Kampfflieger Boeing F3B-1, 1/48 scale

**Phrog Phlyer** · #1 06-25-2018, 07:34 PM

I picked this up on Ecards. It represents a Boeing F3B-1 from Bombing Squadron One (VB-1B), USS LEXINGTON, about 1929. The model comes in two scales 1/48 and 1/72. Prints out one page of instructions, two pages of parts.
I enjoyed building this model. It was straight forward and well designed. Actually, it was the most fun I have had on a model with satisfactory results in some time. (Need more practice!) For fun, I copied some of the propeller arcs on overhead film and made a simulated rotating propeller. I was not going to leave it on but my wife said it looked cool-so it stays!
Then I discovered S&P's pilot model, Putting in a pilot really added that touch I needed. The S&P pilot was pretty easy to build. (I'll get better at that too!) The LEX deck is not to 1/48 scale but it seemed an OK back ground.
I build the aircraft at larger scales to see how everything should fit (and the kids love the airplanes, for as long as they last!) I am working up (or is it down?) to 1/200 scale. I hope to build a 1/200 LEX someday soon. I am not to sure about 1/200 pilots though.
Thanks for looking, Mike

**Don Boose** · #2 06-25-2018, 07:38 PM

Beautiful job and an excellent display.

Don

**MichaelS** · #3 06-25-2018, 07:45 PM

Great job on a great aircraft. Yellow Wings are the very best. Not sure if the length would reach but I use bristles from a paint brush colored with a Sharpie to rig Bipes. It is actually very easy and adds a nice touch. I have this same kit on my build list.

**Rata** · #4 06-25-2018, 08:19 PM

Looks great Mike. Always good to see another yellow-wing job- there's been a few lately and that ain't a complaint! Back in the dark side I had an Esoteric vac-form of this plane that came with some markings alternatives. By far the neatest was one that was flown by some high rank (Fleet Air Commander or something) that had a very dark blue forward fuse colour and wheel spats.
Some builders think the acetate 'spinning prop' is a bit corny but I'm with your wife- it looks cool!
Cheers, Garry G.

**Don Boose** · #5 06-25-2018, 09:04 PM

Garry -

I think the aircraft you modeled may have been F3B-1 BuNo 7738, which served as the aircraft of the commanding officer of USS Lexington in the mid 1930s. Lukgraph made a 1/32 kit of it.

In the 1930s, command aircraft were painted in various combinations of gloss dark ("Admiral") blue and aluminum. The Secretary of the Navy's aircraft was solid blue. the two-tone you described (and in the images below) was for aircraft carrier commanders.

1. 7738 as the aircraft of the commanding officer of USS Lexington.

2. Same aircraft after an overhaul stripped of paint.

(Source: Phil H. Listemann, USN Aircraft 1922-1962. Vol. 5: Type designation letter 'F' (Pt-2), Haverton, PA: Casemate Publishers, Philedition, 2017, p.9)

3. Cover of the Lukgraph kit (https://www.victorymodels.com/produc...craft-luk32-08)

Don

**Rata** · #6 06-26-2018, 12:49 AM

That's the one Don. I remember it also had the Townend cowl ring seen in your pics. Always stuck in my mind cos it's such a pretty example of the F3B.

Thanks for finding and posting Don.

**rmks2000** · #7 06-26-2018, 06:17 AM

Very nice. I have this one printed but haven't started it yet. The pilot and spinning prop really add to the visual effect.

**Gene K** · #8 06-26-2018, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelS

Yellow Wings are the very best.

I really enjoyed your builds from that era, so looking forward to more!!

Gene K

**Don Boose** · #9 06-26-2018, 06:32 AM

Mike - I have been taking another look at your beautiful F3B and realized that you have a realistic-looking pilot in the cockpit. Is he your own design?

The more I look at your model, the more I like it, but I have always liked the appearance of 1920s-30s aircraft, especially carrier aircraft.

Looking forward to your next build.

Don

**MichaelS** · #10 06-26-2018, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Boose

Mike - I have been taking another look at your beautiful F3B and realized that you have a realistic-looking pilot in the cockpit. Is he your own design?

The more I look at your model, the more I like it, but I have always liked the appearance of 1920s-30s aircraft, especially carrier aircraft.

Looking forward to your next build.

Don

Yes Mike. We need a link to that pilot!!