As the header
states, this will only be a quick rundown of Wildcat
kits. It will not be in depth, but will hopefully
provide an enthusiast with help in what to look for.
Most manufacturers re-release kits over time, so markings,
options and packaging will change over time. Any kit
numbers and details are only current when this review was
started in January, 2016. I have left out several kits
that are old, hard to obtain and just not worth the
effort. Three of those being the Aurora (1/65th scale),
UPC (1/72nd) and Aoshima (1/72nd) kits. (Since that was
written in 2015 I have been able to locate the UPC and Aoshima
kits for a reasonable price. Reviews below.) If
they become available I will review them, but as they are not
very common that is unlikely and does not serve much purpose
for anyone wanting to build a readily available model.
There are most likely others that I am not aware of.
Some of these kits I have built in the past
and intend to start on at least one Hobby Boss 48th scale kit
this Spring (2018). One of the first kits I built was
the ancient Monogram kit followed by the 32nd scale Revell
kit. Several 72nd scale Revell ones were thrown in along
the way. The following reviews however are simply "in
the box". Build reviews will be added as time permits.
When I set out to build this page I do not think I
realized how many kits of the F4F family there are, or
were. Over time I will include F3F kits as well.
The photographs should give a
good idea of the parts breakdowns and an idea of the level of
detail for the various kits. I apologize in advance for
any photos that are not absolutely clear on the
subjects. They were taken on my kitchen table when I had
time to photograph.
Starting in 2021 I added the date of kit
reviews. With Eduard promising a host of new Wildcat kits in
2022 I might stay busy. Arma Hobby's FM-2 entry was added
10-19-21. Their equally amazing F4F-4 on December 15, 2021 and
the additional FM-2 releases the following day. My personal
opinion is that Arma has the best 72nd scale kits available.
Since I reviewed the Arma Wildcats the company has released a
series of P-39 kits and several of the Ki-84 Hayate. For those
of us that build 72nd scale kits I suggest we support Arma and
their great products!
350th scale:
Trumpeter:
F4F-4:
Item No. 06202. Sold as an after
market kit it will go well with any of Trumpeter's Lexingtonclass, Yorktown class or USS Ranger carriers
this kit is nice on its own. The box contains ten F4F-4
Wildcats which can be built with wings extended, or
folded. The decal sheet is for VF-8, Hornet based
fighters,but there are after market decals for other units.
144th scale:
Revell:
F4F:
Due to the size of the Wildcat
it is naturally a small kit in this scale. The
decal sheet is smaller than the thumbnail! Still, this
kit is reasonably detailed. However, the cowling is
not shaped correctly in the front view, being too
"pinched" when it should be circular.
Sweet:
FM-2:
I
recently picked up the Sweet kit from Ebay and my first
reaction was "Sweet!". It is a nice kit for the scale,
really well molded and detailed. Don't let the Anime
style box art throw you off. Two of the shortcomings
in some kits - Wheels and engine- are even well done.
When I look at this kit I feel it is better representative
of the subject than some larger scale kits are. Having not
built it I can not speak to the difficulty of the build,or
errors that might come to light during construction. I
will say from what I have seen that it is a definite
"recommend".
The
kit I have appears to be kit SWT14108 in Sweet's line and
contains two complete kits (plus two cat figures! Like in
"meow"!). The decals in the kit are for four paint
schemes, all restored airplanes: FM-2 Bu. No. 55585 in a
colorful pre-war scheme of VF-41 and the same FM-2 in blue
gray over Lt gray carrying Butch O'Hare's "F-15"
markings. Sadly this Wildcat crashed 18
October, 2003 killing the pilot. The third scheme is
86819 in an overall gloss sea blue FM-2 off of the USS Wake
Island. Lastly is 86711 (FM-2/Wildcat VI)
representing an FAA Wildcat V of No. 846
squadron.
Other kits in Sweet's Wildcat line are SWT14103
which contains one kit molded in blue and the other in
gray. It also contains decals for a flight deck and
for the cat's face. SWT14109 only contains one
Wildcat, but also contains a flight deck section, decals for
eleven airplanes and eight cats to man the flight
deck. Sweet really has a thing for cats.
100th scale:
72nd scale:
Academy:
F4F-4:
Kit number reviewed Minicraft 1650. The Academy kit is
said to be based on the Frog kit from the 1970s'.
Overall not a bad little kit but lacking detail in the engine,
wheel wells and cockpit. The carburetor scoop atop the
cowling is also shaped incorrectly, being too narrow and the
intercooler intakes are missing as well. The canopy is a
single piece. While with work this kit can be built into
a good representation of a Wildcat it would be far
easier to use a Hasegawa kit, of the new mold Airfix
kit. So unless you already have this kit in your
collection I would suggest not seeking it out. This
release has decals for one version, an ASW-2 F4F-4 in the
Atlantic fleet. This kit has at least two releases, both
with the same number. One issue has a painting of a
rather shot-up F4F-4 in the ASW-II scheme recovering aboard a
Yorktown class carrier! The other has a photo of
a built up kit in the same markings.
