FM-1 Wildcat, 1/48 - Hobby Boss 80329

The FM-1 Wildcat Hobby Boss 80329 is a model airplane kit of a U.S. military aircraft to be assembled at 1/48. Made of plastic, this kit recreates the carrier-based FM-1 Wildcat, a version of the famous F4F produced by the Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors during World War II.

The FM-1 Wildcat

The FM-1 is derived from the Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat. Its production was entrusted to General Motors so that Grumman could focus on the development and manufacturing of the F6F Hellcat. A single-seat fighter powered by a radial engine, the Wildcat played an important role in U.S. naval aviation during the conflict, especially from escort carriers.

The compact format of the Wildcat and its folding wings fit particularly well with the constraints of aircraft carrier buildings. This distinctive silhouette, with its thickset fuselage, narrow landing gear, and star-shaped engine, makes it an iconic subject for a collection dedicated to American aviation of the 1940s.

The Hobby Boss model kit

The reference 80329 includes 80 parts and allows you to build a finished model of approximately 256.4 mm in length, with a 350.6 mm wingspan. The 1/48 scale offers a good compromise between display presence and the ability to work on cockpit details, the engine, the landing gear, and the exterior surfaces.

The box includes markings for the US Navy. Assembly requires the usual supplies for plastic model building: suitable glue, cutting and deburring tools, fine abrasives, and paints. A primer can help prepare the surfaces before painting, while a light weathering finish highlights the recessed details and restores the operational look of a carrier-based fighter.

Technical features

• Brand : Hobby Boss
• Reference : 80329
• Type : assembled military aircraft model
• Subject : FM-1 Wildcat
• Scale : 1/48
• Material : plastic
• Number of parts : 80
• Finished length : 256.4 mm
• Finished wingspan : 350.6 mm
• Markings : US Navy