Arma Hobby General Motors FM-2 Wildcats
Arma Hobby is beginning to make a name for itself by releasing subjects which have been long overlooked in 1/72 scale. This is the FM-2 variant of the Wildcat. This version was produced by General Motors so Grumman could focus on Hellcat production and was produced in greater numbers than all the other marks of Wildcats combined. The FM-2 had a more-powerful Pratt & Whitney R-1830-86 engine, a taller tail, and a four-gun foldable wing.
The FM-2 Wildcat (BuNo 16262) in the graded scheme was assigned to Composite Squadron 10 (VC-10) embarked on the escort carrier USS Gambier Bay (CVE-73). On 15JUN44 pilot LT Herman J. Hardess belly-landed this aircraft aboard the Gambier Bay, it was later jettisoned over the side.
BuNo 16130 carried the North Atlantic gray scheme and was assigned to Composite Squadron 8 (VC-10) embarked on the escort carrier USS Guadalcanal (CVE-60). Pilot was LTJG F. H. Behlen III.
The FM-2 Wildcat from Composite Squadron 96 (VC-96) was finished in the late-war overall Gloss Sea Blue scheme. It flew from the Casablanca-class escort carrier USS Rudyerd Bay (CVE-81) during the Okinawa campaign in April, 1945.
Construction posts for those interested can be found here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/?s=FM-2+WILDCAT+build
Beautiful builds, Jeff.
All three of them.
Your photography is also absolutely great.
You had me at eye-level photography, and they're ALL nice photos.
Three little gems on their own but together wow.
Really impressive work.
Edit to add, it's good to see the rockets on a Wildcat! It's a good reminder that the Wildcat didn't just fade away after Midway, they fought 'til the bitter end. The more I read the more I get the impression that the F8F Bearcat wasn't so much a Hellcat replacement but more so, or at least equally, to replace the Wildcat on the smaller carriers.
Thanks, now I wanna do a Wildcat with rockets. I also like it with the one drop tank.
Magnificent workmanship is on display here for all of us to enjoy. Thanks for sharing these with us. I pressed the "liked" button.
Beautiful builds - love that Atlantic scheme, and I'm definitely going to have to build an Arma Hobby Wildcat in the near future!
Very nice Wildcats Jeff !
The Wilder Wildcat, as it was known. In April 1945 four Wildcat VI (FAA FM-2) took on four Bf-109G-6 and shot down 2 with one probable. In June 1945, eight FM-2s flying off Kyushu got into it with some Zeros and shot down four.
Beautiful models, Jeff.
"Liked" (a lot!)
For those of you who might be interested, Jeff has a very nice blog, "Inch High Guy" that is well worth a visit or three. https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/
That's a really nice looking group of Cats, Jeff. Nicely down, especially like the Atlantic camo look.
Can't have too many Wildcats, really nice collection, definitely liked.
A wild bunch of Wildcats! They look great.
Great bunch of cats.
š ... Greetings ... š :
I just finished seeing all the pictures for this post, I had a smile of delight all
the time.
Very nice show and builds Jeff. The photography is very keen and sharp.
Thank you for sharing these images.
Amazing little models, jeff!
A great tribute to this very important palne.
Kudos also to Arma Hobby for tackling suchj subjects in the (formerly overlooked) amazing 1/72 scale!
Thanks for the kind words guys, much appreciated!
Very nice work. Iām glad the 1/72 scale models can be this good.
Well done.