Profile Photo
Bill Koppos
119 articles

Good idea, Tom, for the USMC’s birthday…

November 10, 2013 · in Aviation · · 9 · 1.1K

what better representative than the defenders of Wake Island. An epic defense if there ever was one, Wake's Marines were the only ones to successfully repel an island invasion. A big part was the fierce attacks of the island's few Wildcats. 's F4F-3 is one of their better jobs, only some engine and gun bay detailing was added. The camo pattern is unique to these 'cats and the numbers were cobbled to make this a Wake warrior. It was built a while ago, during the quilt-paintjob panel line craze. It has since had a moron-induced crash, and I think I'll redo it using new paint techiques.

Reader reactions:
1  Awesome

8 additional images. Click to enlarge.


9 responses

  1. Sorry, already been posted back in March. Got to check before I post an oldie.

  2. I wouldn't use a different scheme, Bill...I think it looks good the way it is.

    "Moron-Induced" - ?

    • We had a puff-back last year, my wife had a cleaning crew come in, insurance-covered. The hugely intelligent crew took a bunch of my 1/32's off the top of a cabinet, literally threw them in a pile, then threw MORE stuff on top. I have never been closer to murder in my 58 years. PCM hurricane, p-51A, Tamiya Zero and the Wildcat, crushed and F'd up to various degrees. Fixed most but the P-51 and Wildcat still wait. The Cuban Hawk was a total loss.

  3. Well, I didn't see it in March, so I'm glad you re-posted today.

  4. There's also Yellow Wings Decals in 1/32 for Wake Island F4F-3s so you don't have to cobble things together.

  5. I like it too, Bill, you really don't have to repaint it!

  6. Nice clean build, your paint job will "stand the test of time" regarding the panel lines, looks good!

Leave a Reply