I've been swearing that I'd get this one done for years and knocked it out in about two weeks. Trumpeter 1/32nd F4F-3 Wildcat, late version, in the markings of Lt. Noel Gayler aboard USS Lexington (CV-2) in the Spring of '42. The Grand Phoenix cockpit is a bit clunky by today's standards and the canopy can't be displayed open anyway. Master Details wheels. Decals from Fundekals Decals.
Lt. Gayler would survive the May 8th attack on the Lexington and her subsequent sinking during the Battle Of Coral Sea, whereas his "F-5" wasn't quite so lucky. Some 216 crewmen were killed and 2,735 were evacuated. 17 SBD Dauntless dive bombers, 13 F4F Wildcat fighters, and 12 TBD Devastator torpedo bombers, 42 planes total, went down with the stricken ship.
She was recently relocated by R/V Petrel in remarkably good condition resting on the sea floor not far from the "Lady Lex".
Frankly, although it looks a lot like a Wildcat once finished this build was so unremarkable that I didn't even bother to take progress photos. Heck, until I got to the decal phase it wasn't even fun. Had to drill and pin the wings with brass tube because the mating surfaces and tabs were so shallow and misaligned that I feared they would just fall off eventually. Paints used were Aeromaster Blue Grey, Light Grey for the belly and lower interior, and Floquil's Pullman Green for the upper interior and reduction gear housing.
Currently back to the Great War at the bench with an Eduard 1/48th Pfalz D.III and D.IIIa as a dual build. Moving slowly on them while await the delivery of a Windsock DF, the Kagero book, and the Pfalz book from Aeronaut.
