Unusual F6F Hellcat scheme ...

[Mark Allen M]

First for me and I thought I've just about seen them all. Over on the modeling site HyperScale there's a discussion going on about this scheme and suggesting it's a VC-38 Hellcat. Interesting indeed. One of the modelers built a very nice model of this scheme. Take a look here along with a good discussion as to it's origins.
http://www.network54.com/Forum/149674/m ... llcats+....

[Jim MacDonald]

Very interesting photo, Mark. I haven't seen that scheme before either. I checked my microfilm for VF-38 & didn't find a Lochridge mentioned in the action reports.

Mac

[Ken]

I've always said the modeling community should be one of the strongest allies to the warbird community yet the connection, in general, seems thin.

Ken

[Mark Allen M]

Good morning Gents, and Ladies.
Shoot! Jim I was hoping for a solution from you being your 'the man' for this type of thing.
I do have faith though it's only a matter of time before the answer is posted.

Ken as for the modeling connection I completely agree with you. My observations conclude that the modeling communities are dominated by perfectionists and over-achieves. Lol, and that's by no means a knock on them. I've always been fascinated by the spectacular artwork those folks can generate. I'm not a model builder (used to build them as a kid) but I'll tell ya some of those guys should be hired to assist the warbird people in getting certain schemes pinned down tight ... IMHO of course.

It seems in the modeling community it's the paint scheme that is the dominating force driving the final outcome, and with the warbird community it's getting the thing in the air that's the desired outcome. No confusion there. Obviously paint schemes are secondary for many owners and operators. No knocks mind you, just the way it is in some cases (not all cases of course as we continue to see some very spectacular and authentic schemes every year) no complaints on either side.

M

[lmritger]

Well Ken, you've at least got me, for better or worse, LOL...

You're 100% right, we can be the absolute BEST friends of folks in the warbird community, particularly because we really do love to dig into stuff like this, and we'll do it for next to nothing- just give us a chance to get up close and personal with the results of our research, or maybe if you fly somewhere near us, give us a ride. The problem seems to be an overabundance of ego on the part of many warbird owners, and a lack of social skills on the part of many modelers. Modeling is by and large a solitary hobby and a visit to the IPMS National Convention (which our club is hosting next month- hint, hint! Come on down to Hampton, Va and pay us a visit!) will underscore that point to a certain extent.

If the owners could just slack off a bit and let us help, and if our community could learn how to communicate better with folks who own these things, everyone would win. And then we could avoid things like airbrushed nose art and Disney fonts on restored aircraft... and maybe the owners would be able to stop reproducing the same stinkin' scheme over and over and over and over (see: Memphis Belle, Old Crow).

Thanks for bringing this up over here Mark, glad you still poke your nose in over there- although I also understand and support your decision to not bring anything up there, as who needs that drama.

Cheers,

Lynn (unrepentant modeler and avowed warbird enthusiast)

[Mark Allen M]

Yep! I would say Lynn is one of the rare guys who covers all his bases nicely. He's an avid modeler, dedicated warbird enthusiast and authentic collector of flight gear. ( didn't want to say re-enactor for fear that may insult Lynn lolol) and what really places Lynn high above the crowd is that he participates and contributes at a very consistent and generous level. Always good stuff from him and pleasure to read.

And yes Lynn I lurk over on your HyperScale site all the time. Fascinating stuff over there (if you block out the in-fighting lol)

[greatgonzo]

I believe You are basicly right about modellers connection, Mark. Yet do not forget, only a part of modelling hobby goes along warbirding. It is really not often when modellers really care for the construction of the craft they are trying to portrait. Only few care about outlooks really. Those who are able to research things themselves, and I wouldn't name asking a fellow modeller a research, are just white tigers. From my point of view having a chance to ask a question to people like Rich, or other guys gathered around warbirds is Christmas. Having opportunity to help warbirder would be a Christmas too. Most modellers just don't care enough, which is nothing wrong indeed. It is mostly just this kind of hobby.

[k5083]

Modelers and warbirders don't interact enough, but there is some overlap. Some of the great warbird collectors started as modelers; Ed Maloney is a well known example. Last I heard, POF hosts an IPMS chapter with its meetings and shows. More collections should do that.

