Pro Resin 1/72 Curtiss F6C-2, VF-2, USS Langley (CV-1), 1927-30

The Subject

These biplanes were similar to the USAAC P-1 Hawk but were modified with strengthened landing gear for carrier operations from the then new Langley (CV-1) and Lexington (CV-2). 

US Navy squadron VF-2 operated just 4 of these aircraft, they were only in service for a short period and quickly replaced by the superior F6C-4 variant which used a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial engine.

The majority of F6C variants were operated by the US Marines, both land based as well as from the Lexington.

The Model

This is a resin kit and the detail was quite impressive, with a lot of parts.  I had already completed a number of resin Spitfire kits and decided I needed to try my hand at a biplane given my desire to have this subject on my shelf.

I followed the kit instructions and built the model slowly, using slow drying cyanoacrylate (superglue) and lots of dry fitting before committing to glue. The two biggest challenges were the strut alignment and the photoetch spoked wheels.

I wanted my model to depict one of the earliest machines used on Langley that simply had the Langley name on the side.  I created the artwork and printed them using my (then) water-based inkjet printer.  At the time the decals worked perfectly and I was quite proud of the completed model.  However over time the ink has bled, likely due to humidity in my basement (it flooded twice since completion of that kit).

Rigging is 2 lb test fishing line, tightened with some heat. 

Summary

I’ve only purchased one other resin biplane, a Martin T4M, which has been begging me to build it.  I need to make more yellow wings subjects simply because I like this period of Naval Aviation most.