Pacific Aces...1/48 Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat, Lt. Alexander Vraciu, VF-6 "Felix Cat", USN
18/2023
The doublepack naval theme continues, first of two Hellcats by my dad.
Eduard Profipack 2008 edition, built oob, added EZ Line for the antenna wire. Painted with MRP Sea Blue, Intermediate Blue and AK RC White.
Build thread here
https://imodeler.com/groups/jim-sullivan-memorial-group-build/forum/topic/pacific-aces-1-48-grumman-f6f-3-hellcat-lt-alexander-vraciu-vf-6-felix-cat-usn/
Alexander Vraciu was born to Romanian immigrants in the US in 1918. He joined the US Navy in 1941 and served as a F6F pilot. He started his career as wingman of Edward "Butch" O´Hare. In December 1944 he was shot down, but could parachute. He then joined Philippine resistnace fighter for five months untilhe could join US forces again. He spent the last months of the war at the Naval Air Test Center in Patuxent, Maryland.
In total he was credited with 19 victories, received the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Gold Stars, the Air Medal with three Gold Stars, the Presidential Unit Citation with two stars; and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Vraciu had the Naval Reserve Medal; the American Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; National Defense Service Medal; and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars. Vraciu died in 2015 at the age of 96.
He was most successful with his F6F-3 "Gadget" onboard the USS Lexington in 1944. When this aircraft was withdrawn from service, it somehow survived until after the war, was later restored and brought back to flying condition with parts of other Hellcats and flies now with the Fighter Collection in the UK.
Great!
Well done, Reinhard. Love the look of the paint/weathering...very subtle.
Very convincing blue finish.
Great paint decals and pics.
Excellent result, Reinhard!
Nice one, Reinhard!
Superb rendition of Vraciu's Hellcat. Well done!
Beautiful
Reinhard Spreitzhofer (@grimreaper)
This is an excellent looking Hellcat. Your Dad has created yet another masterpiece. With his building, and your photography skills, you guys are an unstoppable team. I'll definitely be clicking on a few of the "like" buttons.
I remember watching an episode of "Dogfights" on the History channel, and they interviewed Alex Vraciu. He described some of his experiences and encounters with the enemy. I enjoyed reading your article too.
Some years ago when I worked at the Fire Department, I met a man who flew Hellcats from the Lexington. He told me he knew Vraciu, and flew several missions with him as his wingman. Sadly I didn't get to talk with him again. It would have been an honor to do so.
Thank you for the continued support with our group builds. Guys like you and your dad are what makes them all so special.
Fantastic Hellcat!
Great looking build.
Beautiful Hellcat - weathering is wonderful. Well done!
Absolutely amazing, Reinhard @grimreaper
Your dad created another excellent model, especially the tri-color painting looks perfect.
Thumbs up.