F4F-4 Cactus Air Force repaint for OH Wildcat model
This skin is actually a Marine F4F-4. Reportedly belonging to VMF- 223, and described as one of John L. Smith's planes. The significance of the 19 victory flags is unknown, as it could be a machine that was "dressed up" for the war correspondents visiting Guadalcanal. Major John L.Smith was the Squadron Leader of VMF - 223. VMF - 223 was also the first fighter squadron ashore at Guadalcanal. Between August 20th, and October 16th, he achieved 19 victories, and the unit total was 110. Upon returning to America, Major Smith was awarded the CMH, as America's leading ace at that time. After the end of hostilities, in 1945, Major Smith remained the second highest scoring Wildcat pilot, being outscored only by Major Foss. One thing of special note is the odd rendering of the "number 2", as it appears to be a modification of a previous number that was on the wings and fuselage. The early Cactus Squadrons were known to assign individual planes, but as losses and accidents took their toll, this system eventually broke down, as planes damaged in accidents, or heavily damaged from combat, were used for scavenging parts for the remaining planes since spare parts were a commodity as were new Wildcats. This skin was made for use with the OH non-mirrored series F4F Wildcat. The OH Wildcat can be found at Sim Outhouse in the CFS2 Download section of the site. Many thanks to the B-24Guy for his efforts in producing a non-mirrored model of the Grumman F4F Wilcat.
by Hylander_1314
This skin is actually a Marine F4F-4. Reportedly belonging to VMF- 223, and described as one of John L. Smith's planes. The significance of the 19 victory flags is unknown, as it could be a machine that was "dressed up" for the war correspondents visiting Guadalcanal. Major John L.Smith was the Squadron Leader of VMF - 223. VMF - 223 was also the first fighter squadron ashore at Guadalcanal. Between August 20th, and October 16th, he achieved 19 victories, and the unit total was 110. Upon returning to America, Major Smith was awarded the CMH, as America's leading ace at that time. After the end of hostilities, in 1945, Major Smith remained the second highest scoring Wildcat pilot, being outscored only by Major Foss. One thing of special note is the odd rendering of the "number 2", as it appears to be a modification of a previous number that was on the wings and fuselage. The early Cactus Squadrons were known to assign individual planes, but as losses and accidents took their toll, this system eventually broke down, as planes damaged in accidents, or heavily damaged from combat, were used for scavenging parts for the remaining planes since spare parts were a commodity as were new Wildcats. This skin was made for use with the OH non-mirrored series F4F Wildcat. The OH Wildcat can be found at Sim Outhouse in the CFS2 Download section of the site. Many thanks to the B-24Guy for his efforts in producing a non-mirrored model of the Grumman F4F Wilcat.
by Hylander_1314