Admiral:
Admiral and AZ Models share the same molds
and Sword shares the FM-2 molds with them. All are
reviewed under Admiral. Th AZ Models and the Admiral
kits utilize the back of the box for the painting
instructions. All of these kits are highly recommended
for Wildcat enthusiasts. For the P&W
powered variants it is necessary to cut the forward fuselage
behind where the cowling attaches to maintain the correct
length overall. The instructions are quite clear on
where to do so. With the exception of the FM-2 all of
the following kits build into fixed wing Martlets/Wildcats
without the necessity to do any conversion. Unlike
the Hasegawa kits there is no need to fill panel lines to
achieve that. They are molded as fixed wing.
G-36A:
AZ Models AZ 7322. This kit
provides the F4F-3 fuselage molding that is common in all of
the AZ Models/Admiral variants based on this aircraft
type. The molding are crisp and well done with recessed
panel lines. A resin engine representing the Wright
R-1820 Cyclone is included. The canopy is a single piece
with the instructions showing where it is to e cut if you want
to display it in the open position. The wings are for
the gun lay-out unique to the G-36A (Many of the other
kits also include these wings) and the option for fuselage
guns are included which is also unique to this
variant. Decals are for a gray French, FAA Martlet
I in the bright green/dk blue and a Greek version. All
carry "N" numbers.
Martlet I:
AZM73019. This kit
is the same mold as the G-36A with different marking choices..
F4F-3:
Admiral ADM7216. This is the same kit as the AZ Models
G-36A with the addition of the F4F-3 specific wings. The
G-36A/Martlet I wings are included in the kit as
well. The only thing that stops someone from using this
to build a Martlet I, or G-36A is the lack of a
Wright Cyclone engine in this offering. The
cockpit has an open floor, which is correct for the Wildcat.
Again, a resin engine is included being a Pratt & Whitney
R-1830 as well as etched metal for the instrument panel
and seat harness'. This molding has the same canopy as the
G-36 with the same instructions on where to cut it if one
wishes an open canopy. This release of the kit has the
same contents as the F4F-3P and the Martlet III.
Only the decals differ. Two airplanes are on the decal
sheet. Major Robert Galer, VMF-224 and Lt. Col. Harold
Bauer of VMF-212, both from the "Cactus Air force" on
Guadalcanal.
F4F-3P:
Admiral kit ADM7217. This kit
contains the same parts as the F4F-3 with a choice markings
for two VMO-251 aircraft.
Martlet III:
AZM74007. This is
the same kit as the F4F-3 once again with different decals,
those being for three 805 sqdn aircraft in the Western desert.
FM-2:
ADM7213. This kit has its origin with the Sword
FM-2. It is actually a fairly nice representation of the
Eastern FM-2 Wildcat. With improvements it will
build up into a nice model and is the best FM-2 in 72nd
scale. Decals for four aircraft are included; An
advanced trainer in natural metal. Tricolored VC-4
aboard the USS White Plains, CVE-66. A
gloss sea blue VC-10 airplane from the USS Gambier Bay
CVE-73. This Wildcat was assigned to the
Gambier Bay at the time of her loss in the Battle of Suriago
Straights. Finally, an ASW-II FM-2 from VC-12 aboard the
USS Core CVE-13.
Martlet VI:
AZ7321 is the same kit
as the FM-2 above.
Airfix:
F4F-4:
Kit A02070. This
is one of the nicest Wildcat kits in any scale. A good
addition is the inclusion of two complete sets of wings.
One pair with the wings spread and an option of building an
F4F-4 with folded wings. One detail that adds this
feature is the ailerons molded as separate parts in this
kit. When the wings are folded on a Wildcat the
ailerons "splay out" due to pressure on the control
cables. This kit allows that look. The cockpit
floor does have the open appearance of the prototype.
The cowling includes convincing intakes for the turbocharger
intercoolers. Unfortunately the intercoolers are missing
from the wheel wells. (This is one of my nit picks of
many kits, as they are quite apparent on R-1830-76, or -86
powered F4Fs. Everyone has their points that they hang
up on. That happens to be one of mine.) The
cowl flaps are molded in an open position. Two
canopies are included, one open and one closed. Markings
for two aircraft are included: A VF-6 aircraft aboard the USS
Enterprise in early 1942 and Marion Carl's VMF-223 F4F-4 on
Guadalcanal in late 1942. I will add to the comments
here in the next few days.
Martlet IV:
Kit A-2074. This is the F4F-4 with
change to the R-1820 and a new cowling. Other than the
decals the only change to kit 2070 is the proper cowling and a
two part spacer. There are two new cowlings but only one
is correct (Part 01). Off of the top of my head I have
no idea what the other cowling is for, it does not seem
correct for any version of the Wildcat. The spacer is to
bring the overall length to the same dimension as the
F4F. Decals are provided for two Number 888 squadron Martlet/Wildcats
(FN112 and FN142) operated from the HMS Formidable in
support of Operation Torch.
FM-2:
This is a fairly old
kit, dating from the 70s', or possibly even the late 60s'.
