[mhackl]

All images posted are for the collector’s benefit and may not be reproduced for commercial use without the written consent of On Mark International, Inc. USA

6182 NEW!
Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat
Charles "Windy" SHIELDS, Silver Star (5 Victories) VF·41 "Red Rippers" USS Ranger (CV 4) Guantanamo Bay January 1941
A 1/48th Scale Diecast model from Carousel 1

The US Navy Fighter Squadron "Red Rippers" was formed as VF-5 in 1927 and has subsequently been designated as VF-4, VF-41, and currently VF-11. The F4F-3 first entered service in December 1940 with VF-4 (re-designated VF-41 in January 1941) on the USS Ranger, and Lt. Charles "Windy" Shields participated in this deployment. During the winter months of 1939-40 and 1940-41, the Atlantic fleet was based in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The peace-time US Navy was unconcerned with camouflage, and wing upper surfaces were painted "yellow-orange" to make it easier to spot crashed aircraft. Each carrier's aircraft featured a different tail color-green for those of the USS Ranger. As the threat of war increased, the Navy's combat aircraft were camouflaged during 1941. The USS Ranger, the oldest carrier in the US fleet, was unsuitable for Pacific operations because of its short range and small size, so it remained in the Atlantic. American and British forces invaded Morocco, a territory of Nazi ally "Vichy" France in November, 1942. The USS Ranger supported the landings at Casablanca, code-named "Operation Torch." On 8 November 1942 Shields shot down four French aircraft: a Dewoitine D.520, two American-made Curtiss Hawk 75's, and an American-made Douglas DB-7 bomber, before Shields was attacked by four more Hawks, which shot down his F4F -4. While hanging from his parachute, Shields was strafed by the French fighters, but they missed and he was captured by Vichy troops. French resistance collapsed three days later, and with the Vichy surrender, Shields was freed to rejoin the Ranger. He was awarded the Silver Star. VF-41, re-designated as VF-4, trained on F6F's and was sent to the Pacific, first on the USS Bunker Hill, then on the US S Essex. In November, 1944 the Essex and VF-4 supported the American invasion of the Philippines. On 25 November 1944, when Shields' wingman attacked a Japanese Kawasaki Ki.61 "Tony" decoy, both F6F's were attacked by six more Kawasakis. Shields and his wingman each splashed a Kawasaki before the remainder fled, then they landed safely on the Essex. Later that day, the Esse: was struck by a kamikaze but remained in action. Lt. Charles Shields finished the war with five victories scored against French and Japanese enemies.

More Pics on the way!

[mhackl]

[quote=mhackl;19118]

All images posted are for the collector’s benefit and may not be reproduced for commercial use without the written consent of On Mark International, Inc. USA

6182 NEW!
Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat
Charles "Windy" SHIELDS, Silver Star (5 Victories) VF·41 "Red Rippers" USS Ranger (CV 4) Guantanamo Bay January 1941
A 1/48th Scale Diecast model from Carousel 1

[mhackl]

All images posted are for the collector’s benefit and may not be reproduced for commercial use without the written consent of On Mark International, Inc. USA

6182 NEW!
Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat
Charles "Windy" SHIELDS, Silver Star (5 Victories) VF·41 "Red Rippers" USS Ranger (CV 4) Guantanamo Bay January 1941
A 1/48th Scale Diecast model from Carousel 1

[mhackl]

It looks like it's posting okay now Gavin, Thanks!

[mhackl]

All images posted are for the collector’s benefit and may not be reproduced for commercial use without the written consent of On Mark International, Inc. USA

6182 NEW!
Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat
Charles "Windy" SHIELDS, Silver Star (5 Victories) VF·41 "Red Rippers" USS Ranger (CV 4) Guantanamo Bay January 1941
A 1/48th Scale Diecast model from Carousel 1

[Raven]

Don't know if anyone has asked this yet but what type of camera and set up are you using to take all these sweet pics? I see some real artisitc talent in your photography! Great Job!

[mhackl]

All images posted are for the collector’s benefit and may not be reproduced for commercial use without the written consent of On Mark International, Inc. USA

6182 NEW!
Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat
Charles "Windy" SHIELDS, Silver Star (5 Victories) VF·41 "Red Rippers" USS Ranger (CV 4) Guantanamo Bay January 1941
A 1/48th Scale Diecast model from Carousel 1

[mhackl]

Originally Posted by Raven

Don't know if anyone has asked this yet but what type of camera and set up are you using to take all these sweet pics? I see some real artisitc talent in your photography! Great Job!

Thank you!

I use a Fuji Finepix 3800 (3.2mp) approx. $115.00.
This is a real hunk of junk, but I've taken so many bad pictures with it that I've learned what narrow alignment of lighting conditions make for a descent picture. I have to adjust the surroundings to the camera. It's a real pain but it works for now. I have tried using a better 8mp camera, but due to a lack of familiarity, I cannot shoot as good a picture with it.

I use the built in florescent lighting in my garage with a 9ft sheet of heavy white fabric over a table. My big change this go around was that I used styrene picnic plates instead of copy paper as reflectors.

It's real low budget...Like me

[bsmith13]

mhackl, you take nice pics. I have been able to avoid 1/48th so far, but after those...

[PappyB]

Is the pilot optional on the Wildcat, and I guess the canopy does not open like on the new 190s??