BBI 1/32 F4F-4 Wildcat Review and Photos
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BBI 1/32 F4F-4 Wildcat Review and Photos
Greetings:
The F4F-4 Wildcat was one of the most important early fighter aircraft of World War II for the United States Navy. Built by Grumman, the Wildcat was not a match for the Zero in maneuverability, but was tough and dependable. The superior training of U.S. Navy pilots also enabled the Wildcat to cope quite successfuly with the Zero. Although having to bow later to the Hellcat and Corsair, the Wildcat was an important stop-gap aircraft that certainly helped us in our war against Japan.
BBI's latest 1/32 scale aircraft does the aircraft justice. This superb model is one of BBI's best effort and is on par with anything put out by that company or 21st Century Toys so far. It defintely surpasses the quality of the FOV aircraft. Here is a review of this wonderful model in a great mid war Pacific paint scheme.
IMG]http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb24 ... 120270.jpg[/IMG]
This is a picture of the whole aircraft. The aircraft is painted in a standard blue and gray Pacific scheme with some light weathering applied throughout. Paint and marking application are flawless on this model.
This is a picture of the aircraft and its parts. The main fusealage is one piece, followed by the two main wings, two tailplanes, the wheels up piece, two drop tanks, barometer and radio mast and the pilot.
This picture shows the wing fit. The wing fit of this model is excellent. There are no gaps and the wings snap into position nice and firmly. They will not come loose. The wings do not fold and there are no moving surfaces. Although some will frown on this, this helps build a strong quality fitting wing
This picture shows the tailplanes. These have an interesting design. The right piece has a tab that fits into the tail, comes through and hooks into the left tailplane. Although this sounds bad, both pieces fit firmly and lock nicely.
This picture shows the pilot in the cockpit. He doesn't seem to fit with the canopy in the closed position, but he looks good with the canopy back anyway. I didn't force him in but probably could have. The painting and detail on the pilot figure is wonderfully done. He looks terrific!
This picture shows the extra drop tanks and radio mast, it also shows the wheels down piece. This piece fits firmly and locks in place nicely. The plane defintely won't fall off the gear. The drop tanks and small accessories are good for the model and look decent. The tabs on mine needed to be trimmed for them to fit tightly.
This picture shows the wheels up piece. This piece locks nicely and presents well. It locks so well that it was actually stuck on mine and I had to pry it loose. I only wish BBI would include stands with their models so you could display them wheels up. Given the complicated Wildcat landing gear, this two piece option was certainly the best option.
Picture of the completed model, beautiful fit and overall quality.
Closeup of the engine view and detail.
View from the back.
Top view of the Wildcat, the shape and look of the plane are excellent.
Overall this model is a very impressive offering from BBI. The detail, paint quality and overall appearence of the model are excellent. The model is also unique, as you more often see Hellcats and Corsairs. This model is an excellent compliment to the Dauntless and I only hope BBI continues to make these wonderful aircraft. My gripes are minor. I would have liked folding wings and working landing gear but given the complexity of both on the actual plane, I can understand the decision not to do this. The Wildcat is a great model!
Regards
Corey
The F4F-4 Wildcat was one of the most important early fighter aircraft of World War II for the United States Navy. Built by Grumman, the Wildcat was not a match for the Zero in maneuverability, but was tough and dependable. The superior training of U.S. Navy pilots also enabled the Wildcat to cope quite successfuly with the Zero. Although having to bow later to the Hellcat and Corsair, the Wildcat was an important stop-gap aircraft that certainly helped us in our war against Japan.
BBI's latest 1/32 scale aircraft does the aircraft justice. This superb model is one of BBI's best effort and is on par with anything put out by that company or 21st Century Toys so far. It defintely surpasses the quality of the FOV aircraft. Here is a review of this wonderful model in a great mid war Pacific paint scheme.
IMG]http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb24 ... 120270.jpg[/IMG]
This is a picture of the whole aircraft. The aircraft is painted in a standard blue and gray Pacific scheme with some light weathering applied throughout. Paint and marking application are flawless on this model.
This is a picture of the aircraft and its parts. The main fusealage is one piece, followed by the two main wings, two tailplanes, the wheels up piece, two drop tanks, barometer and radio mast and the pilot.
