The highly maneuverable Grumman F3F served as the Navy and Marine Corps' premier fighter of the late 1930s. When the Navy moved to monoplanes in the mid-1930s, the highly maneuverable F2F-2s and -3s became the last carrier-based biplanes. More maneuverable than a monoplane, the F2Fs were prized as 'dog fighters' but the drag from two wings prevented them from attaining the high speeds desired for modern aerial combat. The F2F-2 with its 950 horsepower Wright R-1820-22 engine was a major improvement over its predecessor, the F2F-1 which had been introduced in 1935. The Navy ordered 81 of the F3F-2 in March 1937 and assigned them to VF-6 aboard USS Enterprise (CV-6) and Marine Squadrons VMF-1 and VMF-2 in 1938. 27 of the F3F-3 variant were subsequently ordered and assigned to VF-5 aboard USS Yorktown although these remained in front line service for only a year as the biplane era ended.

This is the first model of the F3F-2/3 ever produced in 1/700 scale. We think that the 3D printed model offered here exceeds the quality of comparable WEM resin and Pit-Road white metal models but we've posted high resolution photos so you can judge the quality for yourself. While photography of these little gems is a challenge for our equipment and limited skills, check out the well proportioned model including the stubby barrel fuselage with detailed canopy and tiny spinner; the wings with delicate struts and landing gear; and the tail assembly complete with the tiny tail wheel.

While the surfaces are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers), the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene. The models may still have some powder and oil-like agent on them that needs to be removed by washing in warm water with a drop of detergent added to it.

NOTE: We currently maintain limited inventories of most items, some items may be "printed on demand", which usually requires 10-15 business days from order to shipment.