Diecast Aircraft Information

MetalWings Diecast Aircraft Reference by Dauntless Aviation

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series
HA7903
Boeing F4B-4
VB-2, 2-B-13, Section Five Leader
USS Lexington, 1930s

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.

VB-2 was originally established in 1934 as VB-5B. The squadron operated from the USS
Lexington as VB-5B from November 1935 to June 1937. In July 1937 the unit was re-
designated VB-2 and remained on the Lexington until November 1937. In October 10,1942 the
squadron now became VB-11. VB-2 Squadron recognition color on the tail was lemon-yellow.
The aircraft marking 2-B-13 means 2 = VB-2, B = Bombing, 13 = 1st aircraft (lead) in section 5.
There were 3 aircraft per section so 13 is the first of the 5th section. Other aircraft in the
section would be 2-B-14 and 2-B-15.

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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