This picture shows the wing fit. The wing fit of this model is excellent. There are no gaps and the wings snap into position nice and firmly. They will not come loose. The wings do not fold and there are no moving surfaces. Although some will frown on this, this helps build a strong quality fitting wing
This picture shows the tailplanes. These have an interesting design. The right piece has a tab that fits into the tail, comes through and hooks into the left tailplane. Although this sounds bad, both pieces fit firmly and lock nicely.
This picture shows the pilot in the cockpit. He doesn't seem to fit with the canopy in the closed position, but he looks good with the canopy back anyway. I didn't force him in but probably could have. The painting and detail on the pilot figure is wonderfully done. He looks terrific!
This picture shows the extra drop tanks and radio mast, it also shows the wheels down piece. This piece fits firmly and locks in place nicely. The plane defintely won't fall off the gear. The drop tanks and small accessories are good for the model and look decent. The tabs on mine needed to be trimmed for them to fit tightly.
This picture shows the wheels up piece. This piece locks nicely and presents well. It locks so well that it was actually stuck on mine and I had to pry it loose. I only wish BBI would include stands with their models so you could display them wheels up. Given the complicated Wildcat landing gear, this two piece option was certainly the best option.
Picture of the completed model, beautiful fit and overall quality.
Closeup of the engine view and detail.
View from the back.
Top view of the Wildcat, the shape and look of the plane are excellent.
Overall this model is a very impressive offering from BBI. The detail, paint quality and overall appearence of the model are excellent. The model is also unique, as you more often see Hellcats and Corsairs. This model is an excellent compliment to the Dauntless and I only hope BBI continues to make these wonderful aircraft. My gripes are minor. I would have liked folding wings and working landing gear but given the complexity of both on the actual plane, I can understand the decision not to do this. The Wildcat is a great model!
Regards
Corey
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YEP, i got mine from REZZED aswell. hes a great dealer! I got mine last week same price 39.99 shipped. I was just checking to see if it was a good price. as always hes one of the best!Coreyeagle48 wrote:Greetings
Got it from Rezzed on Ebay for $40 with free shipping. I bought it Wednesday and had it today.
Corey
"SEMPER FIDELIS!"
Good Traders: Buckyroo, Razor17019, Sentinel
exether_mega, Snake, thehun, Mesa
Good Traders: Buckyroo, Razor17019, Sentinel
exether_mega, Snake, thehun, Mesa
I got mine today, and your review is right on. What a great looking model, and it looks nice next to my BBI Dauntless model. I am so glad they did not try and make folding wings on the model. Look at the 21st Century Corsair with its really ugly folding wings. 32nd scale is just to small to make this look good. BBI could not have done a better job on the Wildcat. She is a beauty!
Jarod
COREYEAGLE:
Thanks for the excellent review and photos. I hope to order the Wildcat and Dauntless together in a week or so. I originally balked at the $40 price for a 1/32 plane since 21st Century 1/32 planes are $15, but they have serious quality control problems, so you get what you pay for.
Are you going to try to close the canopy with the pilot in the cockpit?
Thanks for the excellent review and photos. I hope to order the Wildcat and Dauntless together in a week or so. I originally balked at the $40 price for a 1/32 plane since 21st Century 1/32 planes are $15, but they have serious quality control problems, so you get what you pay for.
Are you going to try to close the canopy with the pilot in the cockpit?
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Got my Wildcat model today(thanks Foxhole Toys for the fast shipping). What a beauty! This thing really captures the stubby look of the Wildcat. And it comes in the coolest little box. Did you guys notice how even the box has a quality feel? I love this model!
Paul Hebert
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What no moving surfaces...the only thing that works are the wheels role the cockpit opens and the Prop spins and you can remove the drop tanks...
is that all ......boring
is that all ......boring
Colonel "Madman" Maddox: Let me hear your guns!
Captain Wild Bill Kelso: My what?
Colonel "Madman" Maddox: Your guns! Ack, ack, ack, ack, ack!
Captain Wild Bill Kelso: [fires his airplane's guns] AHHHH!
Captain Wild Bill Kelso: My what?
Colonel "Madman" Maddox: Your guns! Ack, ack, ack, ack, ack!
Captain Wild Bill Kelso: [fires his airplane's guns] AHHHH!