Hobby Boss 80357 1/48 Grumman F8F-1B Bearcat Plastic Kit  [HB-80357]

Grumman F8F-1B Bearcat - Compact High-Performance Fighter

The Grumman F8F Bearcat was designed as a nimble carrier fighter and marked Grumman's final piston-driven naval fighter. It first flew in August 1944 and relied on the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine, shared with earlier Grumman types. The combination of that engine with a light structure gave the Bearcat exceptional climb performance and agility compared with the Hellcat.

Assembly Insight and Display Tips

This 1/48 scale release from Hobby Boss includes over 90 parts and clear parts to boost cockpit and canopy realism. Builders will find the moulding accurate around the fuselage and wings, with a well-formed gear bay and cockpit that respond well to careful detailing and paintwork for shelf display.

Why It Matters

The Bearcat reflects the last advances in piston fighter design before jets took over. Model builders get a snapshot of late war development and a representation of Grumman craftsmanship.