Hey gang,
About a year ago, I got it into my head to do a big project. After coming back from an air show, I decided I wanted to model the Blue Angels. But I didn’t want to do just build the Hornet and I didn’t want to build 7 Hornets, either. So I decided the best route would be to build one of each plane that flew as part of the Angel’s demonstration team.
So, after a few months of tracking down and collecting what wasn’t so readily available, I started to build.
First up, the F6F-5 HellCat, done up in Dark Sea Blue and Gold - the original colors of the Angels
Next, the F8F-1 BearCat (new RoG re-release)
The F9F-2 Panther
The F9F-5 Panther
And a quick group shot.
As far as numbering the birds, I’m going to take some liberties and just number in the order in which they joined the team. So the Hellcat would be 1 and the Hornet would be 9, even though the Angels only fly 1-6 with 7 being the PR bird. It’s the only way I could do it without cycling through 1-6 over and over.
Going to take a break from the Angels for a bit and work on something without wings for a while. But I’ll be back soon enough with the rest of the gang, the F9F-8, F11F-1, A-4, F-4 and F/A-18.
-Fred
Looking great. Don’t forget the Yellow Bearcat they flew solo when they switched to the F9F-2 for a while.
Also the yellow T-6 and the blue F7U-1 Gutless Cutless & T-33…
Darwin, O.F. [aln]
Sweet builds, Fred! That’s quite the collection, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the rest (but I do understand your need for a break).
Fred, these look nice.[:D[ Really looking foward to seeing the others.
Thanks guys [H]
I thought about doing the Bettle Bomb and I might just still, but I want to get through the primary guys, first.
I didn’t even know about the T-6 and the T-33. The F7, I’m purposely leaving out as it never flew with the main demonstration team. It flew a couple of practice runs in the off season, before it was abandoned.
-Fred
Nice work Fred!!! You have got a great start on the Angels!!! Will be looking forward to seeing the rest of the line-up once you have your break. Well Done mate!!![t$t]
Nice job! I too am looking foward to more when you get back at it…
Cool project, great looking builds too!
Fred–
Those look very cool…cant wait to see the rest!
Oh, as a side note, the Blues did in fact fly the Cutlass in the 1953 season. They operated two of them. During the first air show performance, the first F7U took off, lost hydraulics right after take-off, and the pilot swung around and landed with the plane on fire. The two Cutlasses were flown for a few shows, and then abandoned at NAS Memphis, where they were used as maintenance instructional airframes.
Very nicely done Fred. Will be a very interesting collection when complete.
Regards, Rick