1/48 PF6F-7

Grumman PF6F-7 Hellcat
The Grumman PF6F-7 Hellcat was the lighter-weight, land-based fighter/bomber variant of the Grumman Hellcat carrier-based fighter. It was operated by the USAAF 9th Air Force in 1944-45 in the European Theater of Operations (ETO). Primary missions included ground attack and deep interdiction.
Differences between the -7 and carrier-based Hellcats included:
Upgraded to R-2800-59W: 2,535 hp (1890 kW) with water injection (up from 2,250 hp)
Removal of wing fold mechanism and pinning of wings in flight position. (weight savings)
Removal of arrestor hook and associated floatation gear. (weight savings)
Additional hard points added to wings and max allowable load increased to 2,750 lbs.
Ammo capacity increased to 3,600 rounds of .50 cal
Fitment of Curtis electric four blade (cuffed) prop
Fitment of modified tail wheel for airfield operations
This aircraft represents the Hellcat of USAAF Capt. Virgil Manfredo of the 406th Fighter Group based in the UK and later in France in 1944-45. Capt. Manfredo, 24, of Brooklyn, NY was a double ace credited with 12 victories including 10 Bf-109, 1 Fw-190 and 1 Me-262 and numerous ground kills including 3 locomotives.
Kit is the 1/48 Eduard Hellcat. Used HGW belts, bits of Aeromasters decals, parts from Tamiya P-47, custom made and 3D print tailwheel. Painted with Alclad 2 airframe aluminum.
** note this model is a “what-if”