Description
F9F-2 Panther “Hot Cats On Parade” #1. MULTIPLE SHEET SET. This stunning set includes four different Korean War combat Panthers, with full stenciling. First is “Paper Doll,” 121/D, from VF-781 off the USS Bon Homme Richard, Korea, Fall 1951. This bird has occasionally been misidentified as a F9F-5, but was actually a Dash 2, and features red lightning bolt markings on the nose and tip tanks as well as a large mission markings scoreboard. Next is “Papasan,” 101/L, usually flown by LCDR J. M. Hill, commander of VF-71 off the USS Bon Homme Richard, Korea, 1952-53. Also from VF-71 is 113/L, remarkable for having different plane and pilot names painted on each side. The right side name was “Potato City Flash/Coudersport Pa.” with LT H. C. Palmatier’s name painted under the canopy. The left side sported the name “Violette” painted in very fancy script, along with LT M. J. Signorelli’s name under the canopy. The final bird is famous for making the first US Navy jet kill, when LTJG Len Plog of VF-51 shot down a North Korean Yak-9 on 3 July 1950. The aircraft was a F9F-3 (the Dash 2 and Dash 3 were externally identical, differing only in the engine fitted) coded 109/S, flying off the USS Valley Forge. For modelers, this bird is unusual due to the naked rear fuselage, which lacked both the large white “NAVY” and unit designation typically applied. Only 17 sets still available.
