Author Topic: Searching for pics/information (Read 1032 times)

halcyon · « **on:** June 19, 2007, 01:33:37 PM »

(this is a repost I accidentally posted in the general forums)

Trying to find out which version of the F4U VF-33 flew in the late 40's.

Someone suggested to me to make a VF-33 skin since none have been made, and I thought, "hey that'll be a fun idea" ......then I saw what it takes to make a skin, but I'm up for the challenge!

Also looking for some reference pictures I can use to get the paint scheme right for the F6F and F4U aircraft VF-33 operated.
Thanks for any help on this!

Fencer51 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 19, 2007, 03:09:40 PM »

VF-33 did not fly F4Us during World War II. Any skin post war will not be accepted by HTC.

halcyon · « **Reply #2 on:** June 19, 2007, 03:23:55 PM »

You're right they flew them in the Korean war in the late 40's....crapola.

Well then I guess I need some reference photos of F6F-5 Hellcats flown by VF-33. I know they flew those in WWII.

halcyon · « **Reply #3 on:** June 19, 2007, 05:39:14 PM »

Well I have looked everywhere I could think of for F6F pictures from VF-33.
I could only find two, and they're both B/W, small, and lacking of detail.

I've tried searching for the serial numbers that might have been assigned to the aircraft belonging to VF-33, pictures of the carriers that were home to the squadron, pictures of the airfields they flew out of during the Pacific war, even shots of possible marine wreckage that may have belonged to VF-33.

So far zip.
I'm out of ideas, anyone have any books they could check for me?
I'd appreciate it.

Greebo · « **Reply #4 on:** June 20, 2007, 03:32:02 AM »

This is a VF-33 F6F-5E flown by Lt (jg) William Bailey flying from USS Sanganon. Both pilot and aircraft survived this incident. I'd say this one is probably your best bet as the number is symetrical. This means it will work OK with the F6F skin's fuselage mirroring.

OTOH this aircraft is a nightfighter, with a radar dome on the right wing and two 20mm cannons. I reckon HTC would let this pass as a skin but you might want to check with Skuzzy first.

halcyon · « **Reply #5 on:** June 20, 2007, 09:50:33 AM »

Thanks for the photo Greebo!

How do I check with Skuzzy? Send him a private message?

*edit*
Also found this:

http://flying-legends.net/php/downloads/listings.php?page_number=3&cat_id=489

Check the 6th plane down.
Is this credible?

Greebo · « **Reply #6 on:** June 20, 2007, 11:07:08 AM »

Either pm him or email him at: support@hitechcreations.com

That VF-33 skin looks credible, but an IL2 skin isn't going to cut it as a reference. You would need a photo of the real plane or at least a profile from a reputable source. Also that scheme is not going to work on the AH F6F.

halcyon · « **Reply #7 on:** June 21, 2007, 08:17:40 PM »

From what I can see of the photo you posted, it's just a plain dark navy blue base with the details. Can't tell what's on the wings.

Jack16 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 22, 2007, 01:10:01 AM »

Here's a picture for you:

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Greebo · « **Reply #9 on:** June 22, 2007, 06:06:38 AM »

Yes, it should be all dark blue, late war USN planes have pretty boring schemes from a skinning POV. I can't find anything on any specific VF-33 wing markings beyond the normal stars and bars.

Jack, that photo is of post WW2 Hellcats. The red bars were introduced into the US national marking after the war ended.

Jack16 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 22, 2007, 11:26:05 AM »

....... O.

halcyon · « **Reply #11 on:** June 22, 2007, 02:43:17 PM »

Greebo, HTC said they wouldn't accept that for a reference photo...not enough detail showing especially around the nose and engine.

If you have anything else (or anyone else for that matter) that you find please let me know.
Thanks for your effort though!

Greebo · « **Reply #12 on:** June 23, 2007, 06:06:55 AM »

Sorry, I've had another look through all my books and on the net, but I can't find anything else on VF-33 Hellcats.

halcyon · « **Reply #13 on:** June 23, 2007, 11:48:03 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Greebo
Sorry, I've had another look through all my books and on the net, but I can't find anything else on VF-33 Hellcats.

Thanks for trying anyway, I appreciate it.
If I can't find any references, I may have to abandon my project....

Fencer51 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 23, 2007, 01:18:53 PM »

I dug through every book I had on the Hellcat and found nothing.

I did find this online though.