(Recently I was informed 1964!) It has also been released many
times over the years with different kit numbers, by Airfix,MPC
and US-Airfix. The kit itself is simple and covered with
rivets. It has only a seat that resembles a recliner for a
cockpit. There are no bulkheads in the wheel wells, the
landing gear is simplified and the engine is molded with the
cowling, which is oval rather than round. All of that
being said it was one of the first serious moldings that
actually resembled an FM-2. With a lot of work it can be
turned into a good replica of an FM-2, but the Admiral/AZ
Models/Sword kit offers a better choice.
Aoshima
F4F-4:
During the mid 1960s' Aoshima
produced a kit of the F4F-4, the molds of which were shared
with Entex, MRC and UPC. The photos of the runners is
from the UPC boxing,the Aoshima ones were usually molded in
silver, or gray. The decals are also from the UPC and
are the same as the ones in my Aoshima boxing. Decals
are not included for the colorful Wildcat in the
foreground, but are for the blue gray over gray Wildcat in
the UPC kit!. In any case they are of very poor quality
and scream out for replacement. The kit itself is not
too bad when one considers it is from around 1964 and there
have been several versions of box art. It is not bad for
the time but the new Airfix (or Hasegawa) would be a better
choice.
Arma Hobby
Arma
Hobby is a Polish founded in 2013 and since then the company
has become known for quality products. Their line includes
Aircraft and vehicle models, decals, paints, accessories,
etc. Some kits are partnered with Eduard. In a short
time Arma has added a lot to the hobby and at the moment that
includes two versions of the Wildcat that will blow
your socks off! The Arma Wildcats are the gold
standard of kits.
F4F-4:
70047
This release is what Arma labels as an Expert Set and as such
has extra decals, photo etch and canopy masks that are not
included in the regular (and less expensive) releases. Elegant might be the best
single word description of this kit. The molding is crisp, the
detail refined. With a part count of around seventy this is
not an intimidating kit, nor is it over engineered. It can be
described as a “Goldilocks” kit: Just right! The box contains two sprues in gray
plastic and one clear sprue, a small plastic bag that holds
the Photo Etch parts and canopy masks and finally the
instruction booklet and decals. The decals are packed inside
the booklet. Sprue A (identified as Frame A in the
instructions) is a common sprue included in all kits. It
provides the landing gear and wheels, the cockpit part,
horizontal stabilizers and elevators, drop tanks and tail
wheels. Sprue C is the kit specific parts:
Fuselage, wings, engine, cowling and rudder. The clears sprue is also a universal
sprue as it like Sprue A is the same in every boxing. Details are well represented: The tail
gear has two choices, one with a fairing covering the location
the struts attach to the airframe and a large tire that
represents the pneumatic tire for land operations. The second
option lacks the fairing and has the small solid tire used
aboard ship. Oil coolers are molded into the bottoms of the
wings with separate aerodynamic covers. The wings are F4F-4
specific having six gun ports and ejector slots. (As Arma
plans an FM-1 my guess is that the molds are modular and can
have parts changed out for different releases.). The engine
and accessory section are quite detailed and make up a model
of their own. Making up that module are eleven parts that
include the firewall, engine mounts, oil tank and
intercoolers. No other 72nd scale kit is as
detailed. The propeller is the proper Curtiss Electric
version. The photo etch plate has an instrument
panel, seat belt harness and wiring harness that provide an
option to replace plastic parts and decals. Also, the “bicycle
chain” gear retraction and underwing bomb racks are on this
fret. The
decal sheet is extensive and in addition to aircraft makings
contain decal options for seat belts, instrument panels and a
plethora of placards. There are even engine placards. The detailing on this kit is superior to
the (now) ancient 1/32nd scale Revell kit. It is a
good illustration of the evolution of model kits over the past
50 years. The reverse side of the box (end opening)
shows the choice of six airplanes: Number 84 of VMF-121 assigned to Joe Foss on
Guadalcanal during November 1942. A VF-6 Wildcat aboard the USS Enterprise prior to and
during the Doolittle rain in April 1942. VGF-26 on Guadalcanal April 1943. This airplane had
participated in Operation Torch the prior November. John Thach’s airplane with VF-3 during the battle of
Midway. A VGF-29 airplane flown by Ensign Joseph M. Gallano
from the USS Santee during Torch. Martlet II 888 squadron from HMS Formidable December
1942.*** There are also four “bonus” airplanes
that are included and shown in the instructions: Two more flown
by Joe Foss on Guadalcanal. Another aircraft that was flown by Thach at Midway. A second VGF-29 participant of Torch. *** The Martlet II engine used a single
stage supercharger so leave out the intercoolers and use the
cowling in the kit that does not have the intercooler inlets.
