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Beskrivning

Hobby Master is one of the most respected manufacturer of diecast airplane and vehicle models.

The pictures do not give justice to this fantastic model from Hobby Master. It can be displayed on its undercarriage - wings extended or folded - or on an elaborate stand which normally does not come with the model. I may, however, have one in sealed packing for the eventual buyer!

Hobby Master 1:32 Air Power Series HA0308

Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat diecast model
US Navy, Minsi II, David McCampbell, USS Essex, 1944

Limited Edition

1:32 Scale Length Width
Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat 12.75" 16.25"

General Background

The F6F Hellcat was basically designed as the "Zero Killer". It could fly about an average 55 mph faster than the Zero and it was heavier and more powerful than the Zero. The Hellcat also had the highest kill ratio of any American fighter plane during WWII (19 to1). US Navy pilots referred the Hellcat as the "Aluminum Tank".

The Aircraft

The Hellcat made its combat debut August 1943 and in two years carrier-based F6Fs were credited with downing 4,947 aircraft. If land-based and Marine Hellcat kills are added it brings the total to 5,156, an incredible figure. This total represents 80% of all kills giving a kill/to-loss ratio of 19 to 1 - another outstanding achievement. By Spring 1944 there were a total 4,403 F6F-3s built. Often referred to as the "Aluminum Tank" it was also aptly called "The Ace Maker" because of men like Vraciu and McCampbell.
In Late June 1944 David McCampbell received an F6F-5 Hellcat that he named Minsi. LCDR McCampbell flew this aircraft until mid September 1944 and was unable to score one victory during those 3 months. This new aircraft turned out to be a very problematic machine and must have been built on a Monday or Friday. In early September 1944 this aircraft was traded in for the new F6F-5 McCampbell named "Minsi II". McCampbell ended the war with a total of 34 victories.