Arma Hobby 70090 - 1:72 F4F-3 Wildcat

Arma Hobby 70090 – Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat, 1:72 plastic model kit

Arma Hobby 70090 is a self-assembly model of the Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat – the early, fixed-wing Wildcat from the start of the Pacific War. It is a separate kit, made from completely new tooling, different from the earlier F4F-4 Wildcat and FM-2 Wildcat models in the Arma Hobby range.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts (completely new tooling)
• Masks for painting the canopy and wheels
• New canopy glazing with the Arma JIG system aiding assembly
• Decals with three marking options
• Code for a free digital 3D file with printable accessories
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Product code: 70090
• Manufacturer: Arma Hobby
• Assembled length: approx. 122 mm, wingspan: approx. 161 mm
• Difficulty: intermediate

Note: the set does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

The model uses new tooling; parts are joined with plastic cement. The included masks make painting the canopy framing and wheels easier, and the Arma JIG canopy system helps to position the canopy precisely. It is worth painting the interior before closing the fuselage.

We recommend applying the decals over a gloss coat, which limits the risk of decal silvering, and after drying sealing them with a matt or satin coat.

Required tools:

• Modelling nippers
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper
• Plastic cement
• Precise modelling tweezers
• Primer, brushes and modelling paints
• Modelling wash to emphasise details

About the aircraft – Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat:

The Grumman F4F Wildcat was the principal carrier fighter of the US Navy and Marine Corps in the early Pacific War. The F4F-3 version had fixed (non-folding) wings and was powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp radial engine. It was the F4F-3 that faced Japanese aviation in the difficult months of late 1941 and early 1942.

Wildcats of this version fought in the defence of Wake Island, covered the carriers at the Battle of the Coral Sea and took part in the first engagements that slowed Japanese expansion. Although less manoeuvrable than their opponents, their armour and heavy armament allowed pilots to engage effectively.

Specifications (Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat):

• Length: approx. 8.76 m
• Wingspan: approx. 11.58 m
• Height: approx. 2.87 m
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp radial, approx. 1,200 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 530 km/h
• Armament: four 12.7 mm machine guns in the wings

About the manufacturer – Arma Hobby:

Arma Hobby is a Polish manufacturer of plastic models and modelling accessories, specialising in 1:72 and 1:48 aircraft, valued for modern tooling, good parts fit and well-equipped sets (including high-quality masks and decals).