Reviewed: December
19, 2021
FM-2:
70031 FM-2 Wildcat
"Expert Set". This is one of those kits that makes
you realize no matter how good of a molding a previous kit is
there is always someone willing to improve on the status
quo. I like the Airfix kits and I like the Admiral/Sword
kits, but Arma Hobby has brought competition to a whole new
level. With a part count of around sixty pieces this is not an
overly complex kit. It is however a nicely engineered
one and is graced with finely recessed molding. The cockpit
looks to be well detailed, the PE set includes seat belts and
an instrument panel overlay. The molded instruments can be
removed and the kit provided decals used in place. The complex
landing gear is well represented and this is the highest part
count of any in the kit. Two sets of wheels are included: One
with the "hub cap" plate and the other set without, showing
the spoked wheel. Both sets are the smooth style usually seen
on Wildcats. Two tail wheel struts are available; one
with a fairing (and the larger pneumatic tire for land use)
and the other with a bare strut (and the small hard rubber
tire for ship board use). The propeller is the paddle
bladed version used on FM-2s and includes both the uncovered
hub (looks like a smaller tin can placed on a larger one) and
the pointed cover. The engine is a decent representation of
the Wright R-1820 Cyclone and the PE includes a nice set of
ignition wires. The engine attaches to a firewall of
which the backside makes up the forward bulkhead of the wheel
well. This is the only weak part of the kit; the accessory
section of the engine should be far "busier". In any case, an
area for the detailer. The aft bulkhead of the wheel well is
very well represented and the chains for the retract mechanism
are on the PE sheet. The elevators and rudder are separate
parts which is a nice touch as it is not uncommon the see the
elevators droop or the rudder cocked to the side. The
wings are four pieces: Upper and lower left and upper and
lower right. The ailerons and flaps are molded into the wings.
As it is rare to see the flaps down if the engine is not
running and the ailerons usually stay in the neutral position
this seems reasonable. It also seems reasonable that an
aftermarket company will release a new set of wings with flaps
and ailerons separate as well as folded wings. The clear parts
are designed so that the canopy can be either open, or closed.
The clear runner includes the small belly windows that were
not used on the FM-2, so this will be the same in any earlier
variant kits. The envelope that contains the PE also holds
canopy masks. Rounding out the options are drop tanks and 5"
Forward Firing Aircraft Rockets.
The decals are printed by Techmod and
cover six possible airplanes:
One gloss sea blue VC-10 FM-2 aboard the
USS Gambier Bay during the battle off Samar.
Another VC-10 airplane in the three color
scheme* from earlier in the year.
Two VC-69 aircraft in the Atlantic scheme
of white and dark gull gray of which one FM-2 was onboard the
USS Guadalcanal during the capture of the U-505.
Another overall gloss sea blue airplane
assigned to VC-96 aboard the USS Rudyerd Bay.
And rounding out the choices a Fleet Air
Arm Wildcat VI operated by 882 Squadron from the HMS
Searcher.
I have had mixed results with Techmod, yet
some people swear by them. In any case they are well printed
and the colors look correct. In summation, this is one of the
nicest kits I have ever seen and though I have not built it
yet the people that have report that it goes together well and
makes a great addition to a collection. It certainly looks
accurate to me and I hope there will be earlier versions in
addition to the announced F4F-4.
*The three color scheme is also referred to as "four color" as
gloss sea blue and non-specular sea blue are classified as two
different colors by some.
Reviewed: October,
2021
The three kits below are comprised of the same plastic as the
"Expert Set", but do not contain the PE, or the canopy masks.
The instructions include templates to make the masks though.
One item that some builders might find confusing is that the
instructions show the PE parts during construction. They are
still beauties in their own right.
FM-2: 70032 "Wildcat
Mk VI"
This release of the FM-2 kit contains
markings for two Fleet Air Arm (FAA) Wildcat Mk VI
airplanes.
One Wildcat VI in the FAA scheme
of Extra Dark Sea Gray and Dark Slate Gray over Sky operating
from HMS Trumpeter during late 1944.
One Mark VI on the HMS Searcher operating in the Indian Ocean
during August, 1945. Unlike the Wildcat from the
Trumpeter which carries the full color roundels this one has
subdued SEAC roundels. It is finished in overall Gloss Sea
Blue.
FM-2: 70033
"FM-2 Wildcat"
Like the FAA boxing above this kit also has
markings for two airplanes.
A VC-93 Wildcat operating from the
USS Petrof Bay during the invasion of Okinawa in April, 1945.
**
A VC-27 aircraft off of the USS Savo Island
during 1944.
**For several years I have been scratch
building a 1/72nd scale model of the USS Petrof Bay, so this
kit will work nicely for that project!
FM-2: 70034 "FM-2 Wildcat
Training Cats" The decal sheet has markings for five
different schemes (six airplanes).
A three tone* airplane of an unidentified
Carrier Aircraft Service Unit (CASU) stationed at MCAS Ewa,
Hawaii. There were 69 CASUs in WWII.
For a unique Navy scheme is a natural metal
FM-2 possibly from NAS Miami.
Showing the use of parts from different
airframes is a Wildcat in the Atlantic Scheme II with
a replacement cowling from one in the three tone scheme.
The fourth (and fifth) option is for an
overall yellow FM-2 stationed at NAS Johnsville, PA in the
immediate postwar era. The two airplanes only differ in one
being "3" and the other "1". Two airplanes, but in reality
little difference.
The last choice is an overall gloss sea
blue Wildcat off of the USS Solomons during May, 1945. This
was during Carrier Qualifications and the Solomons served
as a training carrier for pilots going to combat units.
