Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat "Operation Torch"

The Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat was one of the US Navy's and Royal Navy's primary carrier-based fighters during World War II.
The British called it the Martlet II.
Noted for its robustness and adaptability to carrier operations, the aircraft participated in many important naval battles in 1942–43.
The folding wing version of the F4F-4 allowed the number of aircraft aboard escort carriers to be increased, which was important in operations in the Pacific, Atlantic and Mediterranean.
During Operation Torch in November 1942, F4F-4 Wildcats based on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger and three escort carriers (USS Suwanee, Sangamon and Santee) and British Martlets from the carriers HMS Formidable and Victorious supported the landing of Allied forces in North Africa.
The aircraft bore distinctive yellow borders around the American stars on the fuselage and wings.
American stars also marked British aircraft at the time.
The idea was to quickly identify them against the French aircraft of the Vichy government.
After this operation, American escort carriers carrying Wildcats moved on to new duties in the Pacific, supporting operations in the Solomon Islands, including the battles for Guadalcanal.
The yellow markings of Operation Torch were then painted over with a camouflage paint, which can be seen in photographs as a new border around the stars.
British aircraft were quickly repainted after Operation Torch with the standard British markings of the time.

Plastic model kit

Decal options:
 

• F4F-4 Wildcat, “3512/29-GF-10”, VGF-29 Squadron, crash-landed on USS Santee during Operation Torch, November 1942
• F4F-4 Wildcat, “8-26”, VGF-27 Squadron, Guadalcanal, April 1943
• Martlet II, “AJ148/Ø-7A”, No. 888 FAA Squadron from the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable, Oran, Algeria, December 1942

• Wheel and cockpit paint masks
• Decals with three marking variants
• Free digital file - download code

(Free 3D file for printing accessories for F4F-4 and FM-1 (QR code for download in manual)

Includes seat with harness, cockpit lever details, two bombs with mounts, gun barrels, wheel arch tracks, exhaust pipes and engine ignition ring)

File for self-printing on a 3D resin printer, consumer license for non-commercial use

Scale 1:72

unbuilt / unpainted

Paint and glue not included