F6f-5 Hellcat, VF-74 Flying Wolfhounds,1944.1/72 Hasegawa.
The VF-74 Flying Wolfhounds, not to be confused with VF-74 Bedevilers, which began as VBF-20 and then VF-92. a bit confusing, was established March 1944 at Norfolk Va. training at NAS Atlantic City. Sailed onboard USS Kasaan Bay CVE-69 with their early model F6F-5's. Along with VOF-1 on board the Tulagi Bay CVE-72 and several British CVEs. participated in Operation Dragoon, the invasion of southern France. Combat included close to three hundred sorties mostly ground attack, two aerial victories a JU-88 and a DO-217, losing five aircrew and six aircraft mostly due to ground fire.VF-74 also had a detachment of night fighters on the island or Corsica. After the mission was complete they returned home and was disestablished October 1944, a pretty short lived career. In that short time' they did have a squadron patch and even had a decal for their aircraft but I don't think they got a chance to apply them, maybe they didn't get them in time. I discovered the squadron while searching for VF-74 info { I'm a former Bedeviler}. So I present another obscure Hellcat in the boring dark sea blue. The kit is the venerable Hasegawa, it looks like a very early molding. Its supposed to be the early -5 so I installed the rear windows. The rockets came from Eduard's Hellcat kit. Now to search for another obscure kitty[already got the kitty coming],thanks for looking.
You did a fine job with your Cat ! It was an interesting article too... Well done buddy. It's always neat when you learn more about the history of a unit that you served with. Having an original photo to work from of the actual plane your building is another big help.
I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. What did you use for the antennae cable ? ...and do you have any thoughts about what your next "Cat" build will be ?
Thanks for sharing this with us.
"liked"
Tanks for your comments, I used EZ line for the antennae. Next one?, think of Hellcat over Brooklyn. And to you Happy Thanksgiving!
Nicely done and presented Robert, looks good !
Great looking Hellcat!
splendid build bob
Nice job Robert - love the flying wolfhound badge!
Nice research as well as a good looking Cat Robert.
Great looking Hellcat Robert! Well done.