Grumman F4F-4 Wildcats at the Midway battle - June 1942 V.3

Updated Aug. 18, 2003 New 3DZ shape and shaded skin.

The 3DZ model is a completely redone version of a wireframe of the Wildcat from Microprose's "1942: Pacific Air War". This update version corrects the much of the shape and improves the skins. 

For use with Charles Gunst's ECA (Enemy Coast Ahead) Panel. It uses the P-47C slot and the markings are designed to use in the Midway Campaign, Pacific Tide Campaign and Guadalcanal Campaign.


To install, just unzip the common *.TPC and *.3DZ files into your EAW directory which provide the basic shapes and cockpit. Then choose which of the markings you want to load, open that folder and install the *.TPC files inside into the EAW directory too. Only one version can be loaded at a time.

The .PCX files for these aircraft are included if you'd like to try your hand at adding your own markings. 

Have fun,

Captain Kurt

1)

VMF-221 based on Midway Island. One of 6 F4F's (this one flown by Capt. Marion Carl) in VMF 221 along with 19 F2A Buffalos that intercepted the first incoming Japanese raid on Midway Island. Four F4Fs made it back, Carl among them. Capt. Carl went on to score 16 1/2 victories in Wildcats at Guadalcanal and another 2 in Corsairs. Carl survived the War and retired as a General.

2)

VF-3 USS Yorktown. Six Wildcats of VF-3, led by Cmdr. James Thach escorted the torpedo strike of VT-3 on June 4th. It was the only VF squadron to escort their VT charges all the way to the Japanese carriers. The six were virtually overwhelmed when pounced on by the Japanese CAP. Although they scored 5 kills for the loss of one Wildcat, only 2 of VT-3's TBD Devastators made it back to land on the Enterprise.

The remaining VF-3 F4Fs flew CAP over the US task force. Only the Hiryu remained afloat to launch strikes, but got two separate missions away. VF3 intercepted both, getting 11 Vals from the first and 5 Kates and 2 Zeros from the second, losing 2 Wildcats.

3)

VF-6 USS Enterprise. 

VF-6 Wildcats were to escort VT-6 but in cloud cover became separated and flew in with VT-8 instead. As they were from different ships, there were no communications set up between the two squadrons. When VT-8 descended to make their attack run, VF-6 was unaware of the fact and stayed at high altitude over the Japanese task force. No engagement was made by VF-6 while VT-8 was totally destroyed.

4)

VF-8 USS Hornet

Ten VF-8 Wildcats were detailed to escort the VB-8 SBD. Poorly led by their CAG, Cmdr. Ring, this formation missed the Japanese task force entirely. Ring insisted the Wildcats remain beyong their fuel capacity and all ten had to ditch in the ocean, as they hadn't enough fuel for the return flight. Two pilots were killed. Several SBDs also had to ditch. Ring was later relieved of command. VF-8 was temporarily disbanded.