Reviewed: December,
2021
I would like to thank Wojciech Bulhak of Arma
Hobby for donating kits for me to review. He is proud of
Arma's product and I understand why.
I will provide links to other manufacturers as time permits.
AZ Models:
The AZ kits are the same
molds as the Admiral kits and are reviewed under that heading.
Dragon:
F4F-4:
5024 This is somewhat of a mystery to
me. The first one I obtained had the Academy kit as the
basis. All subsequent kits I have seen have the Hasegawa
kit. Perhaps mine was switched out along the way.
However, it seems all current versions utilize the
Hasegawa kit.
Entex: F4F-4
This kit is the same as the Aoshima kit and is reviewed under
that entry.
Frog:
F4F-4
Kit F432. The Frog kit was first released
in 1972. The review is of the 1974 release. It has
been stated that the Academy kit is a copy of the Frog kit,
but looking at both I do not believe that to be true.
The breakdown is different between the two it it might be
better stated that the Academy offering is inspired by the
Frog one. Markings for two airplanes are included in the
kit a VF-9 aircraft operating off of the USS Ranger during Operation
Torch and a Wildcat V from 896 Squadron flying
off of the HMS Pursuer. The latter is
misidentified as a Wildcat IV. In any case the wing
needs to be converted to the four gun FM-1 wing. The
painting guide is printed on the bottom of the box,which was
the norm for Frog. The decals are really pretty nice,
but are ruined as the were covered with wax paper. In
the hot Southwestern climate wax paper will stick to decals
ruining them. With work this kit could be built into a
decent F4F, but with better kits readily available it is not
necessary.
Hasegawa:
These kits were released in the mid 1990s' and is overall
a very nice kits. The F4F-4 is the basis for several
versions with most having the necessary details to denote
the individual variants. The molding is
crisp with convincing surface details. A decent
engine is included and the the landing gear is well
represented. The cockpit is rather bare however and
the kit is also lacking the bulkheads and details within
the wheel wells. True Details markets a kit
that corrects this issue and overall this is a good
representation of the F4F Wildcat. The only
major variation among kits are two different wings that
are in different moldings and different cowl rings.
One wing is a four gun folding wing (F4F-3, FM-1), the
other is a six gun folding wing (F4F-4, Martlet II).
For some of those the wing fold must be filled in.
The wings also include the straight pitot tube that is
only applicable for the F4F-3 and Martlet III,
for all others it should be removed. Two cowl rings
are used for various kits. The one on the left is
for use on the late F4F-3, and Martlet II.
The intercooler intakes are separate pieces glued to the
inside of the cowl ring.
Hasegawa
4 Gun wing
Hasegawa
6 gun wing
Hasegawa
Cowl rings
F4F-3: There are
least two versions of this, the one in my stash is kit number
51326 (AP26) and represents what is referred to as an F4F-3
(Early). The sprue (or more correctly "runner") with the
fuselage is the same as all other kits. To model some of
the earlier aircraft it would be necessary to fill in some of
the cowl flaps, unless one wishes to build the final
production block of F4F-3s that had the same arrangement as
the F4F-4. Likewise the wing is the same as the FM-1
kit, but to build an F4F-3 the wing fold lines must be filled
in. Decals in this release are AeroMaster and include
one airplane from VF-41 off of the USS Ranger and one
VF-72 airplane from the Wasp. This kit with the
smooth cowl ring was also released as "Thatch and O'Hare"
(with Thach's name misspelled) as kit number AP128 and as
"Wildcat Aces", number 00397, which also has the late F4F-3
cowl ring. Neither of those are in my collection
F4F-4:
This kit was released in
the mid 1990s' and is overall a very nice kit. The F4F-4
is the basis for several versions with most having the
necessary details to denote the individual variants. The
kit reviewed is No. 51324 (AP24) released in 1994. The
molding is crisp with convincing surface details. A
decent engine is included and the the landing gear is well
represented. The cockpit is rather bare however and the
kit is also lacking the bulkheads and details within the wheel
wells. True Details markets a kit that corrects this
issue and overall this is a good representation of the F4F-4 Wildcat.
Decals in this release are for a VF-6 aircraft aboard the USS
Enterprise in early 1942 and a VF-9 airplane during operation
Torch, with Hasegawa's typical cream colored
white. The only other release of this version I am aware
of (other than in the Dragon release) is 52059 F4F-4 Wildcat
"Tricolor Scheme". Again, not in my collection
FM-1:
Kit 51325 (AP25).
This kit is truly an FM-1. The wing is the same as in
the F4F-3 kits, but is correct for this model. The two
markings choices are a VC-13 (mis-identified as VC-12) Wildcat
in the ASW 2 scheme. The second is a trcolor VC-33
aircraft.
Martlet II: Kit 51370 (AP110).
Simply the F4F-4 kit with the smooth cowl ring. The two
choices are one Martlet off of the HMS Formidable
880 sqdn and one from 888 sqdn.
Martlet III:
Kit 00694 is simply the F4F-3 "Yellow Wing" kit with
new markings. Like any of the non wing folding variety
the wing fold detail needs to be filled in. Three
aircraft options are included on the decal sheet; one over all
light gray and two mid-stone over azure blue. All are
from 805 Squadron FAA.
