Airstrike's Series 5 - F6F Hellcat - USS Randolph

AirstrikeToys · Post by **AirstrikeToys** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 5:04 pm

Airstrike Toys - Collector's Series 5 - F6F Hellcat - USS Randolph

Hello everyone! Just released! Series 5 Hellcat in the Randolph paint scheme. Collector's Series 5 recognizes Ens. John Bartol.

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Ens. John Bartol served his first tour of duty during WWII with the fighter group VF-16 under the command of Paul Buie (Airstrike's Collector's Series 2). VF-16, also known as the Pistol Packin' Airedales, was assigned to the USS Lexington. During the Mariana's Campaign (The Mariana's Turkey Shoot), Ens. Bartol shot down 4 enemy aircraft. He signed up for a second tour of duty and remained with VF-16 when it was reassigned to the USS Randolph. While conducting combat operations near Japan, Ens. Bartol scored his 5th victory adding him to the short list of WWII Hellcat Aces.

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<a href="http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc23 ... cat056.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc23 ... cat056.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc23 ... cat054.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc23 ... cat054.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc23 ... cat049.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc23 ... cat049.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc23 ... cat036.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc23 ... cat036.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc23 ... cat030.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc23 ... cat030.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Sabrefan · Post by **Sabrefan** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 5:14 pm

That looks nice, any news on the British Hellcat?

B24guy · Post by **B24guy** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 5:15 pm

Yes! good question Sabrefan, how about the British Hellcat? I like the way you did the exhaust on this new paint scheme.

Sabrefan · Post by **Sabrefan** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 5:17 pm

B24guy, I see you are in Louisiana also. You better not get the British Hellcat before me, or I will go to your house and get it!

B24guy · Post by **B24guy** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 5:22 pm

Come on over Paul, my son still loves the F-86 model you gave him. I will let you get the first British Hellcat.

AirstrikeToys · Post by **AirstrikeToys** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 6:13 pm

Hey guys. The brit hellcat is in the pipeline to be made. There are still a couple of other projects in line before it. Its coming soon!

Thanks,
Patrick

Sabrefan · Post by **Sabrefan** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 6:20 pm

Thanks Patrick,

Sign me up for the British Hellcat!

MG40K · Post by **MG40K** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 8:56 pm

Very!! cool

JOC · Post by **JOC** » Mon Jul 28, 2008 6:26 am

Patrick:
Great version with the Randolph Version. I know a lot of board members are awaiting the Brit Version, but this one is by far the Tops in this airplane so far.
Thanks
JOC
Jay

JOC · Post by **JOC** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 11:36 pm

My Randolph Hellcat arrived today and it is fantastic. The weathering and exhaust coloring on the sides are just magnificent. If anyone of you are thinking of getting one of these, I guarantee you won't be disappointed. I too am looking forward to seeing the Brit version, but don't let that keep you from getting this one. Patrick and his folks are doing a magnificent job taking a pre-made aircraft and crafting it into an exclusive.
JMHO, I just love this plane.
JOC

Sabrefan · Post by **Sabrefan** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 7:00 am

JOC, can you post some pictures of your new Hellcat, I bet she is a beauty. I too like how they did the exhaust. Looking forward to that British Hellcat!

mosquitomania · Post by **mosquitomania** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 8:44 am

Sweet looking Hellcat. Sign me up for the British Hellcat! Can anyone show us the paint scheme that will be used for the British Hellcat?

JOC · Post by **JOC** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 12:34 pm

This is to Paul and all other members of this board.

First, I asked Patrick for permission to post this to all of you.
Paul had asked if I could post pictures of my Randolph Hellcat. I do not have the expertise or camera to do this.
I have been given permission to tell you this:
The photos that Patrick posted at the beginning of this thread, is the plane I now have. I am a disabled Nam Vet living on a limited disability budget, so he has taken a fewof my generic BBI Hellcats/Corsairs and used them to make up their camera ready models, or prototypes to come up with the final version. It saves them $$$ in buying extra planes to experiment with.I do not ger them back in their original box, I do display them, but they make it possible for me to have something unique too. I do not get one of each. I have been waiting quite awhile to be able to tell all of you how great Patrick and his crew are. Today, he gave me verbal permission to do so. The Brit version will be coming, lots more work to do on that scheme versus a US model, so sit tight guys, it will come. I would not hesitate on getting another version though, as it makes the BBI original look like a piker in comparison. I hope all of you understand my arrangement with them, they are great people, just can't say enough about them.
Thank You all for being on this board, it makes this a greater hobby with all of you here.
JOC

Sabrefan · Post by **Sabrefan** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 5:03 pm

Thanks for the info JOC.