[SkyBuffalo]

Awhile back, I got Dragon's James Flatley F6 Hellcat from May of 1943 (that would be the left-hand photo). I got it because it had the light blue paint scheme, which was different than most of the Hellcat models you see with the three-tone or all dark-blue paint schemes. It was only after buying the model that I did some research and found that the USS Yorktown was in VIRGINIA in May of 43, not in the Pacific. So I was all hacked off that I had a model that didn't see any action, since the other Flatley Hellcat from Dragon had the dark blue paint scheme that was put on after it got to the Pacific (that would be the right-hand photo).

Then, a few days ago, I was watching my History Channel's "Dogfight", Season 1, Episode about the Hellcat's introduction to combat in the fall of 1943. And their rendition was showing a whole bunch of Hellcats in combat in October of 1943 with the LIGHT BLUE paint scheme! I guess I want to know if this is accurate.


So the question to the historical authorities out there is : Did any F6F Hellcats see action in the Pacific in the latter half of 1943 flying with the all light-blue paint scheme ? Or were all Hellcats oversprayed with the dark-blue paint on the top of the wings and fuselage?

It would make me feel better to know I had a plane that was at least representative of those in combat and not just for training. Thanks for any help from yous guys and have a great weekend!