Wildcat V:
51378 (AP118). This is the same
plastic as in the FM-1 kit, which is correct for the Martlet/Wildcat
Mk. V. Only the decals are changed. Those decals
are for two Fleet Air Arm aircraft, one from No. 846 Squadron
during Operation Overlord and the other from 861 Sqdn.
Hawk:
F4F:
Model
Number 07. This kit dates from 1967. It is very simple
with few parts and little detail and is not recommended and
is really more of an FM-2. The prop, tail, four gun
wing (molded solid) and exhaust all speak FM-2. The
plastic is a translucent white and the decal sheet is
rudimentary. Well so is the kit really. The date
molded inside the display stand is 1967, but it would not
surprise me if it dates from much earlier. There were
several other kits marketed by Hawk at the time, their Bf
109G and Spitfire Mk 21 come to mind that were also very
simple kits.
Hobby Boss The Hobby Boss Wildcats were
released around 2005 and are based on diecast models.
They are rather simple construction as indicated by the
photographs, but can be built into good looking
representations of the Grumman fighter.
F4F-3:
Kit number 80219
is stated to be an F4F-3, but in reality is an F4F-4. In
fact all of the kits are based on the Hobby Boss F4F-4.
The box top even shows an F4F-4 model painted as a yellow wing
F4F-3. To build an F4F-3 one must fill in the wing fold
recesses and add the straight pitot tube and decide which cowl
arrangement is needed. These kits have a nice feature in
that they come with two complete canopies. One open and one
closed. That is a nice option missing from most
72nd scale kits. Decals are for a pre-war, colorful
VF-41 Wildcat and Butch O'Hare's "F-15" of VF-3 board the Lexington
at the time of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
F4F-4:
Kit
number 80220 is the base kit for all of the Hobby Boss Wildcats.
Over all it is a good representation though somewhat
simplified in detail.
FM-1:
Kit
number 80221. The built up kit on the box top has been
modified into an FM-1, but the kit inside the box is still the
F4F-4 sprues. One tricolor VC-33 and a ASW-II scheme
VC-13 (misidentified as VC-12) scheme make up the markings
choices.
FM-2:
Kit number 80222 might
think itself an FM-2, but the kit is merely an F4F-4 with a
tall tail. The wing is the six gun -4 wing. The
cut outs for the exhaust are missing. The oil coolers
are still present under the wing and the engine is a fourteen
cylinder engine instead of the proper nine cylinder. An
effort was made to change the cowling, but that was not done
correctly the result simply looking like an late F4F-3 cowling
with only a single cowl flap per side. The F4F-4
fuselage is compared to theFM-2 in the last photo below.
The MPM , or Admiral kits provide a much better
FM-2. The two choices in this kit are a VC-13 Wildcat
in the ASW-II scheme and one from VC-93 aboard the USS
Petrof Bay.
MPM:
FM-2:
Kit
72049 is the Academy F4F-4 plus a new fuselage and
engine. Also included in the kit is a fret of
etched metal and a instrument panel film.
The decal sheet is for two airplanes: a VC-93 Wildcat off of
the USS Pterof Bay, CVE-80 and one other aircraft in the
ASW-II scheme from VC-12. The moldings are not as nice
as the AZ Models/Admiral/Sword offering, but it will still
build into a good representation of an FM-2.
MRC
F4F-4:
This
kit is the same mold as the Aoshima kit and is reviewed under
that entry.
Revell:
F4F-4:
Not a bad little kit
even by today's standards, but it has been supplanted by
newer more detailed kits.It
does suffer from the plethora of rivets common on models
from the 60s'. It
was however the "go to" kit for years (decades). It
has been released many times over the years, with various
different artwork and decal choices. There were
several illustrations of F4Fs (with the companion decals)
and at least one FAA Martlet. The one shown
below is a rather anemic 1982 release. I have built several
over the years and it can be built into a good rendition of
a Wildcat. Well, after sanding off the
grapefruit sized rivets, opening the belly windows,
replacing the canopy and various other details. As
fond of this kit as I am the new Airfix, or Hasegawa kits
are better choices.
Sword:
FM-2: This
is the same molding as the AZ Model and Admiral kits and
are reviewed under Admiral.
UPC:
F4F-4:
8004-50 The UPC kit is the same mold as the Aoshima kit
and in some cases even shares decals. The box art is
the only real difference. The sprues are reviewed
under the Aoshima heading. Oh, and the "50" in the
kit number is the price: Fifty cents!
65th Scale:
Aurora:
The Aurora kit is a "Fit the box"
scale kit that works out to 1/65th. It is very crude by
today's standards. The kit contains a landing gear and
engine "plate", but it also has the molded marking alignment
guides: Markings molded in the plastic. The wings and
tail appear too round, like the first Trumpeter 1/32nd
release. The box top painting is really the best part of
this kit. There is really no reason to search out this
kit. If one falls into my hands I will photograph the
sprues, but I am not going on a mission to locate it.
