The Grumman SKYROCKET was a concept for a heavy, twin engine, monoplane fighter dreamed up at the time the US Navy was looking for monoplane replacements for their obsolete Bipes. Grumman recieved a contract for one prototype in June, 1938 & the prototype was first flown on April 1, 1940. The aircraft caused quite a stir with it’s distinctive appearance & became known as the super weapon of “Black Hawk” in a fictional comic strip of the day. The aircraft experienced a host of development problems, primarily related to engine cooling & landing gear integrity. It went through an extensive modification program starting in March, 1941, but was nearly destroyed in a crash on February 3, 1942. Grumman rebuilt the now highly modified aircraft & continued to experiment with development, but the aircraft suffered it’s final crash on December 11, 1944 & was totally written off at that time.
When Minicraft released this kit a few years back, it came as quite a surprize since main stream kit manufacturers don’t usually kit one of a kind aircraft. It was likely influenced by the nostalgic factor of the old Black Hawk comic strip. I bought it shortly after release & it’s been gathering dust on my “To Do” stash shelf ever since. Hauled it out a few weeks ago & decided to build it. The kit is an easy build for a twin engine. This one was built OOB except for some PE seat belts from the spares box. The model depicts the original configuration of the prototype, although I think Minicraft also offered a kit of the highly modified prototype. I didn’t buy that one if they did.
Gees Ric, would you like some fuselage to go with that order of engines? Can’t imagine why they had problems with the prototype. Another excellent build. [tup][tup][tup] I don’t know how you do it but your builds are always an inspiration. Thanks for posting!
Rick, the other version Minicraft did was the USAAF XP-50 with the nose gear and a longer but pointy little beak to fit it in. The XF-5F always looks to me like the fuselage can’t quite keep up. Hard to believe the F7F came from the same place.
What a very nice build you have there… Over all appearance is well done… Now what did you use for your paints?? So you say that the over all build was good!! Any slow downs or detours? Is the canopy a one piece or two?
You know how I like em in that “used” look but she really stands out like she just rolled off the assembly line… I likei t a lot my friend.
I have the same kit in my stash and I may do a “what if” scheme… Who knows Again gereat job Rick…
Really fantastic Rick. Those yellow wings aren’t easy subjects. I’ve always liked this obscure Grumman, and you’ve really finished a gem here. She’s a real beauty.
