to the USS Lexington and in March 1936 they received their new Grumman F3F-1. On July 1, 1936 they transferred to the USS Ranger and still known as VF-5 until 1937 when they assumed the title VF-4 (Red Rippers). The willow-green tail signifies the USS Ranger, the color blue signifies the third section, the solid blue band around the engine cowling signifies the first aircraft in the third section and the blue band around the fuselage signifies the unit leader of the third section. The second aircraft in a section would have the top half of the engine cowling painted and the third aircraft in the 3-plane section would have the lower half of the cowling painted.
Designed as an improvement on the F2F, which suffered from poor maneuverability, the F3F was first flown on March 20th, 1935. The squat, stout, high performance F2F was the US Navy's last biplane. It was built to operate from land-based airfields or from carriers, and was watertight in case of a crash landing in the ocean. It had a service ceiling of 27,500 feet, a range of 985 miles and relied on a Pratt & Whitney piston engine capable of 238 miles per hour. The pilot, sitting just behind the upper wing, flew in an open air cockpit. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:48 scale F3F boasts exceptional craftsmanship and smart design. The fuselage features a sliding canopy that reveals a pad-printed instrument panel and control stick, scale landing gear constructed as a removable subassembly for ground or in-flight display and a movable rudder. Cooling fins and cylinder heads inside the radial engine can be clearly seen behind the diecast metal propeller. The wing features two 116 lb MK IVs and fine-gauge wire that is hand-woven between simulated fabric-stretched wings. Variants in this series include the early F3F-1 and the late F3F-2, which includes a larger engine and cowling, a three bladed propeller and gun sight.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
