1:72 Scale Plastic Model Grumman F4F WildcatVC-93 USS Petrof Bay 1945 Length: 5″ Wingspan: 6.25

This model is a single seat. No pilot figure is included. The cockpit is glued shut. The landing gear is fixed in the extended position. A display stand is included.

This plastic model is fully assembled and painted. There is nothing needed to do, it is ready for display straight out of the box. The only minor assembly needed is the assembly of the plastic display stand.

The detail and scale of the model is comparable to other more expensive diecast metal models. The panel lines and cockpit are crisp. The paint scheme and markings are very accurately done. The markings are not decals that would crack or peel off. The marking seem to be printed onto the surfaces. Moreover the paint scheme is done in a “weathered” style where one can see different shades of darker color along particular panel lines and edges to represent oil stains and/or normal wear

This is really a “no-play” model or a “display-only” model. It also has a number of antennas which look great but are very fragile. If you have small kids that like to play with your models, save yourself some frustration (and money) and wait till later to get a model like this one. The box is labeled as not suitable for children under 14.

The box measures 7 inches by 7 inches by 3 inches.

The Grumman F4F Wildcat is an American carrier-based fighter aircraft that began service with both the United States Navy and the British Royal Navy in 1940, where it was initially known as the Martlet. First used in combat by the British in the North Atlantic, the Wildcat was the only effective fighter available to the United States Navy and Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater during the early part of World War II in 1941 and 1942; the disappointing Brewster Buffalo was withdrawn in favor of the Wildcat and replaced as units became available. With a top speed of 318 mph (512 km/h), the Wildcat was outperformed 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 Thach 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.