Modelling the F4F Wildcat (Osprey Modelling) [Paperback]

Mark Glidden (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 23, 2007

The F4F Wildcat was an aircraft of the type of which legends are made of. Approaching obsolescence when it first entered combat, it managed to hold up against seemingly impossible odds. Without the handling performance that made the Japanese Zero so famous, it was well regarded for its ruggedness and firepower and, in the hands of a skilled pilot who understood both its strengths and weaknesses, it was capable of holding its own against the best its opponents had to offer.

This book details projects that encompass four variants of the F-4 Wildcat; the F4F-3, FM-2, Martlet III and the Martlet IV. As they were supplied to a wide range of air forces during the war including the RAF, there is a wide range of markings available to a modeller. A number of these are also dealt with in detail over a range of modelling abilities from a beginner's first build to an expert modeller scratch-building extras, all illustrated with full color step-by-step photographs.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Osprey's Modelling series shows how advanced modelers use their knowledge, skills and expertise to create incredibly and correctly detailed models of all sorts... Each book discusses how a variety of model kits are used to make authentic looking WWII vehicles... If you are looking for books that provide the high detailing to take your miniatures to the next level, you should check these books out." -Michael Koznarsky, Historical Miniature Gamer (Issue 11)

"Military libraries will welcome Osprey's line of detailed guides... Mark Glidden's Modelling the F4F Wildcat tells of an aircraft renowned for its ruggedness and firepower and offers up four modeling projects for Wildcat variants which aviation modelers will appreciate." -California Bookwatch (December 2007)

"It has good explanations, and excellent photographs, of the steps taken to build the models that are included. If you are a Wildcat fan, this is a nice basic guide for building some common, and some unusual, variants. If you are an aircraft modeler, there are some neat extras in the book that make it a great resourse. Personally, I enjoyed the book and wouldd recommend it highly." - Keith Pruitt, International Plastic Modelers' Society

"The author has taken a somewhat different approach to this edition. Not to say that the usual is not there, but he has added some things that many may well find of value. Overall, a well done book and a fine addition to the Osprey Modelling library." - Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com (October 2007)

About the Author

Mark's articles on modeling have appeared in Tamiya Model Magazine and Model Airplane International. The author lives in Ladera Ranch, CA.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (October 23, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1846031109
• ISBN-13: 978-1846031106
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.3 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,351,524 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine addition to the Osprey series............., July 6, 2008

By 

Winslow Magnus (Mammoth, Ca) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modelling the F4F Wildcat (Osprey Modelling) (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this book. It shows you, step by step, how to construct intermediate through master class builds. I only wish the author had included a 1/32 scale build as well. I look forward to more books from Mr. Glidden.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Modeling for the Wildcat fan!, February 18, 2008

By 

John Nickerson "BCHMA /IPMS member" (Middleboro, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modelling the F4F Wildcat (Osprey Modelling) (Paperback)

I like this book.
As a fan of the Osprey Modelling series and a fan of the F4F Wildcat I have found this to be a good addition to my modeling bookshelf. The modeling information included by the author, Mark Glidden, would prompt me to purchase other titles by him.

I look at the Wildcat as an unsung hero of WWII. Although out-maneuverd by the likes of the A6M Zero, it allowed the US Navy and Marine pilots that flew it to hold on and begin the advance back thru the Pacific until better aircraft were available. They also served with distinction in the Med and North Atlantic.

I've rated the book as four stars because I thought there was more material to be covered. More discussion as to the uses the aircraft was put to, the different services that used it, the numerous different schemes it was painted in would have been nice to see. Also a review of some of the available kits, how to modify them into different versions, etc. Maybe there will be a Volumn 2?!?