Battle of the Coral Sea Group Build 4 May, 2017 - 8 May, 2018

Modeling is just an excuse to buy books. I get at least one per build.

Hi, Gerhard:

The F3F was a biplane withdrawn from Navy service by the end of 1941, so it wasn't being used in 1942 at Coral Sea.

However, if the "3" is a typo, and you mean F4F, then it should be an F4F-3 during Coral Sea.  The F4F-4 had replaced the -3's by Midway.

So, if you plan a Wildcat, it should be the F4F-3 variant here, for Coral Sea.

Otherwise, you can put an F4F-4 into the Midway GB.

I hope you can participate in one or the other GB with your Wildcat!

It was amazing how fast things changed between Coral Sea and Midway.  Markings were another big surprise.  I started my TBD out to be in Midway but didn't have the correct roundels, none without the red meatball, so I ended up with a pre-Coral Sea scheme.  I just finished this model for another GB.  Hope Trumpeter gets moving on production of the 1/700 Lexington, I am ready to order one but everyone has it on back order. 

That is a nice looking Devastator, scott!  Very well done and pleasing to the eye.

Which GB did you build it for?  I'd like to take a look.

checkmateking02

Hi, Gerhard:

The F3F was a biplane withdrawn from Navy service by the end of 1941, so it wasn't being used in 1942 at Coral Sea.

However, if the "3" is a typo, and you mean F4F, then it should be an F4F-3 during Coral Sea.  The F4F-4 had replaced the -3's by Midway.

So, if you plan a Wildcat, it should be the F4F-3 variant here, for Coral Sea.

Otherwise, you can put an F4F-4 into the Midway GB.

I hope you can participate in one or the other GB with your Wildcat!

 

Except for VMF-221. I believe that their F4Fs were -3s. Most of the Marine Air Group on Midway was stuff that the Navy was passing down because they were being replaced. SBD-2s, SB2Us, F2As...

My memory says they had F2As. I'll look it up now.

EDIT: according to Wiki Order of Battle, with a link; 21 F2A-3s and 7 F4F-3s.

Yup, VMF-221 had both types. The F2As had been on the island since the beginning of the war, but I am not sure when they received the F4F reinforcements. Most likely around the same time that the SBDs were sent to reinforce the SB2Us in the build up of the islands air strength. Capt Kirk Armistead took up the F4Fs in one group along with some F2As on the morning of the 4th while Maj. Parks lead the rest. I believe Marion Carl was flying an F4F that morning when he started his score there at Midway.

Interesting to read that on May 7, Lexington was using SBDs from VS-2 for CAP.

Somewhat successfully.

Yes the SBD was a moderately nimble aircraft. And it had good firepower, at least against the unprotected IJN aircraft. Against the dive and torpedo bombers they could augment the fighters effectively. The famed SBD "2-S-12" was used for CAP and scored several kills in that action.

And thanks to both of you for taking time to look up all this information.  

Lol! Just stuff I remember from what I have previously read... I would be much harder pressed to recite similar knowledge about Philippine Sea or Leyte Gulf air actions. Those battles were just much bigger with many more carriers and air groups on both sides. The 1942 battles were smaller affairs numerically. 

Hi , Sorry yes, Typo. It's a 1/32 F4F-3 Late. This one: 

Oh sure. The big lesson in the beginning was that the allotment of 1/4 torpedo bombers, 1/4 dive bombers, 1/4 scout bombers and 1/4 fighters was off.

GMorrison

Oh sure. The big lesson in the beginning was that the allotment of 1/4 torpedo bombers, 1/4 dive bombers, 1/4 scout bombers and 1/4 fighters was off.

 

First and foremost was the need for more fighters! Enough to perform CAP and also escort any strikes. Even at the opening of Guadalcanal and Eastern Solomons SBDs were augmenting the F4Fs in the CAP role. The battles of 1942 were the school of hard knocks for the US Navy.

Stik grew up in a Lockheed and Boeing family, mine was Douglas all the way.

But seriously, he's right. Coral Sea is interesting as there were two fleet carriers on each side, and each had the chance to test air to air tactics.

I'm becoming very interested in reading about the interwar USN "Fleet problems",where early on the use of aircraft carriers was worked in.

Actually my family has Douglas and North American in there also And I actually worked for McDonnell Douglas briefly (and Rockwell, but not an Aerospace Division) between my Regular Army time and my current career.  

Gerhard:  That looks perfect.  It'll fit right in.  I'll update the roster when I get home from work today.

Welcome to the GB!

Gerhard:  roster is updated with your project.  Glad to have you with us!

I'm gonna say count me in for this one. Not sure what I'll build yet as I've just seen this for the first time, but it's about time I build something from the Pacific Theater of the war. 

You're very welcome, Gerhard.  Again, glad to have you join with us.

Also welcome to you, WannabeFarmboy.  Very glad to have you participate with us, too.

I'll add you to the roster, with a "TBA"--"to be announced"--and then update it when you arrive at a decision.

checkmateking02

You're very welcome, Gerhard.  Again, glad to have you join with us.

Also welcome to you, WannabeFarmboy.  Very glad to have you participate with us, too.

I'll add you to the roster, with a "TBA"--"to be announced"--and then update it when you arrive at a decision.

 

I'm lookin at doin the Hobbyboss 1/48 F4F-3 Wildcat (Late). I'm excited. This should be fun. 

Very good, Wannabe!  I'll update the roster.  Glad to have you with us!

checkmateking02

That'll be very interesting to see, Kevin.  I used to do figure painting--back in the '80's.  Used the now defunct Imrie-Risley paint.  Haven't done much lately except some 1/72 to go along with aircraft.

What kind of paint will you be using?  I've picked up a few bottles of Vallejo, but haven't tried it yet.  Not very familiar with acrylics.

 

Sorry for late reply, been on vacation for a bit!

I usually paint faces and skin with oils for blending and then acrylics for uniforms/equipment. But lately use the acrylics for everything , just do glazing instead of blending. Valejo are great, they brush really well. I use them, Model MAster, Tamiya and Craft store paint. I'm not picky whatever works! Look forward to getting started

Good to hear about Vallejo paint.  I bought a few bottles to try with some RAF pilots. Haven't had a chance to try them out yet.

Joe Hudson's articles in FSM have been pretty informative.

I rented "Dive Bomber".

It is a really good Vindicator movie.

GMorrison

I rented "Dive Bomber".

It is a really good TBD movie.

 

I have not seen that one in ages....

On April 18, VMF-211 flew their F2as off of Lexington to Palmyra Island, while the ship was three days out of Pearl Harbor bound for the Coral Sea.

May 4th.

Yorktown launches a CAP of six  F4F-3 at 0631.

Following launch is VA-5 SBDs with 1000 bombs.

Then deck is clear for 15 TBDs of VB-5.

Deck is clear again for 15 SBDs of VB-5.