Many of us think that the Bearcat is probably one of the neatest aircraft to have come out of WWII and can only wonder how it would have performed against the Japanese in the later part of the war. However, fate had its way and the aircraft never fired its guns in anger while in US service. This particular sheet is scaled for the Hobbcraft/Academy kits. All are in overall gloss sea blue so painting is a snap. You could also use the Testors/Hawk F8F-2 for one of the schemes should you wish.

First up is an F8F-1B from VF-17 during 1946 with yellow code letters as was the norm during that period.

Next is a VF-12A F8F-1 aboard the USS Valley Forge in 1948. It carried a white fuselage stripe to add some interest.

The last is an F8F-2 from the Officer's C.I.C. School at NAS Glenview during 1951. Unusual for a Reserve aircraft, it does not have the normal orange fuselage band.

The sheet provides insignia and data for one of the three options, and wing walkways for two.

March 2006

Review copy courtesy of . Thanks for your support.