Vought F7U-3 Cutlass, VF-124, USS Hancock (CV-19), 1955-56 

Fujimi 1/72 F7U-3 Cutlass

The Subject

The Vought 346A was designed in 1946 to a US Navy contract for 3 prototypes.  First flight was in 1948 from Patuxent River, Maryland. Development progressed but the aircraft, known as the “Gutless” due to its underpowered J35 engines.  Eventually, in its F7U-3 guise, the Cutlass received the more powerful J46 engine and a slightly larger airframe, with 288 being delivered to 13 squadrons.  First fleet use was in 1954 with VF-81.  A quarter of all F7Us were lost in accidents.  Once the F8U entered service the F7U was removed, with the last aircraft retired in early 1959.

The Model

This is the Testors boxing of the Fujimi kit, first released in 1987.  The kit has fine raised panel lines and exceptional details for a kit of that era.  I began the kit shortly after buying it in 1988 but stalled on the build when I had to move a few weeks later.  I did not get back to it unto 2021 due to the finish, the kit was brush painted way back when in silver enamels and I waffled on whether I should repaint the model using my airbrush.  Ultimately I chose to just put the decals on (while translucent, they went on just fine) and put it on the shelf.  

I remember having no difficulties with the build, Fujimi plastic is quite nice from that period and I gladly grab kits on the bargain tables at swap meets.  No detail was lost in seam cleanup.  

Summary

This kit is so easy it should be on every modeler’s “motivation build” list.  It’s just odd enough to stand out and is one of those few US Navy jets that were in natural metal finish.

Thanks for looking…