When it comes to paint schemes and markings, most of the best research has been done by and for modelers. Warbird restorers may not talk to modelers directly, but they use the books and resources that come out of that community and would have a much tougher job painting their planes accurately without them.

There may be some contempt for modelers in the parts of the warbird community that hate "rivet counters" and "paint scheme police" because such appearance-focused detail is what scale modeling is about, and competent modelers will tend to get anal about it. Those who are more concerned with the mechanical and operational side of the warbird movement may find that modelers don't know much about that, although in my experience they are interested in learning. OTOH it is frustrating for modelers when restorers, from NASM on down, make unintentional paint errors that any contest-level modeler would have caught.

In many ways I sometimes feel that the main difference between a modeler and a warbird owner is the amount of money they each have to pour into their hobby.

August

[Snake45]

In many ways I sometimes feel that the main difference between a modeler and a warbird owner is the amount of money they each have to pour into their hobby.

August

Preach It, Brother August!

[Mark Allen M]

most of the best research has been done by and for modelers

Indeed

[lmritger]

In many ways I sometimes feel that the main difference between a modeler and a warbird owner is the amount of money they each have to pour into their hobby.

Your entire post is dead-on accurate, but I want to point something out here... in terms of actual percentage of personal income spent on the pursuit of those hobbies, I would argue the serious modelers (myself included) have probably spent a greater percentage of our net worth on our hobby than many (most?) warbird owners. There are a select few for whom warbirds have become an entire business model such as the Collings Foundation, and that's awesome of course, but for many the acquisition and maintenance of a warbird falls in the "nice to have but far from necessary" realm. And as such, their attention is going to be focused more heavily on simply keeping the thing in the air, with their primary focus being whatever it is that allows them to afford such a wonderful and expensive hobby. I mention this not as a slam on either group, just to point out that we, too, invest a lot into our hobby- as much as we can afford, and sometimes more than that (Right, Snake? lol), and just because our investments don't carry as many zeroes in front of the decimal point as a Mustang or a Corsair, hardly makes our involvement and enthusiasm for the hobby any less worthy or respectable.

Cheers,

Lynn

[Mark Allen M]

No such thing as wasted or ill-spent money if it makes you happy. You got about 80 years + or - so the quicker you figure out that there's nothing you can take with you, well enough said. Get busy living or get busy dying. (heard that somewhere)

[shepsair]

Mark,

I have similar photos of F6F-3's with the white spin etc and they came from the Intelligence Officer of VF-38. The number ID markings are also different from the type carried on the first 3 tours (single or double only) and the early ones did not seem to have nose art but did have the unofficial VF-38 emblem under the cockpit.

The name is not part of the group that did 3 tours between Sept 1943 and April 1944.

Additionally I cannot recall seeing any white reminants on the one at Pensacola. It does seem feasible as the white markings were were added to assist identity and especailly as the F6F was a new type initially. (It was of course used by the Kiwis and Aussies on there P39's and P40's though I have never seen anything on the F4U. Perhaps it was too recognisable to require them?

I'll have a look at mine again. I have 4/5 including a three view with three photos.

Kind regards

Mark

[Mark Allen M]

Fantastic! I would really like to see your photos. I was thinking along the same lines as what you stated. Makes sense to me anyway. Look forward to seeing what you have.

Thanks in advance

Mark

[Snake45]

...we, too, invest a lot into our hobby- as much as we can afford, and sometimes more than that (Right, Snake? lol)....

Cheers,

Lynn

In my case, not so much any more. I just refuse to pay current prices for today's "state of the art" kits. If I can't get something on sale or with a 40% off coupon, I'd rather grab some ancient crock out of my 40+ year old stash in the basement, or perhaps buy a restorable "glue bomb" of a now-rare and valuable kit off eBay and completely rebuild it.

The last new model airplane I bought was the Hobby Boss F8F-2 Bearcat, and I got a hella good price on it.

On the other hand, I've spent well over $100 in the last few months on Skyraider books. (Yes, I have a tall stack of Skyraider kits to build...eventually.)