Arma Hobby 70050 - 1:72 FM-1 & FM-2 Wildcat - Deluxe Set

Plastic model kits of the American FM-1 and FM-2 Wildcat fighters in 1:72 scale – Deluxe Set

The Deluxe Set contains two complete models in one box: the FM-1 and the FM-2, the two General Motors-built versions of the Wildcat. The FM-1 was the equivalent of the F4F-4 with the Twin Wasp engine and armament reduced to four heavy machine guns, while the FM-2 was a lighter aircraft with a more powerful Cyclone engine and a taller vertical tail. Side by side they show the evolution of the design.

The box holds two complete sets of plastic sprues together with clear sprues, a brass photo-etched fret covering both versions and two sets of self-adhesive masks for the canopies and wheels. The release is completed by two laser-engraved plywood flight deck sections measuring 14.5 x 14.5 cm, which serve as display bases and let both models be shown in a consistent setting.

The decals cover eight marking options. For the FM-1: A32/S31 of VC-33 from USS Nassau, 1943; aircraft number '7' of VC-6 from USS Core, 1943; JV439/C9-N of 733 NAS, Ceylon, 1945; and JV579 'F' of 846 NAS from HMS Trumpeter, 1944. For the FM-2: 'D6 Judy' of VC-14 from USS Hoggatt Bay, 1944; number '8 Hot Lips' of VC-99 from USS Hoggatt Bay, 1945; number '4' of VC-13 from USS Tripoli, 1944; and JV752/320-9, a test aircraft at Boscombe Down, 1945.

What's in the box:

• Two complete sets of plastic sprues – for the FM-1 and for the FM-2
• Two clear sprues
• Brass photo-etched fret for both versions
• Two sets of self-adhesive masks for the canopies and wheels
• Two laser-engraved plywood flight deck sections measuring 14.5 x 14.5 cm, serving as display bases
• Decals for eight marking options (four for the FM-1 and four for the FM-2)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 70050
• Manufacturer: Arma Hobby
• Contents: two complete models – FM-1 and FM-2
• Assembled length of each model: approx. 122 mm
• Assembled wingspan of each model: approx. 161 mm
• Flight deck section size: 14.5 x 14.5 cm
• Skill level: intermediate/advanced (two models, photo-etched parts, many small details)

Please note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model requires assembly.

Building the model:

Two models in one box make for a longer project, so we suggest building them in parallel – many stages, especially painting the interiors and the landing gear, are then done only once. It is worth painting and finishing the cockpits before closing the fuselage halves. Cyanoacrylate glue and precision tweezers work best for the brass photo-etched parts. The plywood flight deck sections can be left in a natural wood finish or painted grey, like the decks of American escort carriers.

The marking options range from early Atlantic schemes with light undersurfaces to later aircraft in overall Gloss Sea Blue and Fleet Air Arm machines in Extra Dark Sea Grey and Dark Slate Grey over Sky. The instructions give the paint codes for each scheme. We recommend applying the decals over a gloss coat to reduce silvering, and finishing the models with a satin varnish.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters for removing the parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding sticks for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for the 3D-printed and photo-etched parts
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in a range of sizes or an airbrush
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Gloss varnish for decalling and satin varnish for the final finish
• Decal setting solution
• Wash for picking out panel lines and details
• Optionally: stain or paint for finishing the plywood flight deck sections

About the aircraft – FM-1 and FM-2 Wildcat:

When Grumman concentrated on building the much larger F6F Hellcat, Wildcat production was taken over by General Motors. The first result was the FM-1 – the equivalent of the F4F-4 with the Twin Wasp radial, in which the armament was reduced from six to four 12.7 mm heavy machine guns. The change saved weight and increased the ammunition supply per gun.

The next step was the FM-2, designed specifically for small escort carriers. It received a more powerful Wright R-1820-56 Cyclone 9 of about 1,350 hp with a lower empty weight, giving better climb and a shorter take-off run. The greater torque required a taller vertical tail – the easiest way to identify this version. The FM-2 could also carry 5-inch HVAR unguided rockets.

Both versions served mainly aboard escort carriers, hunting submarines in the Atlantic and covering convoys and landings in the Pacific. A number went to the British Fleet Air Arm, where the FM-1 was known as the Martlet and later the Wildcat Mk V, and the FM-2 as the Wildcat Mk VI.

Original aircraft specifications (FM-1 Wildcat):

• Crew: 1
• Length: 8.76 m
• Wingspan: 11.58 m
• Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp radial engine of 1,200 hp
• Armament: 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 heavy machine guns in the wings
• Distinguishing features: folding wings, manually retracted landing gear
• Production: approx. 1,150 aircraft built by General Motors

Original aircraft specifications (FM-2 Wildcat):

• Crew: 1
• Length: 8.81 m
• Wingspan: 11.58 m
• Powerplant: Wright R-1820-56 Cyclone 9 radial engine of approx. 1,350 hp
• Gun armament: 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 heavy machine guns in the wings
• External load: up to 6 x 5-inch HVAR unguided rockets or 2 x 250 lb bombs
• Maximum speed: approx. 530 km/h
• Distinguishing features: taller vertical tail, folding wings
• Production: approx. 4,700 aircraft built by General Motors

About the manufacturer – Arma Hobby:

Arma Hobby is a Warsaw-based plastic model manufacturer that has been releasing kits under this name since 2016. The brand grew out of Attack Squadron, previously known among modellers for its resin accessories, and it kept that eye for fine detail. Tooling is designed and cut in Poland, with documentation based partly on 3D scanning of surviving airframes. The company's hallmark is very fine surface reproduction – rivets and panel lines – together with thin trailing edges, crisp clear parts and well-printed decals. The catalogue covers 1:72 and 1:48, with a strong focus on Polish aviation, including the PZL P.7a, PZL P.11c and TS-11 Iskra, as well as Allied WWII types. Arma Hobby kits have won several industry awards, among them the Model of the Year title at the Nuremberg toy fair. The manufacturer also keeps developing the idea of supplementing kits with 3D-printed parts and downloadable print files.