Eduard ED11175. Wilder Cat, Limited Edition. 1:48 Scale
Wilder Cat
General Motors FM-2 Wildcat. Limited Edition 1:48 Scale
ED11175 - Eduard
The General Motors FM-2 Wildcat was the final production variant of the Grumman F4F Wildcat carrier-based World War II fighter plane.
Built by the Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors after Grumman shifted production to the newer F6F Hellcat, the FM2 was powered by a lighter, more powerful Wright R-1820-56 Cyclone radial engine (1,350 hp), which was roughly 150 horsepower stronger than earlier models and featured water-methanol injection.
Armament was reduced from six to four .50 caliber Browning machine guns to save weight and allow for greater ammunition capacity per gun. It was equipped with a taller, enlarged vertical fin and rudder to manage the increased engine torque. It was also roughly 400 lbs lighter than its predecessors, making it well-suited for short-deck escort carriers (CVEs) where it operated alongside TBM Avengers without needing a catapult.
They were primarily used in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters for convoy escort, anti-submarine warfare, and close air support, achieving a strong combat record (part of the overall Wildcat ~7-to-1 kill ratio against Japanese aircraft) and served through to the end of World War II.
The Model Kit
This is Limited edition model kit featuring the US WWII aircraft carrier-based fighter FM-2 Wildcat in 1:48 scale. This version of the Wildcat was built by the Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors and was easily recognisable thanks to taller fin. It was also the most potent of all Wildcats thanks to the more powerful engine.
Model Kit Features:
- plastic parts:Eduard
- marking options: 10
- decals: Eduard
- PE parts: pre-painted
- painting mask: yes
- resin parts: no
Glue and paint are required but are not included.