ARMA HOBBY 70031 - 1:72 FM-2 Wildcat - Expert Set

FM-2 Wildcat 1:72 Scale Plastic Model Kit – Expert Set (Arma Hobby 70031)

Arma Hobby 70031 is a plastic model kit of the FM-2 Wildcat – the most numerous and most capable variant of the famous "Cat" family, informally known as the "Wilder Wildcat." Released in 2020 as a brand-new tool, this Expert Set comes complete with photo-etched details and paint masks straight from the box, setting it apart from standard kits in this scale.

The mould captures the defining features of the FM-2: the noticeably taller fin compared to the F4F-4, finely recessed panel lines, fabric texture on the ailerons, elevators and rudder rendered by subtle raised rib tapes, and a highly detailed Wright R-1820 engine with accurately represented cylinders, pushrods and a photo-etched ignition harness. The cockpit includes plastic components (floor, bulkheads, side consoles, rudder pedals, control column) supplemented by a photo-etched throttle assembly, with the instrument panel available either as a photo-etched part or a decal. The landing gear is precisely moulded in a minimum number of parts, with well-detailed wheel wells. The kit offers a choice of two spinner cap styles, two main wheel types (with realistic tyre bulge), and two tail wheel variants. Two drop tanks and six HVAR rockets are also provided.

What's in the box:

• Two sprues of grey plastic parts (71 parts total)
• Clear sprue (5 parts: canopy, windscreen, gunsight)
• Photo-etched fret – 20 parts (instrument panel, engine ignition harness, throttle lever, control pulleys, seatbelts)
• Self-adhesive die-cut paint masks for canopy glazing and wheel hubs
• Waterslide decal sheet for 6 marking options
• Illustrated assembly instruction booklet (A5, 23 steps, with full-colour painting guides)

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Kit number: 70031
• Manufacturer: Arma Hobby (Poland)
• Assembled length: approx. 122 mm
• Assembled wingspan: approx. 161 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

Note: Glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The kit requires self-assembly.

Building the model:

This kit is aimed at modellers with some experience – the small 1:72 scale calls for precision when fitting the landing gear and working with the photo-etched parts, particularly the engine ignition harness and control pulleys. Positive locating pins and tabs make alignment straightforward, but dry-fitting the cockpit and engine before closing the fuselage is strongly recommended. The self-adhesive masks take the hassle out of canopy and wheel masking.

US Navy Pacific variants are painted in overall Glossy Sea Blue (e.g. Hataka HTK-C082 or Gunze C-325), in the mid-war tri-colour scheme of Non-Specular Sea Blue, Intermediate Blue and Insignia White, or in Atlantic US Navy colours. Fleet Air Arm options call for Extra Dark Sea Grey and Sky, or Slate Grey. A dark grey or brown acrylic or enamel wash will bring out the finely recessed panel lines and engine detail to great effect.

Essential tools:

• Sprue cutters
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding sticks for cleaning up sprue gates
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate adhesive for photo-etched parts
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel) in appropriate US Navy or Fleet Air Arm colours
• Panel line wash to enhance surface detail
• Optional: airbrush for smooth application of overall sea blue lacquer

About the aircraft – General Motors FM-2 Wildcat:

The Grumman F4F Wildcat was the US Navy's first modern carrier fighter, entering service in November 1940 and bearing the brunt of the Pacific air war from the very first days of the conflict. Although it was outperformed by the Mitsubishi A6M Zero in manoeuvrability and top speed, the Wildcat's superior armour, structural toughness and firepower made it a formidable opponent. US Navy and Marine Corps pilots developed dedicated tactics – including the famous Thach Weave – to exploit the Zero's weaknesses and neutralise its advantages.

When Grumman's production line had to transition to the newer F6F Hellcat in 1942, Wildcat production was transferred to General Motors' Eastern Aircraft Division. While the FM-1 was virtually identical to the F4F-4, the FM-2 was a purpose-designed evolution optimised for operations from small escort carriers. Armament was reduced from six to four .50-calibre Browning M-2 machine guns, allowing ammunition capacity to be increased to 1,720 rounds. A more powerful Wright R-1820-56 Cyclone nine-cylinder radial engine producing 1,350 hp was fitted, along with an enlarged fin and rudder to handle the increased torque. The FM-2 could carry two 113 kg drop tanks or bombs, or six 127 mm HVAR rockets.

The FM-2 gained particular distinction during the Philippine campaign. At the Battle off Samar on 25 October 1944, Wildcats from escort carrier squadrons VC-3, VC-10 and VC-65 of Task Unit 77.4.3 "Taffy 3" faced a vastly superior Japanese surface fleet, strafing battleships and cruisers to buy time for the vulnerable transports to escape. Squadron VC-27 was credited with shooting down 62.5 Japanese aircraft over four months of the Philippine campaign – a testament to the FM-2's lethality in skilled hands. Simultaneously, FM-2s flew convoy escort and anti-submarine patrols in the Atlantic. In Fleet Air Arm service as the Wildcat Mk VI, they operated over the North Atlantic and took part in operations over Norway and Denmark.

Original aircraft specifications (FM-2 Wildcat):

• Length: 8.8 m (28 ft 11 in)
• Wingspan: 11.58 m (38 ft)
• Height: 3.02 m (9 ft 11 in)
• Empty weight: 2,471 kg (5,448 lb)
• Loaded weight: 3,751 kg (8,271 lb)
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: 1 × Wright R-1820-56 Cyclone, 9-cylinder air-cooled radial, 1,350 hp (1,007 kW)
• Maximum speed: 534 km/h (332 mph) at 8,800 m
• Range: approx. 1,448 km (900 miles)
• Service ceiling: 11,400 m (37,400 ft)
• Fixed armament: 4 × Browning M-2 machine guns, cal. 12.7 mm
• Underwing ordnance: 2 × 113 kg bombs or 6 × 127 mm HVAR rockets
• FM-2 production: 4,777 aircraft (Eastern Aircraft Division, 1943–1945)

About the manufacturer – Arma Hobby:

Arma Hobby is a Polish model kit manufacturer based in Warsaw, operating since 2014 – initially under the Attack Squadron brand. The company specialises in 1:72 and 1:48 scale fighter and trainer aircraft kits, with a particular focus on Polish aviation subjects and World War II themes. Arma Hobby has earned a strong reputation in the modelling community for the high quality of its injection moulds: finely recessed panel lines, carefully rendered surface textures, and precise part fit are consistent hallmarks of their releases. Expert Set kits – such as the FM-2 Wildcat 70031 – stand out for their comprehensive contents, with photo-etched details and self-adhesive paint masks included as standard, allowing modellers to achieve top-quality results without purchasing additional aftermarket accessories. The company's catalogue includes the Hurricane, P-39 Airacobra, PZL P.11c, TS-11 Iskra, and a range of Japanese and Soviet fighters. Arma Hobby operates its own online shop and distributes its products through hobby retailers in dozens of countries worldwide.