1/16 SF-83 Cleveland Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat Master Issue - Balsa Flying Airplane - (F4F3)
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
This is a Cleveland 'SF' or 'Scale Flying' model in museum scale of 1/16. There are several issues, and this was the most deluxe one in the 'Master' box with Wildcat artwork. All Cleveland kits were exceptionally complete for that time and this one is no exception. Features very high quality balsa printwood and strip wood, other wood stock, completely turned nose, finished main and tail wheels, covering material, highest quality plans, color insignia, propeller, clear canopy material and more. This is the WWII wartime issue with no metal parts or paint. The model has not been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts and plans in amazing 'near mint' condition. The Cleveland Model and Supply Company played a pivotal role in the development of true scale models. In 1909 Bleriot's English Channel flight caused a surge in aviation and model aircraft around the globe. Several companies were ideally positioned to take advantage of the aviation craze. In the USA, Wading River Manufacturing Co. (1909), White Aeroplane (1911), Ideal Model Aeroplane (1911), Broadfield Model Aeroplanes (1919) were among these pioneers, offering everything from plans and parts to complete kits and ARF models. Lindbergh's 1927 crossing of the Atlantic Ocean caused an even bigger world-wide phenomenon called "The Aviation Craze" that extended up to the start of World War II. Many companies such as Megow, Guillow's and others started right around the time of Lindbergh's flight. Some of these models flew and flew well, but they all had one thing in common - they were generally not accurate scale representations. In 1929, a youngster named Ed Packard had a very advanced dream- to produce incredibly accurate, true scale models that flew perfectly. This radical idea established the world's longest running single-owner (77 years) model airplane supply business- Cleveland Model and Supply Company. To this day, Cleveland models are treasured as the most accurate flying scale models produced. The fact that Mr. Packard started and successfully grew this business during The Great Depression is a testament to his ideals and business skill. I highly suggest the excellent book titled "Aviation's great Recruiter - Cleveland's Ed Packard" by H.L. (Herm) Schreiner. It is an excellent history of the man, his company and the times of the Golden Age of Model Aviation.
This item has been sold.
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