Boeing F4B-4 questions?

[umtutsut]

Gang,

I've just started my first 1/32 scale kit: the 1/32 Hasegawa F4B-4. A

great kit for its age, but a couple details are -- or maybe are not --

at odds with the pics I've found.

-- The kit upper wing includes what appears to be a handhold(?) in the

middle of the trailing edge. Some F4B-4 pix seem to show something

there, others not. Anyone know for sure?

-- Haven't found a good pic of an F4B-4 seat. Did it have a back

cushion, or was it just an aluminum bucket like most period aircraft?

Mucho thanx for any help!

Les (Friendly Airplane Asylum flack)

[Mark in Oz]

Gang,

I have the old Aero series No5 which is an excellent reference on the F4-B4 & P-12.

It shows a handhold on all the F4B-2/3/4 aircraft.

However while it has great cockpit shots it does not show a seat. I have the 32 scale kit & the 72 scale kit which I have started and will probably go with a unpadded seat unless someone can provide further info.

Edited March 16, 2008 by Mark in Oz

[redruffensore]

No back cushion, usually just a simple deep-seat aluminum bucket, deep seated because the pilot sit on his parachute, that was his cushion.

No shoulder harness either, only lap belts.

Yes, they had hand holds, which could double as tie-downs in an emergency.

Caz