Grumman Generations

by Mark Jahsan

--------------------

 

I've always liked the Grumman family of fighters. Short, tubby and tough...I connect with them on a personal level!

The F3F was a freebie from a giveaway at IPMS Yerba Buena (great guys, if you're in SF they run a fun meeting). It was an original Monogram Gulfhawk, built years ago. It was carefully pried apart, then rebuilt using Wildcat landing gear, Williams Bros. engine and scratchbuilt cockpit.

The F4F is the Revell version. It was refined by opening the cowling flaps and carburetor intake, adding exhaust pipes, new intercooler scoops and brake & hydraulic lines to the gear bay. It also has some scratchbuilt cockpit goodies.

The F6F is the Hasegawa version, basically out of the box with some cockpit stuff also. I'm especially proud of the hand-painted tophat (OK, not that big a deal, but I enjoyed it).

Click on images below to see larger images

With all three side by side, it really shows the evolution of the family. Increased size, power, range, firepower- all are apparent by direct comparison.

There's also nothing like 1/32 scale for your favorite aircraft!

Mark

Click on images below to see larger images

Photos and text © by Mark Jahsan