1/72 F8F-1B Bearcat

The Grumman F8F Bearcat was developed at the close of World War II as a light, exceptionally powerful carrier fighter with an R-2800 radial engine. It arrived too late for combat in the Pacific but served with the US Navy after the war, and surplus aircraft went to foreign air arms. The F8F-1B carried four 20 mm cannon instead of machine guns; French Bearcats fought in Indochina and further aircraft went to Thailand.

According to the manufacturer, the HobbyBoss Easy Assembly kit in 1/72 scale consists of over 20 parts, including one clear part. The decals provide two options: an F8F-1B of the French G.C. 1/22 in January 1954, or No. 234 of the Royal Thai Air Force 1st Fighter Bomber Wing in early 1960. The finished model is 118 mm long with a 150 mm wingspan.

The low part count suits beginners as well as modellers who want to expand a collection of post-war piston fighters quickly. The dark blue finish with French or Thai national markings looks striking in the small scale. Paints and glues required for assembly are not included.

Nationality: France, Thailand. Period: Cold War.