Here we have Revell's 1/32 Grumman F4F-4/MARTLET MkV presented as a FAA Martlet.
Background
At the start of the Second World War the British Navy was desperately in need of a powerful single seat monoplane fighter. The new American made Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighter fitted this requirement.
Initially named the Martlet by the Royal Navy they were re-named Wildcats in 1944 to align with combined US and British operations.
1,123 Fleet Air Arm Martlets operated in all theatres of war including Norway, the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Far East.
However, Martlets distinguished themselves in the Battle of Atlantic and on Arctic Convoys providing effective fighter support from escort carriers and working effectively with Fairey Swordfish in the hunt for German U Boats.
In October 1940 two Martlets of 804 Naval Air Squadron, based on Orkney, forced down a German Junkers 88A that was attempting to bomb the Home Fleet at Scapa Flow. This was the first victory credited to an American Built fighter in British service.
This is a re-boxing but this kit was originally from 1969 (same year I was born).
This is the second aircraft kit I have completed since a return to the hobby and I'm still learning lots including using an airbrush.
Background
At the start of the Second World War the British Navy was desperately in need of a powerful single seat monoplane fighter. The new American made Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighter fitted this requirement.
Initially named the Martlet by the Royal Navy they were re-named Wildcats in 1944 to align with combined US and British operations.
1,123 Fleet Air Arm Martlets operated in all theatres of war including Norway, the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Far East.
However, Martlets distinguished themselves in the Battle of Atlantic and on Arctic Convoys providing effective fighter support from escort carriers and working effectively with Fairey Swordfish in the hunt for German U Boats.
In October 1940 two Martlets of 804 Naval Air Squadron, based on Orkney, forced down a German Junkers 88A that was attempting to bomb the Home Fleet at Scapa Flow. This was the first victory credited to an American Built fighter in British service.
- Kit manufacture: Revell
- Scale: 1/32
- Type: Grumman F4F-4/MARTLET MkV
- Extras used: OOB plus EZ-Line
- Paints and colours used: Tamiya Acrylics, Vallejo model air.
- Weathering: Flory models dark dirt wash and tamiya weathering sets.
- Other info: Full build is here : http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234964081-132-revell-grumman-f4f-4martlet-mkv/
This is a re-boxing but this kit was originally from 1969 (same year I was born).
This is the second aircraft kit I have completed since a return to the hobby and I'm still learning lots including using an airbrush.
