Diecast Aircraft Information

MetalWings Diecast Aircraft Reference by Dauntless Aviation

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series
HA7907
Boeing F4B-3
1-F-1 (BuNo A8898)
VF-1B "High Hats"
CV-3, USS Saratoga, circa 1932

1/48 scale pre-finished
Die-cast metal with a minimum of plastic.
Professionally painted.
All markings pad applied for superb results.
Comes with a pilot that can be removed.
Comes with display stand.

In the early 1930s Boeing developed a series of biplanes designated the F4B for the US Navy
and US Marine Corps but was a P-12 for the US Army Air Corps. The aircraft were first
accepted in 1929 and served as the primary fighter. The P-12 was built in 6 successful
variants while the F4B had 4. The P-12 was replaced by the Boeing P-26 in 1934-35 but the
F4B carried on with operational duties until the Grumman F2F/F3F series completely replaced
them in 1938.

On July 1, 1922 Fighter Squadron One was established as VF-1 High Hatters. On July 1, 1927
VF-1 became VF-1B and joined the USS Saratoga CV-3 in January 1928. The High Hatters
flew the F4B-3 from January 31, 1932 until March 19, 1932 in the Canal Zone / Caribbean.
VF-1B remained with the USS Saratoga until November 1934. On July 1, 1934 VF-1B was
once again re-designated VB-2B. In 1949, after several designation changes they finally
became VF-14 that still exists today.
This aircraft 1-F-1 is the first aircraft of the first section of VF-1B, the Squadron Leader's
aircraft.

Specifications for Boeing P-12 / F4B (Model 83/89)
Total Produced All Variants - 586
First Flight - June 25, 1928
Role - Fighter Biplane
Crew – 1
Powerplant – 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-1340-16 WASP air-cooled 9 cylinder radial engine, 550
hp   (410 kW)
Performance
Speed – 189 mph   (164 kts / 304 km/h)
Service Ceiling – 26,900 ft   (8,199 m)
Range – 369 mi   (321 nm / 594 km)
Weight
Empty – 2,355 lb   (1,068 kg)
Max Takeoff – 3,611 lb   (1,638 kg)
Dimensions
Length – 20.08 ft   (6.12 m)
Height – 9.32 ft   (2.84 m)
Wingspan – 29.99 ft   (9.14 m)

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