Wildcat Skinning Project
F4F-3 (CAF)
by Art Flores (Fall 2006)
| Wildcat
Skin: pre-war F4F-3 Screenshots show my final efforts. |
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The
reason I chose this skin is because I have some reference
photos that
shows "Confederate Air Force" under the tail. This plane probably flew
at airshows I
have attended in Harlingen, Texas and also airshows in Brownsville,
Texas. The CAF was headquartered in Harlingen before moving to Midland,
Texas and changing its name to Commemorative Air Force.
This
pre-war color scheme is from the VF-41 of the USS RANGER.
USS Ranger spent the better part of her carrier
service in World War II in the Atlantic. She operated as part of
the Neutrality Patrol in the South Atlantic until America’s entry into
the war. This plane has the insignia of the Fighting Squadron Four
(the "Red Rippers")
of VF-4, which was later changed to VF-41. The USS RANGER served in the
Atlantic during Operation Torch (invasion of North Africa).
This plane is a popular color scheme in die-cast models sold everywhere (see models at bottom of this page). Many can be found on EBAY. The first screenshots show a star decal on the rear of the fuse. My finished work will show the proper white stripe and identification numerals and green tail surfaces. The PDC version to be submitted will show "U.S. Navy", as the pre-war F4F-3 is more historically accurate. |
| Fuselage
Decal Changes |
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Yes, I know, the decals (insignias) need to be de-saturated. It's been done, see further down the page. Photos are not in order. |
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Black cowl scripe added, insignias de-saturated.  |
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Where's ZARDOZ? ... and a new meaning for "Carrier Landing" |
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PROBLEMS Department --
wierd sections:
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| Reference
Photos click below to see reference photos and models |
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Final Thoughts... In
researching this project. I've seen a great deal of other CGI models
and skins done by other game users. By far, the Warbirds model and skin
is the most accurate in proportion and shape. I can see how anyone
flying the Warbirds F4F-3 and F4F-4 will fall in love with this plane.
Sure, it's stubby, it's lightly armed, the under-carriage is unwieldly,
but it looks like it was meant to fly. It had a distinguished
performance record and held it's own throughout the entire war.
Enjoy
my skin for the F4F-3 Wildcat!
-- Art Flores
If this plane gets to the PDC Download page you might see these sample download layouts. |
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