Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat (oz15154)

About this Plan

Grumman Wildcat. Control line scale model, for .19 to .33 engines.

From September 1953 issue of Air Trails, design by Walt Musciano.

Note see also Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat (oz4633) for a Spanish language copy of this plan, credited to Giuseppe Ciampella and published by Avionica.

Quote: "Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat. This one will keep you busy for awhile but she's a fine ship to add to your collection; markings are for early Marine fighting squadrons in the Pacific.

One of the first monoplane fighters of the United States Navy, the Grumman Wildcat was the standard naval fighting airplane force through 1942, exacting a heavy toll of Japanese planes until its replacement by the Hellcat and Corsair fighters.

The weight of 6,100 lbs and span of 38 feet gave the Wildcat a comparatively light wing loading and, therefore, maneuverability to meet the Zero on more equalized terms than the ill-fated P-40. Powered by the R 1830 Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp of 1,200 horsepower, the cruising range was 1,120 miles. Top speed was in the neighborhood of 325 miles per hour. Ceiling 31,000 ft.

Four .50 caliber machine guns were located in the rigid wings of the F4F-3 six guns were installed in the manually operated folding wings of the F4F-4. A number of stripped Wildcats (F4F-7) saw reconnaissance duty. Countless F4F fighters were delivered to the Royal Air Force and were designated 'Martlet.' Used by the Navy and Marine Corps, the F4F was operated from land bases as well as airplane carriers. The Wildcat was one of the first United States planes to employ self-sealing fuel tanks and protective armor plate for the pilot.

Most engines from .14 to .29 cubic inch can power this 3/4 in to 1 ft scale replica of the F4F-4. For some extra speed a .49 engine can fit in the extra large nose. This is for the expert speed demons only! Utilizing a vertical keel and formers, you can fashion the fuselage planking with considerable ease. Shall we begin?

Cut the sheet balsa wing covering to shape and butt join two 3 in widths to form the correct chord distance. Taper the spar as the plans specify and cement these to the bottom covering. The wing is made in two panels. Cut the spar joiner from plywood and cement it to the balsa spars. This automatically forms the correct dihedral angle. Add the wing ribs at this time. It is important that a slot be cut into the spars as the plans illustrate. This is necessary in order to allow space for the bell crank which is mounted in the wing. Drill a hole in the hardwood bell crank mounts. Two mounts are used, cemented to the spar. Use plenty of cement.

Attach the wire lead out lines to the bell crank by twisting and soldering the ends. Pass these lines through the holes in the ribs and slip the bell crank between the bell crank mounts and hold in place with a bolt. Smear cement over the nut to prevent it from loosening. We fly in a counter-clockwise direction and therefore locate the bell crank and lead outs in the left wing (port side). Install the wire control rod by either using an offset bend or by soldering a washer to the control rod end to prevent it from slipping off the bell crank.

Bevel the leading and trailing edges of the lower covering to fair into the upper wing rib curvature. The top of the wing is now covered. With the sheet covering butt joined and cut to outline shape, it is cemented to the spar and held in place with pins. Now, apply cement to the rear portion of the ribs and the beveled lower covering..."

Supplementary file notes

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