Things were grim in North Africa for the U.S. in early 1943. The P-40s delivered by aircraft carrier in Operation Torch had failed to deliver air supremacy. German and Italian aircraft bombed and strafed the Americans with impunity and the Allied offensive was stopped dead in its tracks. Clearly something had to be done. When the situation is most dire, send in the Marines!
VMF-202 arrived in North Africa in February, 1943 with their new, almost experimental, Grumman F6F-2X Sandcat fighters. Painted in desert camo and sporting the colorful new red-bordered U.S. markings and British fin flash, the Marines took off from the U.S.S. Ranger and started attacking Axis aircraft while en route to their new base.
German and Italian pilots were shocked by the new Grumman figher's speed and ability to absorb damage. The Marines of VMF-202 ("Skullcrushers") were a force to be reckoned with.
Led by Major Ed Hatch, the Skullcrushers employed a unique tactic developed by their C.O.
Known as the "Hatch Heave", this maneuver not only shook off enemy bandits, but often led to the Marine pilot losing his lunch in the bargain. Fortunately, the new Grumman fighters were as easy to clean as they were durable.
After being featured in Life magazine, the Skullcrushers and their desert-modified F6F-2X Sandcats became famous. Once Axis airpower was obliterated and the Allies finally chased the last of the enemy from Africa, VMF-202 and their iconic fighters were rotated state-side to participate in war bond drives.
While the F6F-2X was superceded by newer fighters, notably the F6F-3 and is all but forgotten today, for one brief moment, the fate of Allied armies rested on it and the bravery of its Marine pilots.
Sometimes you just want a simple project and HobbyBoss kits are perfect for this. I started with their 1/72 scale F6F-5 which I picked up on sale for less than $5 not too long ago.
The design of these kits makes assembly simple, but serious modifications a non-starter for me. I had to come up with something. I'd already decided a four-bladed prop with a pointy spinner would be a nice addition but then when this GB came around, it hit me: I'd never seen a Hellcat in desert camo.
Decals are from spares and the neat "Skullcrushers" skull & crossbones on the cowling was courtesy of Mr. GTX himself. Thanks, Greg!
This project took me four days from start to finish and I had a blast the entire time! I hope you enjoyed it and will get inspired to join in the fun!
Brian da Basher
