Unusual F6F Hellcat scheme ...

[Scooby]

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+....

I was hoping WIX members would discuss this topic. This paint scheme has surprised a lot of people.

One thing many of you missed is the modeler is Jim Sullivan, the author of many aviation books, including three In Action books on the F4U Corsair. Jim is a wealth of knowledge on the Corsair and has an extensive collection of wartime photographs.

[Scooby]

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

Please do post those photographs.

[Mark Allen M]

Good morning and yes I agree I would be very interested in seeing more data and photos posted on this particular scheme. Very unique indeed. It would be nice to hear from Jim as well. Sounds like just the man for these type of threads. His input would be very welcome, as has been by all. Hopefully we'll see Mark's (the other Mark) photos posted soon.

Mark

FYI PM sent to Mark requesting if he's willing to post his photos of this particular Hellcat scheme. We shall see what happens.

[Pogo]

Well, speaking of Jay-Dee, am I looking at a race plane with a great big hunk of armor in the cockpit...?

[avenger2504]

Probably a silly question but why Jay-Dee or is that who owned that particular Mustang?

[Snake45]

Probably a silly question but why Jay-Dee or is that who owned that particular Mustang?

As I recall (it's been over 20 years since I did the research and built that model), it was owned by a Mr. J. D. Reid.

http://www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/?s ... l/44-63576





BTW, I hand-painted the "Jay Dee" and the fuselage 37s. The other markings were pieced together from decals found in a model railroad shop, of all places.

And at the time I build it, I hadn't yet uncovered a color picture of it. I worked from a verbal description of the color.

Last edited by Snake45 on Sat Jul 26, 2014 8:52 pm, edited 2 times in total.

[avenger2504]

Ah Ha! Thanks for that.

[Mark Allen M]

Hope you guys don't mind if I hijack your modeling thread with a few more VF-38(?) Hellcat photos. Pretty sure their VF-38 Hellcats. These photos were generously sent to me and permission granted to post by Mark (WIX member "shepsair"). They are from Marks' collection. Thank you indeed. Quite an interesting and unique scheme.

[Pogo]

Pretty nervy of you Mark, ha ha! Seriously, I try not to hijack threads, go OT, make me-too posts, etc., but could see no way around going OT in this particular instance. I thought about asking Snake and Lynn if we could take it to the Modeler's section, prolly should have. At any rate, I'm finding the topic just as "riveting" as the digression -- so much so, I'm tempted to say you've outdone yourself ... again.

[Mark Allen M]

No problemo Kurt, and nada problemo for the other posters, all good stuff and it's all good .... so to continue with the original topic?
The next series of photos are courtesy of the archives of Mr. Jim Sullivan who built the model in the original post and is one of the best in the business with his research and contributions over the years. Greatly appreciated as always by the "experts" and their vast knowledge and generosity towards those of "us" who simply want to understand and learn more about what we have a passion for. Good people indeed.


F6F-3P #100 Green Island c 1944


F6F-3P #100 USN Hellcat Green Island c 1944


Muga Beach 24 July 1944

[shepsair]

The last photo looks like war weary airframes being returned to the States. This is around the same time F6F-3 25910 returned to the States and went on to Glenview later to be lost in Lake Michigan.

regards

Mark