48th scale:
Eduard:
In
the summer of 2019 Eduard announced the intent to mold the
entire Wildcat line up in 48th. No dates were given.
Hobby Boss:
Hobby Boss often suffers a good amount of criticism, often
well deserved, but in the case of their 48th scale
Wildcats they seem to have a set of winners. I have
yet to build them, but the parts in the kits look
quite nice. They
include some nice details like individual M2 .50 caliber
machine guns. As the sprue with the guns, or more
properly the runner, is common among all kits there
are six of these in each release. The cockpit
flooring is open to the belly of the airplane as it should
be. The engine, wheels and landing gear are all
decently detailed and the rear of the engine even includes
an accessory section. The wheel wells have
intercoolers molded as part of the duct work for them and
the induction system. Each kit also has drop tanks.
There are currently five variants and they do mostly represent the marks they are
billed as. The -3 variants have the proper wing minus the
wing fold and the layout is correct for the four gun
wing. The FM-1 has a four gun folding wing, the
F4F-4 has the proper six gun folding wing and the FM-2 has
the four gun folding wing, taller tail and the nine
cylinder R-1820 Cyclone. However, the cowl is
incorrect looking more like a late F4F-3 cowling that
lacks the carburetor intake.It even has the intercooler intakes on the
inner edges which were entirely different for the
FM-2. Vector makes a replacement cowl that is
reasonable in price. A few minor complaints on all
versions: The "rib" effect on the control surfaces
is grossly overdone. It reminds me of the inside-out
appearance of the rudder on an A-4 Skyhawk.
That is not how the control surfaces of a Wildcat should
look! The elevators are missing the prominent hinges
and the outboard portion does not really represent the
aerodynamic counter balance portion of the tip. That
is a detail that is better on the Tamiya kit. The
second issue is a matter of taste, the hinge lines for the
gun compartments stand too proud from the top surface of
the wings. The ammo trays beneath the wings
also stand a little too proud from the surface. A
builder could also add detail to the under wing oil
coolers as they are not as detailed as they could be in
this scale. The gun camera is missing from the
leading edge of the port wing. These petty nit picks
aside these kits are very well detailed as they come out
of the box and offer the opportunity for "fine tuning" to
anyone who wishes to detail them. The kits do
include the catapult hook attached to the keel between the
landing gear and several other details that make for a
good build.
F4F-3 Early:
This kit represents the first production version of the
F4F-3 with the scoop atop the cowling. As reviewed in Jan,
2016 it is Kit Number 80326. The decals are for two
airplanes: A full color (Silver fuselage, yellow wings,
black tail) VF-72 bird assigned to the
USS Wasp and an overall light gray aircraft assigned to
VMF-111. This latter Wildcat is one that took part in war
games during 1941 and carries red crosses to denote one of
the combatant forces. The first, third
and fourth sprues are common among all
of the F4F and FM-1 kits.
F4F-3 Late:
Kit No.80327
represents the F4F-3 variant with the carburetor intake
moved from atop the cowling to inside the top lip.
The cowl also has the three smaller cowl flaps.
Decals are for aircraft marked "F-15" of VF-3 aboard
the USS Lexington during the Battle of
the Coral Sea. During the engagement it was flown by
Lt. Edward Henry "Butch" O'hare. The other choice is
"MF-1" of VMF-224 flown by Major Robert E. Galer during
the fight for Guadalcanal.
F4F-4:
This release is kit No. 80328 and
includes the cowling as used on the F4F-4, FM-1 and the
final production F4F-3. It also changes the wing to
the six gun folding wing. The propeller in this kit
(as well as the prior F4F-3 kits
and the FM-1 kit) is the Curtiss
Electric with the concentric barrel hub. The
markings are for a VMF-223 F4F flown by Marian Carl from
Guadalcanal and a stateside training unit.
FM-1:
This kit (No. 80329) is the F4F-4 kit
with the exception of the wings which are replaced with
the proper four gun folding wings. Markings are for
a three color FM-1 aboard the USS Nassau (CVE-16)
and for one VC-13
Wildcat in
the ASW-2 scheme aboard the USS Core (CVE-13).
FM-2:
Kit No. 80330 represents the FM-2
Wildcat. Some runners are changed out to provide a
new fuselage with the exhaust cutouts, wide chord prop and
engine. Some parts remain from the other releases,
six .50 cal machine guns, an R-1830 engine and the
intercoolers that go with it. They are not to be
used with the FM-2 as it did not have the same
arrangement. While the kit does have a nice
rendition of the Wright R-1820 Cyclone the
cowling is similar to the one in the F4F-3 (Late)
kit. Unfortunately it is the wrong shape, being too
long and too tapered. However, Vector has a nice
replacement though some builders have substituted a B-17
cowl. The proper late model paddle
bladed Curtiss Electric prop is included and
the lower wing does not have the oil coolers of earlier
variants. Overall it is a good kit when one corrects
the compromises used in the molding. The two decal
choices are an overall gloss sea blue VC-10 aircraft from
the USS Gambier Bay, CVE-73 and a VC-36 FM-2 in the ASW-2
scheme off of the USS Core CVE-13. This is the same
unit depicted in the FM-1 kit! This kit is a little
bit weaker when compared to the other Hobby Boss Wildcats.
