eduard FM-2 Wilder Cat, Limited Edition 1:48

Full Review with Rick Goodenough

Just before we get started, here’s a look at how it all turned out…

eduard’s Wilder Cat is a 2023 release, following on from their earlier F4F-3 and F4F-4 kits. It represents the FM-2 version with the more powerful Wright R-1820-56 Cyclone engine and, amongst other changes, a larger vertical tail and rudder to counter the increased torque. Between early 1943 and August 1945 nearly 4500 FM-2s were produced making it the most numerous of the Wildcat versions.

This is the Profipack boxing so as expected contains colour photo etch, pre-cut masks and a simply gorgeous decal sheet with options for 10 different aircraft and duplicate stencils to allow full stencilling of 2 complete aircraft (useful if you buy a weekend release later).

I chose to do an aircraft in the Atlantic colour scheme of FS36231 Dark Gull Gray over FS17875 White. I took a photo of this particular FM2 in 2008 at Kermit Weeks Fantasy of Flight Museum in Florida so felt that was a good enough reason.

On with the build…