Matt Stein Models
Grumman F4F/F3F

in 1/500 scale

A unique Matty's Models "combination" casting, permitting easy conversion to either F4F WILDCAT (left) or F3F "Fifi" (right); carrier-borne monoplane fighter or its biplane predecessor, respectively, in (approximately) 1/500 scale. Here is what is offered:

Each casting is delivered still in its native casting wafer (top left), which is quickly and easily removed (top right). The casting, including separate upper wing and "N"-struts (not shown) for the F3F, as well as the outline for its lower wing scored into the main wing underside, additionally includes features - deepened forward fuselage, limited engine nacelle opening, aft-extended canopy framing and/or broadened rudder and stabilizer - which need only to be removed for conversion to either an F4F or F3F. On-line instructions for making these conversions are available here.

Look closely at all views including the underside (bottom left), to note the following features:
- Gloss-finish canopy/windows
- Raised canopy framing
- Scribed control surface lines
- Recessed engine nacelle opening
- Scored wing-fold-lines (hidden) on wing undersides.
- Locator dimples for landing gear**


Surface details are far easier to read in this picture of prepped sub-masters used to make these castings:

(Note: This resin does not need priming for most applications, however since purple blocks the (yellow) internal reflections of the castings most effectively, a thin undercoat of opaque purple is recommended - even before removing the remnant casting wafer, as it also makes for easier cleanup/preparation.)


Your completed units should look (at least) as good as this:


Click on Image to Enlarge Propeller blades are to be provided by the builder*; from readily-available materials. Here, the required props were obtained from 3-bladed rounded-tipped brass props on the Revell Midwy/Forrestal/Essex fret, available from Gold Medal Models .

Landing gear are likewise to be completed by the builder**; from readily-available materials. Here all landing gear were made using our very simple, and recommended, "Glue Drop" construction method.

Decals for these examples came from spare leftover scraps, however Matty's Models recommends using the excellent decals provided by Gold Medal Models; we recommend obtaining both their 350-6D and 700-3D decal sheets which between them will provide an outstanding variety of USN markings - sufficient to complete almost any USN aircraft from the 1920s through the '80s, in scales from 1/350 through 1/700.



PRICING(Excluding ONLY ACTUAL shipping and any applicable taxes)
- 4-Pak (four aircraft): $8.00 USD
- 12 or more aircraft: each $1.90 USD




* Rotor- and/or propeller blades to be provided by the builder; from readily-available materials. For photo-etched brass (PE), Matt Stein Models recommends using any of several "1/500 and similar" scale frets made by Gold Medal Models

** Remainder of landing gear to be provided by the builder; from readily-available materials. Instructions for a very easy "Glue Drop" method for completing all required landing gear are available here.


TO ORDER and/or for more details: eMail Matty! NOTE: Be sure to include in your title "Matty's Models" or "castings" - or something unique to modeling - so as not to lose your message to spam-filtering...
- If you have any trouble, contact me with a post on our sister website: Model Fleet

Copyright ©2007-8 Matthew M. Stein

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