It does however have the basis of a good model and still
falls under the "recommend" category.
Monogram:
F4F:
The Monogram kit was first issued in 1961.
It has been re-released several times since then. The
one reviewed below is the 1991 release. This was a "must
have" kit for me when I was in grade school and I do not
remember a great deal about it, but I do remember the folding
wing feature of the kit and the non existent cockpit.
The shape overall is good, but it is Spartan. It
is a fun build if one wants a nostalgia build. It would be
easier to build the Hobby Boss (various marks), Tamiya (F4F-4)
or Sword (FM-2) kits if accuracy is desired.
As far as I know the
molds for this kit have not changed from the original
release. Decals, instructions and box art has changed,
but not the plastic.
Sword:
FM-2:
This kit is a gem. A good amount of detail
and good fit. The kit contains resin and two vacuform
canopies. The only real short coming is the lack of drop
tanks often carried on FM-2s.
Tamiya:
F4F-4:The
Tamiya kit has
been out for quite a few years (1994), but still holds up
well. It will build into a very nice F4F-4. It does
require some work an there are errors in the details.
For one thing the cockpit floor is solid in the kit, when in
actuality it should be open to the area below. There
should also be duct work for the supercharger induction system
inside the forward wheel well as well as two
intercoolers. That is missing and a single intercooler
(without duct work) is offered in its place. This is
spurious and should be corrected for an F4F. The cowling
has the proper induction intakes and that should match up with
the missing intercoolers. The gun access covers on the
top of the wing, the hinged panel on the lower portion of the
wing fold that is closed when the wings are extended and the
baggage compartment hatch are all raised too much above the
skin of the aircraft. All are easily corrected with sand
paper. All-in-all though this is still a viable Wildcat.
32nd scale:
Hobbycraft:
F4F-4:
The Hobbycraft kit
is the same as the Trumpeter. No. HC1689. This kit
is an intricate one, with five runners of plastic parts.
Six if one counts the canopy sprue. There is
additionally a fret of metal parts that will make up the
hinges for the control surfaces, flaps included. The
wings are designed to allow them to be folded, or swept
out. This could be a weak point as I do not know how
sturdy that plastic hinge will be once the wings are
assembled. The tailhook is movable and can
be displayed extended or stowed. The canopy is two
piece, being able to open and close. The engine appears
to be well detailed and my personal opinion is that it is
quite sufficient for an R-1830 in this scale and if nothing
else gives a point to work from. The cowling is a
separate piece allowing the engine to be seen after
assembly. The six guns are included as well as
feed chutes and ammo. The under wing oil coolers are
made up of three parts each and should represent the actual
ones faithfully. The largest draw back of the kit are
the over done fabric of the control
surfaces. The ribs are too prominent and the areas
between look like valleys. Sand paper and filler to the
rescue! The intercoolers and their associated duct
work is also missing from this kit. Strangely they are
all included in Trumpeter's F4F-3 kits. They also all
have the much hated vinyl tires. This looks to be a well
detailed kit* and I look forward to building it, then we shall
see how my first impressions hold up. This release
includes two decal sheets, one from the original Trumpeter kit
and one added by Hobbycraft.
*The original molding of the
Trumpeter F4F was a real dud. The kit more resembled the
XF4F-2 than it did a production F4F. That kit was pulled
from the market, the molds redone and the result was the kit
currently available.
Revell:
F4F-4:
Kit number H-299 dates
from about 1968. At the time it was released it was
considered to be a detailed kit, though time has now passed it
by. It was also a departure for Revell from previous
releases that had several working parts, i.e. retractable
landing gear, moveable control surface, etc. The
workable items were folding wings and a moveable canopy.
While the wings were a neat feature I could never get mine to
sweep smoothly and when the wings were spread there were
serious gaps. Still, to a kid that was pretty
cool! There were removable panels on either side of the
cowling but lost on a youngster were that they were just
imagination. An actual F4F-4 had a two piece affair that
left the engine exposed when removed. There were no
removable panels that allowed just a peek in the
cowling. This kit did however offer a model that
looked every bit the part of a Wildcat. The rivets were
somewhat overdone and the fabric control surfaces were way too
rough, As the ailerons are molded into the wing one
would have to cut them out to get the right pose for a Wildcat
with folded wings. It really is still a nice kit
though, at least I have very fond memories of it. The
first release was molded in a dark blue plastic with markings
for Thach's airplane. Those marking are overly plain and
are really just a generic F4F. Later boxings were for an
FM-1 and for a Martlet V, neither of which could be built
without a slight amount of modification.
Trumpeter:
F4F-3 Early:
02255 I have neither
this kit, nor the Late version, but looking at the sprue
breakdown on the Trumpeter site they naturally share a lot in
common with the F4F-3 release. However, these kits have
the intercoolers included.
F4F-3 Late:
Kit 02225
F4F-4:
To return
to: Or
to move on: For your
comments, suggestions, or corrections:
Created
01-02-16 Modified
04-18-23 Clifford
Bossie
